Obesity is on the rise internationally and public health officials in the Japan's Osaka prefecture are tackling the problem with cell phones. And no, they did not create a "diet support hot line."

Utilizing the almost commonplace feature of cameras in cellphones, calorie-conscious participants in this and other trial programs can send photos (and e-mails) of their meals to nutritionists for analysis and recommendations. While the service was originally launched to assist cardiac patients to make healthy food choices, it has been expanded recently to help diabetics and obesity patients.

Unfortunately the feedback from the nutritionists is not instantaneous, the information can take up to 3 days to process. However, participants also can log onto a web site for further dietary information. The the program costs about $40 to join and a little over $20 a month.

It looks like we can start to cast paper food logs aside, the information age has taken over nutritional tracking. I know geeksugar is excited by this blending of lifestyle, health and technology. I, too, support any easy way to make dieting/lifestyle change easier. For dieters in the U.S. and Canada, you can check out MyFoodPhone a free food photo community!!!

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