Equipment regulates eating habits

Doctors have added a new weapon to the fight against obesity - an electronic billboard that warns consumers not to devour food.

The Mandometer monitors the amount of food left on the plate and advises people who are swallowing food to eat: 'Please eat more slowly . ' The £ 1,500 Swedish scientists' device is being used by the NHS to help obese families lose weight.

It consists of two parts, a scales placed under the food plate and a computer display showing the amount of food being diminished. A red line on the screen indicates the user's food order, while the blue line indicates a healthy level of consumption. If the user eats constantly, the red line moves away from the blue line, warning them that they are eating too fast. If the two lines are too far apart, the machine will advise them to slow down. The screen then also asks, 'Are you okay?' To remind users to think about whether they eat enough.

Experts believe that the Mandometer test plan will remind obese people that eating slowly will help them know when to stop. NHS Trust believes that 6 months after the device is discontinued, users will still be able to eat less and continue to lose weight.