Local Company Develops Armband To Assist Weight Loss
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Losing weight and keeping it off can be a real challenge.
There are a ton of different diets and devices on the market to help. Now, a device developed right here in Pittsburgh is making headlines nationwide.
It is being used by the best trainers in Hollywood and the everyday person trying to get in shape.
Donnaie Williams, 27, has always struggled with her weight.
"My knees hurt a lot. It's just uncomfortable. Sometimes people have looks when you are walking down the street," Williams said.
In 2009, Williams weighed 315 pounds.
"Before this, I tried every diet you can think of. Slim Fast, South Beach Diet, nothing but veggies diet, grapefruit diet, anything you could think of," Williams said.
She felt defeated until she discovered Body Media.
Body Media is a Pittsburgh-based company, which makes armbands designed to be worn 24/7.
The devices help you understand what is happening in your body each and every minute with on-skin censors.
"Automatically, we will track your calories burned, your activity levels so how active, how much moderate and vigorous activity are you getting and your sleep and sleep efficiency," Body Media President and CEO Christine Robins said.
They also have food logs and can remind you to take vitamins and drink water.
Data from the monitoring systems is translated trough artificial intelligence and is displayed either on a computer or smartphone.
"You can track your calories or you can track your activity, but weight loss is an equation, a mathematical equation. One pound equals 3,500 calories, and so people need to understand the totality of what they are doing all day and our system will help them track that in a simple format," Robins said.
Williams tries to eat healthy and hits the gym, but she credits her armband for really helping her drop 130 pounds.
She's been wearing it for about two years now.
"It keeps you consistent. You cannot fail. I keep telling people you can't fail," Williams said.
Body Media has been garnering attention nationwide.
Celebrities have been pictured in magazines, like People and Shape, wearing the armbands and fitness guru, Jillian Michaels is also a big supporter.
The armbands range in price from $149 to $199 and you can buy them on Amazon or locally, in select Best Buy, Giant Eagle and Costco stores.
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