Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the feasibility and reliability of an a3utomatic food intake measurement device in estimating energy intake from energy-dense foods. Eighteen volunteers aged 20–36 years were recruited from the University of Padova. The device used in the present study was the Bite Counter (Bite Technologies, Pendleton, USA). The rationale of the device is that the wrist movements occurring in the act of bringing food to the mouth present unique patterns that are recognized and recorded by the Bite Counter. Subjects were asked to wear the Bite Counter on the wrist of the dominant hand, to turn the device on before the first bite and to turn it off once he or she finished his or her meal. The accuracy of caloric intake was significantly different among the methods used. In addition, the device’s accuracy in estimating energy intake varied according to the type and amount of macronutrients present, and the difference was independent of the number of bites recorded. Further research is needed to overcome the current limitations of wearable devices in estimating caloric intake, which is not independent of the food being eaten.
Highlights
Eating habits are well known to play a key role in affecting the onset and the clinical course of noncommunicable diseases [1]
The present results showed that the accuracy of the Bite Counter in estimating energy intake varied according to the type and amount of macronutrients present and that this variability was independent of the number of bites recorded
The present findings suggest that such wearable devices, promising, still present several limitations
Summary
Eating habits are well known to play a key role in affecting the onset and the clinical course of noncommunicable diseases [1]. Promoting population health through a healthy diet might represent one of the primary goals of public health policies worldwide [2]. The adoption of a healthy diet requires a detailed assessment of the population’s actual dietary habits [3], allowing for the identification of unhealthy dietary patterns (e.g., excess caloric intake) and their subsequent modification in favor of healthier habits. Dietary assessment is relevant for both primary and secondary prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Dietary assessment is directed at healthy subjects to maintain their health status (primary prevention of noncommunicable diseases). Dietary assessment is even more relevant to monitor compliance with recommended dietary patterns and prevent complications in subjects already affected by noncommunicable diseases
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