Patent Publication Number: US-2006014124-A1

Title: System and method for controlling/normalizing compulsive behaviors such as eating disorders

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is related to a system and method for identifying a compulsive behavior about to happen and achieving control over such compulsive behavior, such as compulsive eating. More specifically, the present invention is related to a system and method of questions and answers, and instructions that assist in identifying such compulsive behavior and achieving such control over it, so as, for example, to lose weight.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      With the prevalence of weight problems and obesity, a significant amount of time, energy and money is expended on various weight loss programs, attempting to formulate diets and other measures which are intended to cause a reduction in weight. For the most part, these diets focus on the level of fats, carbohydrates, protein, or other physical characteristics of the foods to be consumed.  
      Among these programs, however, there is a lack of weight loss or diet methodologies that take into account both the emotional-behavioral and physical causes of weight gain. Furthermore, many weight loss programs fail to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the nature of hunger that prompts one&#39;s eating behavior, to determine whether that hunger is in fact either a physical hunger, an emotionally caused hunger, or a combination of both. Failure to recognize an emotional cause for eating reduces the effectiveness of most weight loss plans because losing weight and keeping it off are hardly doable without normalizing one&#39;s compulsive eating behavior.  
      Significantly more effective than dieting alone is the use of personal trainers, who deal not only with physical eating problems, such as food choices and exercise, but also assist in formulating the correct mental, emotional and eating behavioral state required for effective weight loss. However, personal trainers are expensive and time consuming, and are thus not widely available to the public.  
     OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention looks to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art and provide a low cost system and method for determining the cause of a user&#39;s hunger, based on responses given to a series of questions. Using the answers provided, the present invention is able to determine whether the hunger experienced by a user in real time is caused by emotional stimuli, physical stimuli or a combination of both.  
      Using a series of questions and the responses given by the user, the system is able to determine in real time the cause of the hunger and assist by providing information that will help the user normalize compulsive eating behavior and lose weight. Typically, the questions and responses will be done utilizing a computer program, however the invention is not limited in this respect. Additionally, by providing such system, the user can make use of the diagnostic tools of the system in real time, at any time, rather than being confined to limited time frames where a personal trainer may be present.  
      To this end, the present invention provides for a system for assisting a user in normalizing compulsive (eating) behavior and weight-loss having an interface module configured to allow the user interface with the system.  
      A hunger evaluation module, coupled to the interface module, is configured to evaluate the user&#39;s desire to eat, to determine whether it is caused by emotional stimuli, physical stimuli, or both.  
      An emotional hunger management module, coupled to the interface module, is configured to interact with the user to assist in alleviating emotional stimuli to eat.  
      A physical hunger module, coupled to the interface module, is configured to assist the user when the decision to eat has been made.  
      A database of food choices classified according to food attributes such as appearance, smell, taste, texture, temperature, and how healthy they are, help the user make better and more satisfying food choices.  
      Over time, the system will track and record in a storage module all the interactions with the user. The data stored in the storage module will be used by a reporting module to provide feed back to the user and/or his/her clinician(s).  
      Although various embodiments discussed here relate to normalizing compulsive eating behavior and weight loss issues, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of compulsive behaviors such as, but not limited to: compulsive smoking, compulsive alcohol drinking, drug abuse, compulsive gambling, compulsive sexual activities, etc may be significantly curtailed and normalized by applying the principles in accordance with the present invention.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is flow chart of the operation of a hunger evaluation module of the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 3  is an interactive screen display of the hunger evaluation module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is an interactive screen display of the hunger evaluation module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a table used by the hunger evaluation module of the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is an interactive screen display of the hunger evaluation module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7  is an interactive screen display of the hunger evaluation module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  is an interactive screen display of the hunger evaluation module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart of the operation of an emotional hunger management module of the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 10  is an interactive screen display of the emotional hunger management module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 11  is an interactive screen display of the emotional hunger management module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 12  is an interactive screen display of the emotional hunger management module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 13  is an interactive screen display of the emotional hunger management module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 14  is flow chart of the operation of a physical hunger management module of the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 15  is an interactive screen display of the physical hunger management module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 16  is an interactive screen display of the physical hunger management module, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , provides a compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , configured to conduct interactive communications with a user, so as to supply necessary eating behavioral and emotional support information to the user for the purposes of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss, although the invention is not limited in scope in that respect. For example, other types of compulsive behavior such as drug addiction, compulsive gambling or any other compulsive problem-behavior. However for the purposes of illustration, the salient features of the system and method employed will be discussed in the context of treating a user for compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss.  
      When a user experiences a desire to eat, they consult the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10  to determine their next course of action. To this end, the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , maintains a user interface module  12 , configured to manage the communications between the user and system  10 .  
      Interface module  12  of system  10 , not only supports the display of questions to the user, but also maintains a means for managing the answers provided. As such, interface module  12  has a platform for presenting the user with questions, including but not limited to yes or no questions, multiple choice questions, multiple answer questions and answer range questions (eg. Between 1-10). The specific types of questions asked are explained in more detail below in the operation section.  
      It is noted that interface module  12  may be either a hardware module or it may be implemented as a software module, depending on the arrangement of the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10  further maintains a hunger evaluation module  14 , configured to receive the results/answers from interface module  12 , and evaluate the origin of the user&#39;s hunger. Based on the answers to the questions supplied by interface module  12 , hunger evaluation module  14  determines whether the hunger experienced is a result of physical hunger, emotional needs, or a combination of the two. The manner in which these decisions are made is discussed in more detail below. As with interface module  12 , hunger evaluation module  14  may be either a hardware module or it may be implemented as a software module, depending on the arrangement of the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 .  
      The compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10  further maintains an emotional hunger management module  16 , configured to work in conjunction with interface module  12  to provide information to a user to manage their emotional need for food. In operation, assuming hunger evaluation module  14  has determined that the hunger is at least in part emotionally driven, questions and instructions are presented by emotional hunger management module  16  to the user, that assist in controlling and abating the emotionally driven hunger. Options are then presented to the user to assist in overcoming their emotionally driven hunger.  
      The full scope of the evaluation and mitigation of a user&#39;s emotionally driven hunger is explained in more detail below with respect to the specific interactive screens that are presented to the user. As with the other modules in the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , emotional hunger management module  16  may be either a hardware module or it may be implemented as a software module, depending on the arrangement of the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10  further maintains a physical hunger management module  18 , configured to work in conjunction with interface module  12  to provide information to a user to manage their physical hunger and corresponding intake of foods. In operation, assuming hunger evaluation module  14  has determined that the hunger is at least in part physically driven or assuming that the user has decided to eat, regardless of an emotionally driven hunger, questions and instructions are presented by physical hunger management module  18  to the user, that assists in preparing a proper healthy and balanced meal to address the user&#39;s hunger.  
      The full scope of the evaluation and preparation of a meal or snack to satisfy the hunger experienced by the user is explained in more detail below with respect to the specific interactive screens that are presented to the user. As with the other modules in the compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , physical hunger management module  18  may be either a hardware module or it may be implemented as a software module, depending on the arrangement of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 .  
      It is noted that physical hunger management module  18  may be integrated with specific diet plans, such that the evaluation and preparation of meals and snacks, as discussed in more detail below, is carried out in accordance with the requirements of those plans. For example, if a particular user is placed on a low-carbohydrate diet, physical hunger management module  18  supplies the user with low-carbohydrate options for meals and snacks. In another example, if the user is placed on a low-sodium diet, physical hunger management module  18 , supplies the user with low sodium food options or even low sodium food preparation methods. In fact, physical hunger management module, is also configured to integrate its food choice and preparation options with preexisting commercial diets, already on the market such as Atkins™, Zone™ or Weight Watchers™, so that the user may benefit from the familiarity of the diets and their prepackaged meals and snacks.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10  further maintains a storage module  20 , coupled to compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , configured to work in conjunction with all of the other modules to provide data storage capacity. For example, storage module  20  can maintain databases for storing food combinations having different textures, smells, and tastes for use by physical hunger management module in assisting the user in making more intelligent and healthy eating decisions.  
      In another example, storage module  20  can maintain records of a user&#39;s interactions with interaction module  12  for use or review at a later date. Likewise, storage module  20  may also store the calculations made by hunger evaluation module  14 , emotional hunger management module  16  and physical hunger management module  18  so that they can be reviewed at a later date or possibly store saved preferences and the like.  
      Such features of storage module  20  can be used for many purposes. For Example, storage module  20 , may be used by a user to stop in the middle of a session and take up again where they left off, or even review the results of previous sessions at a later time. Another use for storage module  20 , would be to store user preferences (speed of interactive screens, other set up related issues) so that the same settings are used each time the users access system  10 . Yet another example for using the features of storage module  20 , would be to store multiple user settings and preferences, so that multiple users may use the same system  10  at different times.  
      It is also contemplated that a doctor using system  10 , for a number of users, could make use of the stored statistics to compile overall data for a group of users to evaluate their progress. Such a system could actually employ a single centrally located storage module  20  or it could be accomplished by using a local storage module  20  at each of the user&#39;s locations, all of which communicate their stored results to a central storage module  20  located at the doctor&#39;s office.  
      Storage module  20 , is principally used to store the above discussed information, however, additional functions for storage module  20  can also be used, such as storing the interactive screens, discussed below, used by the other compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system modules, rather than those modules storing their own interactive screens. It is understood that above uses for storage module  20  are intended only as sample uses to illustrate the salient features of storage module  20 . Any other features used on a similar storage module in conjunction with a similar compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system, are also within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a reporting module  22 , is coupled to compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , in order to facilitate reporting communications between the doctor and patient and possibly between remote devices used by the system.  
      For example, reporting module  22 , may be coupled to a computer, located at the user&#39;s doctor&#39;s office whereby as a user&#39; utilizes system  10 , the data compiled in storage module  20  is also sent to the doctor&#39;s computer so that they may track results. Another example of the operation of reporting module  22  may include the ability to receive wireless reports from a handheld or mobile device such as a PDA, Blackberry or cellular device. In this arrangement, the system  10  may allow the user to operate some or all of the programming, as described below, remotely, the results of which are wirelessly communicated to reporting module  22  where they then can be communicated to storage module  20 . As with the other modules of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , reporting module  22  can be configured as an independent module or as a sub-component of another module, such as interface module  12 .  
      It is understood that the above description of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10  and its modules, is intended as only one example of the arrangement for the system, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, the internal modules of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , may be combined into a smaller number of multi-function modules, further sub-divided into additional modules or even merged into a single functional unit.  
      It is understood that compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , may also be implemented on any number of other forms of smaller electronic devices such as PDA (personal digital assistants), cellular phones, SMS (short message service) devices, text pagers, audio/video cd&#39;s or CD ROM&#39;s, or even on-line, via the internet.  
      Likewise, for the purposes of illustration, compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10  is described as a computer program which presents a series of interactive screens, containing questions and answers to a user. However, a system using non-electronic media, such as flashcards, sliding rulers or wheel, or other similar devices, employing similar functional modules to effect compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss in a similar manner is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      Turning to the operation of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , each time a user feels the compulsion to eat, they are to access system  10 , via interface module  12 , and begin a compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss session. This process of performing a compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss session is repeated every time that a user experiences hunger and desires to eat.  
      At the beginning of a session the user is taken through programs, having a series of interactive screens that evaluate the cause of his/her hunger. Once the cause of the hunger has been evaluated by hunger evaluation module  14 , emotional hunger and physical hunger modules  16  and  18  then address/treat the respective hunger by presenting the user with questions and instructions via a series of interactive screen.  
      In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in the flow chart  FIG. 2 , a user is provided with a series of interactive screens by hunger evaluation module  14 . The interactive screens present a series of questions to the user that attempt to discern whether the currently experienced hunger is caused by an emotional need, a physical need (physiological hunger) or a combination of both.  
      In operation, at step  100 , system  10  issues a welcome screen to the user. Next, at step  102 , system  10  requests that the user select a particular meal such as breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. A sample interactive screen shown to the user of step  102  is shown in  FIG. 3 .  
      At step  104 , the user is asked to select which personal feelings they are currently experiencing. The range of feelings includes the gamut of personal feelings including, but not limited to, loneliness, depression, fatigue, and so on. The user is prompted to select as many emotions as appropriate. It is understood that the full range of emotions or personal feelings presented at this stage is subject to change as more knowledge in the field of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss uncovers more emotions that can have an effect on food cravings. Any similar step of indicating an emotional state in connection with a similar compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system and method is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      At step  106 , hunger evaluation module  14  presents the user with an interactive screen asking the user to rate the strength of each personal feeling selected in step  104 . The user is allowed to select across a broad range of levels between “not at all,” all the way to “extremely strong” This process is repeated until the user indicates the strength of each feeling that was indicated in the step  104 .  
      It is noted that system  10  allows for the answers given in step  106  to be set across a broad range. In doing so, the ranges can be broken up into any subdivision scale that is adequate for differentiating between the different levels of feelings. For example, using a sliding scale, if the question asks, “How lonely are you feeling?” the response bar will allow the user to slide the indicator from “not at all” on the left to “extremely” on the right. In doing so system  10  may employ any style range of responses across the range bar such as awarding 0 points for an answer of “not at all” and 100 points for an answer of “extremely” The point increments may be subdivided into counting by 1&#39;s, 5&#39;s, or even 10&#39;s. It is understood that any such range of responses used on the range bar that is sufficient for the purposes of assisting in evaluating the cause of the hunger by hunger evaluation module  14 , is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, if the user has used the program for many times and suspects that their hunger is more than likely emotional, the system may inquire the user if they actually suspect an emotional hunger, the system may take a short cut to the emotional pathway.  
      The questions and user&#39;s answers in response to the above questions are valuable to the user to help them understand the emotions that may be causing them to eat.  
      Irrespective of the answers given by the user to questions in steps  108  through  118 , based on the mere selection of certain emotions such as shame, embarrassment, etc. and their rating, hunger evaluation module  14 , is not able to evaluate immediately if the dieter&#39;s hunger is being caused by emotional rather than physical stimuli, and therefore requires more information which will be provided by answers to questions  108  through  118 .  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a shortcut prompt may be issued to the dieter at this step, allowing the system to skip ahead to step  126  and assume the hunger is emotionally driven. If the user selects the shortcut evaluation module, and hunger evaluation module  14  determines an emotionally driven hunger, system  10  may skip ahead to step  128 . However, assuming that hunger evaluation module  14  still requires more information or the dieter does not select the shortcut option, the process proceeds normally. The questions and user&#39;s answers in response to the above questions may be used by system  10  for evaluation of the user&#39;s hunger, but they are equally valuable to the user to help them understand the emotions that are causing them to eat.  
      Next in step  108 , the user is presented with a question regarding how likely is it that they might eat too rapidly. A sample interactive screen shown to the user at step  108 , is shown in  FIG. 4 .  
      At step  110 , the user is presented with a question regarding how likely is it that they might eat until they are uncomfortably full.  
      Again, at step  112 , the user is presented with a question regarding how likely is it that they might eat large amounts of food without being physically hungry.  
      Next, at step  114 , the user is presented with a question regarding how likely is it that they might end up eating alone in order to avoid embarrassment based on the large amounts they are eating.  
      At step  116 , the user is presented with a question regarding how likely is it that they might feel disgusted with themselves or depressed after over eating.  
      Next, at step  118 , the user is presented with a question regarding how likely is it that they might experience a loss of control over the amount they are eating.  
      The questions asked at steps  108  through  118  are based on the currently accepted clinical diagnostic criteria for binge (compulsive) eating disorder, and are aimed at detecting and quantifying in real time a user&#39;s emotional hunger, that is, a user&#39;s compulsive eating episode just about to happen, before it actually happens.  
      This is extremely critical if therapeutic interventions are to be successful, since little can be done to prevent binge episodes from occurring once they have already occurred, but a lot can be done if binge episodes are detected before or as they occur.  
      It is understood that the full range of questions presented at this stage is subject to change as the fields of binge/compulsive eating behaviors, and compulsive behaviors in general, evolve.  
      Any similar step of indicating an emotional state in connection with a similar compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system and method is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      After this series of questions regarding the emotional state of the user, at step  120 , the user is presented with a question asking how much a gnawing or growling stomach distress, indicating physical hunger, they are currently experiencing. At step  122 , the user is then asked either the time of their last meal (if the program has a timer with which to compare) or they are simply asked how long it has been since their last meal, using a sliding scale.  
      At step  124 , a follow up question is issued asking the user how full they felt after their last meal; extremely full, comfortably full or not full at all.  
      Based on the answers to these questions, at step  126 , hunger evaluation module  14  makes a determination on whether the hunger being experienced by the user is emotionally driven, physically driven, or a combination of both. The decision is based on a combination of factors including but not limited to the emotions being experienced, selected at steps  104  and  106 , the emotional hunger and compulsive eating behavior questions asked in steps  108 - 118  and finally the physical hunger questions from steps  120 - 124 .  
      When hunger evaluation module  14  is determining the cause of a user&#39;s hunger, it first collects all of the data on the emotions being felt at the time as indicated in step  104  and the strength of emotion as indicated in step  106 . Hunger evaluation module then proceeds to check the emotional hunger and compulsive eating behavior questions from steps  108 - 118  and generates a decision on whether or not the hunger is emotionally driven.  
      One example of an evaluation algorithm used by hunger evaluation module  14  is to simply check the user&#39;s answers from the previously conducted emotional evaluation and conclude that the user&#39;s hunger is emotionally driven if any one of the answers to the questions reaches a predefined threshold. In this respect, if the user were to answer that it was likely that they will eat alone to avoid embarrassment (step  114 ) or be disgusted with themselves after eating (step  116 ).  
      Another example of an algorithm used by hunger evaluation module  14  may be a threshold algorithm where when a certain point total is reached among the answers to a combination of the above evaluation questions, hunger evaluation module determines that the user&#39;s hunger is at least part caused by emotional stimuli in the user.  
      In such an arrangement each of the various emotions that could be experienced by the user, including the list from step  104  as well as the specific questions in step  108 - 118 , can each be given a weighting factor which is in turn multiplied by the range answer provided by the user (e.g. “not at all”=0.1, “moderate”=0.5, “extremely strongly”=1.0). Hunger evaluation module using the equation: 
 
 TCV =Σ( WF×RM ) 
 
 where TCV=Threshold Comparison Value, WF=weighting factor for the emotion indicated by the user and RM=range modifier for that emotion indicated by the user. As such, the sum of the products of each of the weighting factors (WF) and range modifiers (RM) will provide the module with a threshold comparison value. 
 
      Different weighting factors (WF) can be used for each of the different evaluation questions based on their significance for indicating the likelihood of an emotionally driven hunger. For example, a higher weighting factor may be given to the question in step  116 , where a user indicates that they are likely to be disgusted after they eat, than the answer to the question in step  108  where a user is indicating if they are likely to eat too fast. This difference in weighting factor ca be attributed to the fact that the question in step  116  is more indicative of an emotionally driven hunger than the question in step  108 . Different weighting factors may be used for each of the different questions, and may even be modified for each individual user, based on the personal eating and emotional habits.  
      Next, the threshold comparison value is compared against the threshold value. If the threshold comparison value is less than the threshold value, hunger evaluation module  14  will determine that the hunger is not emotionally driven. On the other hand, if the threshold comparison value is greater than the threshold value, hunger evaluation module  14  will determine that the hunger is emotionally driven. 
 
TCP&lt;TV=Not emotionally driven 
 
TCP&gt;TV=Is emotionally driven 
 
      The numbers used for calculation, such as the threshold values, weighting factors assigned to each emotion and range modifiers as designated by the user, may be arbitrarily selected based on the requirements of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , so long as the numbers are consistently applied.  
      It is understood that the above is only one example of a calculation scheme used by hunger evaluation module  14 , however, any similar method used to determine if a user&#39;s hunger is emotionally driven in a similar compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      In addition to the weighting of the questions conducted by hunger evaluation module  14 , system  10  also may employ series of default factors that assist in determining if the hunger is simply a physical hunger. For example, as illustrated in the chart in  FIG. 5 , if in step  122 , the user answered that it has been more than three hours since their last meal, and in step  124 , they stated that they were “not full at all” at the end of their last meal, then hunger evaluation module  14 , may add an extra weighting component in favor of finding that hunger experienced is at least in part physically based. Likewise, if in step  122 , the user answered that it has been less than three hours since their last meal, and in step  124 , they stated that they were either “comfortably full” or “more than comfortably full” at the end of their last meal, then hunger evaluation module  14  may add an extra weighting component in favor of finding that hunger being experienced is unlikely to be physically (physiologically) based.  
      It is understood that the number of possibilities for determining whether the user&#39;s hunger is emotionally or physically driven is too extensive to describe in detail. Any such eating normalization and dieting or weight loss system that employs a similar series of exchanges and evaluations is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      After hunger evaluation module makes its decision at step  126 , the user is prompted at step  128  with the decision results. There are three possible results to be shown to the user. The first interactive screen, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , states that the hunger is probably more emotional than physical in nature, the second interactive screen, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , states that the hunger is probably more physical than emotional in nature, and the third interactive screen, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , states that the hunger is probably both emotional and physical in nature. Based on the outcome, system  10  proceeds to take the user to the appropriate follow up routine as described in more detail below.  
      In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in the flow chart of  FIG. 9 , once it has been determined that the hunger experienced by the user is caused at least in part by emotional stimuli, emotional hunger management module  16 , begins communication with the user via interface module  12 , using interactive screens similar to those used by hunger evaluation module  14 .  
      At a first step  200 , emotional hunger management module  16 , provides a first motivational statement, and then encourages the user to take an affirmative step to stem the emotional hunger. This step may include, but is not limited to meditation, moving around, self-reassuring or expressing oneself. A sample interactive screen displayed to the user at step  200  is shown in  FIG. 10 .  
      Next at step  202 , emotional hunger management module  16 , provides the user with a guide to a breathing meditation-relaxation. This guide can include a number of meditative steps. For example, at step  202 , the user can be presented with a multi step breathing process and instructions on imaging the hunger disappearing. It is understood that this method of meditation-relaxation is only listed as an example for illustrative purposes and that any such meditative process used in a similar system and method for avoiding compulsive eating or any other compulsive behavior is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      At step  204 , the user is asked if they are still feeling the urge to eat. If the user answers no, they are finished with the emotional hunger management module and may skip forward to step  280 . If the user is still feeling an urge to eat for comfort, the system proceeds to the next step  206 , where the user is again confronted with a supportive statement and is urged to overcome the hunger, in a similar fashion to step  200 .  
      Next, at step  208 , the user is prompted to sooth themselves through a process of addressing their five senses, of touch, taste, sight, sound or smell so as to change their focus. The user is prompted to try each sense, such as listening to soothing music, smelling a candle or flower, tasting a cough drop or chewing gum, visualizing or looking at a serene picture, or touching a pressure point on their body at the ears or even applying hand lotion or cold water on their skin. At step  210 , the user is prompted to do it again, repeatedly until they desire to move on.  
      At step  212 , the user is again prompted with an interactive screen asking if they still feel the urge to eat for comfort. If the emotionally driven hunger has been assuaged then the user may skip ahead to step  280 . However, assuming they still desire to eat, the program continues to the next step.  
      At step  214 , the user is confronted with an interactive screen which simply asks if the user wishes to continue to attempt to manage the emotional hunger or if they wish to give up and decide to eat. If the user decides to forgo any further attempts to relieve the emotional stimuli, the program advances to step  282  managed by physical hunger management module  18 . Alternatively, if the user decides to continue to attempt to manage the emotional hunger, the program proceeds to step  216 , where the user is again presented with a congratulatory interactive screen, encouraging the user to continue to with their efforts to assuage their emotional desire to eat.  
      Next, at step  218 , the user is asked to move around, exercise, or conduct some other brief physical exertion for a timed period (at least 60 seconds). At step  220 , they are asked if they wish to continue the physical exertion or possibly conduct a different type of physical exertion. This process is continued until the user decides to stop the physical exertion. At step  222  the user is asked again if they are still experiencing an emotional desire to eat. If the answer is no, the user proceeds ahead to step  280 . However, if the answer is yes, the process continues along to step  224 , where the user is again presented with an interactive screen that is intended to reassure the user and present yet another option for relieving the emotional need to eat.  
      At step  226 , the user is prompted to take a deep breath and come up with one or more self reassuring observations. Next, at step  228 , the user is again asked if they are still feeling an emotional drive to eat. If they answer no, then the user is advanced ahead to step  280 .  
      However, if the user is still experiencing emotionally driven hunger then they advance forward to step  230 , where they are confronted with another interactive screen which congratulates them on their success thus far and gives them the option to go on to eat or to continue to attempt to remove the emotionally driven hunger. If the user chooses to eat they are forwarded ahead to step  282 . Alternatively, if the user chooses to continue to work on combating their emotional needs for eating, they continue on to step  232  where they are again congratulated and presented with yet another series of options.  
      Next, at step  234 , the user is prompted with an interactive screen that encourages them to express themselves in some way such as talking, writing or painting, again so as to change the focus of their thoughts and feelings. A sample of this interactive screen from step  234  is seen in  FIG. 11 . At step  236 , the user is prompted to repeat the step as often as necessary. At step  238 , after the user is finished, they are asked again if they are still feeling the desire to eat for emotional reasons. If they answer no, the user is forwarded to step  280 . If they answer yes at step  238 , at step  240 , the system proceeds to a next congratulatory interactive screen, presenting a series of new exercises that are to be carried out by the user in the ensuing steps.  
      At step  242 , the user is prompted to do a visualization exercise, in attempt to gain perspective, confidence and security. At step  244 , the user is prompted to repeat the visualization exercise. When the user is finished, at step  246  the user is asked if they are still feeling an emotional drive to eat. If they answer no, then the user is advanced ahead to step  280 .  
      If the user is still experiencing emotionally driven hunger then they advance forward to step  248 , where they are confronted with another interactive screen that congratulates them on their success thus far and gives them the option to go on to eat or to continue to attempt to remove the emotionally driven hunger. If the user chooses to eat they are forwarded ahead to step  282 . Alternatively, if the user chooses to continue with the emotional exercises they continue on to step  250  where they are again congratulated and presented with yet another series of options.  
      Next, at step  252 , the user is prompted to reach out to someone. For example, the user may call a friend or family member or even walk around the office to talk to a friend.  
      At step  254 , the user is asked if they are still feeling an emotional need to eat. If not, the user is advanced to step  280 . However, if the user answers yes, then, at step  256 , the user is instructed to set a goal for themselves and start working towards it in an attempt to be proactive. For example, if the user wishes to write a book, then at step  256 , the user should set a goal of writing at least one page of the book and work to finish that minimal goal. This intended as an example, however it is understood that any incremental or short term goal set and performed in this context is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      Steps  202  through  258  represent in essence a sequence of non-eating behavior alternatives suggested by system  10  to replace any compulsive eating behavior which may be prompted by emotional hunger in the user. The sequence of these steps is to be chosen by the user at each step along the way as they go through the program.  
      It is understood that the sequence of these non-eating behavior alternatives listed here by is only an example for illustrative purposes and that any such non-eating alternative behaviors and their combinations used in a similar system and method for avoiding compulsive eating or any other compulsive behaviors is within the scope and the contemplation of the present invention.  
      After reaching the minimal goal, at step  258 , the user is asked again if they are still feeling the desire to eat for emotional reasons. If they answer no, the user is forwarded to step  280 . If they answer yes, at step  260 , they are moved to a next interactive screen where the user is presented with the option to either eat or continue with the emotional support program. If they choose to eat they are forwarded to step  282 . However, if they choose to continue with the emotional support program, the user progresses to step  262 , where the user is allowed to take a small, single bite from their rescue food.  
      Rescue food refers to any food chosen by the user which meets the following five criteria: 1. is enjoyable to the user, 2. is conveniently available to the user, 3. is low in calories, 4. is rich in fiber, 5. is rich in water, (water can however be added separately if a chosen rescue food is dry), where a single bite will not greatly affect the overall diet scheme. A typical example of rescue food may be a vegetable or a fruit, juice, air popped popcorn or even a dietary health bar.  
      Next, at step  264 , the user is asked if the rescue food has caused the emotionally driven hunger to subside. If it has, and they are no longer experiencing an emotional hunger to eat, the user is forwarded ahead to step  280 . However, if the rescue food has still left them with an emotional need to eat, at step  266 , the user is again allowed to take a few more bites of the same rescue food.  
      At step  268 , the user is asked how full their stomach feels after having eaten their rescue food. If the user answers that they are more than comfortably full, the user completes the emotional hunger module  16 , at step  270 , illustrate in  FIG. 12 , where the user is congratulated for not eating based on their emotions (except for their rescue food), but are warned that they had to eat too much of their rescue food to achieve this.  
      If at step  268 , the user answers they are less than comfortably full then they are returned to step  266  where they are allowed to eat a few more bites of their rescue food if they still experience the emotional hunger. However, if the user answers that they are comfortably full, then they continue on to step  272  where they are asked if they still have an emotional desire to eat. If not, the user is forwarded on to step  280 . However, if they are still experiencing an emotional desire to eat even after the rescue food, then the user advances to step  274  where they are prompted to take a short (one minute) break, while possibly drinking some water. After the (one minute) break the user is asked again at step  276  if they are still experiencing an emotionally driven hunger. If yes then they proceed to step  278  where they are prompted to call a hunger/eating hotline for additional emotional assistance. However, if the emotional hunger has been overcome, then they proceed to step  280 , as illustrated in the interactive screen in  FIG. 12 , where emotional hunger management module  16  issues a final congratulation for overcoming the emotionally driven hunger and concludes the session.  
      It is noted that step  280  the final interactive screen reached at this congratulatory step is the same interactive screen that is presented at any time during the emotional management session when the user answers that they are no longer feeling an emotionally driven hunger.  
      Likewise, the remaining step  282 , illustrated in the interactive screen in  FIG. 13 , is reached at anytime during the program when the user as indicated that they intend to eat even though they had not overcome the emotional desire to eat. Regardless of when a user fails to overcome their emotional desire to eat and reaches this step  282 , the user may choose to make a last attempt to resist eating a full meal by eating more rescue food at which point they are forwarded to step  262  to continue the process from there, or they can choose to eat any type of food at which point they are transferred to the physical hunger management module for further assistance.  
      As such, emotional hunger management module  16  takes the user through a step by step process in an attempt to relive the user of their emotionally driven hunger. This results in either: 1) successfully reaching step  280 ; 2) reaching the slightly less successful step  270 ; or 3) reaching the unsuccessful steps  278  or  282 , assuming at step  282  the user chooses to eat more than just rescue food.  
      At this point, after completing emotional hunger management module  16 , the user may progress onto to physical hunger management module  18  depending on certain factors. The user will progress to physical hunger management module if they decided to eat after reaching either step  282  or step  278  in emotional hunger management module  16  and made the decision to eat more than just their rescue food. Alternatively, a user may end up in physical hunger management module  18  if hunger evaluation module  14  decided at step  128  that the hunger being experienced by the user was entirely physical in nature.  
      It is understood that other methods for reaching the steps in the physical hunger management module  18  such as direct access for whatever reason is also within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      In either event, the user is taken through a series of steps by physical hunger management module  18  in order to encourage the user to make better decisions in their choice of foods to eat. To this end, the user is first asked to identify based on their five senses which food attributes are important to them when they make food selections.  
      In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in the flow chart  FIG. 14 , physical hunger management module  18  begins at step  300 , presenting an interactive screen to the user asking them what taste they would like their food to have. The user may then select from choices such as salty, sour, sweet, nutty and so on. Next, at step  302 , the user is asked what texture they would like their food to have such as solid, liquid, or chewy. At step  304 , the user is asked what temperature they would like their food to be.  
      Next, at step  306 , the user is asked how they would like the food prepared. In this section the preparations are divided into most healthy (raw, baked, poached), less health (sauteed, stir-fried) and least healthy (fried, deep fried, pan-fired) types of food preparation. At step  308 , the user is told what they should select based on their preferences and then are prompted to enter their food selection. It is assumed that the user will be preparing his food according to these indications, however it is contemplated that such a system can also be used to provide instructions to a third party to provide food to the user prepared according to these specifications.  
      As discussed above, physical hunger management module  18 , may provide the food and preparation suggestions to the use based on any specific diet requirements (low-carbohydrate, low sodium etc.) or it may provide the food suggestions directly from seamlessly integrated preexisting commercial diet plans.  
      At step  310 , the user is asked how they will be physically positioned for eating: sitting, standing or lying down. At step  312 , the user is asked whether they will be focused on eating without distractions or if they will be eating while doing something else, a less healthy alternative.  
      Next, at step  314 , the user is asked how long they will take to eat the meal. A sample of the interactive screen present in step  314  is seen in  FIG. 15 . The user is instructed that it is more healthy to take at least 5-10 minutes to eat a snack and at least 15-20 minutes to eat breakfast lunch or dinner.  
      At step  316 , the user is prompted with an interactive screen reminding them to eat slowly and finish each bite before taking the next. Next, at step  318 , the user is reminded to stop eating as soon as their stomach feels full, as opposed to continuing to eat until all of the food is gone.  
      After eating the meal, at step  320 , physical hunger management module  18 , progresses the user along to a next interactive screen asking the user if the food&#39;s appearance has satisfied the user. At step  322 , the user is asked if the food smelled and tasted good. Next, at step  324 , the user is asked if the texture of the food was satisfying. At step  326 , the user is asked if the temperature of the food was satisfying.  
      After answering that series of questions, the user is then prompted at step  328  to answer how full they are: not at all, comfortable or extremely full. Next, at step  330 , physical hunger management module  18  informs the user what they have and have not been satisfied with and asks what the user could do differently next time for their eating experience to be more satisfying. These results may be recorded to make suggestions in future sessions with physical hunger management module  18 .  
      At step  332 , the user is also reminded of whether or not they have overeaten and prompted to give personal feedback that may assist in formulating future sessions. At step  334 , the user is prompted to enter the amount of time that it took to eat their meal or snack, and is reminded of the optimum times for completing meals or snacks. Finally, at step  336 , an interactive screen is shown to the user, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , congratulating the user on completing the session with physical hunger management module  18 .  
      In view of the foregoing, a compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system and method has been described in which a user is able to interact with compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10 , in order to reach the normalizing eating behavior and weight loss goal. The description of compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss system  10  and the accompanying method of interaction with the user is intended only as an example of a system and method for compulsive eating behavior normalization and weight loss, illustrative of the present invention, and in no way intended to limit its scope. It is understood that a similar weight loss arrangement that employs the salient features of system and method is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
      While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that this application is intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.