A formal domain model for dietary and physical activity counseling

Abstract

Diet and physical activity planning is a complex process that usually comprises repetitive expert-patient discussions and multi-hour construction phases. Recent advances in artificial intelligence and improvements in CPU speeds make it now possible to enhance or even substitute the work of the dietary expert. Although research in this field began as early as the 1940s, no comprehensive domain model has been developed to date. Previous works reduced the problem to then solvable mathematical models, thus lessening the quality of the solution. Here, we present a novel domain model which can handle the multi-objective nature of the problem as well as the proper use of expert knowledge on dietary harmony. The model provides a base for the computerized planning of human-competetive solutions. An implementation of this model is employed in the nutrition and lifestyle counseling expert system Menugene. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.