Nebraska Refinance Counter
Health Column
Dear Readers,
I have had several questions about the Mikibo website www.mikibo.com after I mentioned it in last month’s column so this month we have an interview with the founder and Managing Director of the Mikibo website, Dr Toby Heap PHD.
1. What is Mikibo? How did it start? Mikibo is a health and fitness website that provides tools and information to help people to lose weight and or improve their general health and fitness. It does this by providing tools such as food and exercise diaries, training programs, dietary analysis, articles and support groups. I started Mikibo in 2005 after completing a PhD in exercise physiology at the University of Sydney. While completing my PhD I realized that many people are motivated to lose weight but don't have access to the information and tools that would assist them. Considering the massive health problem we're facing now and in the future if we don't educate people about the importance of healthy eating and exercise I decided to start Mikibo. Since then Mikibo has grown to now have thousands of members in over 40 countries.
2. What is the purpose of the Mikibo website? Mikibo means "My balanced body" and is based on the sound scientific principle of balancing energy consumption (food) with energy use (activity). The purpose of Mikibo is to help people to better manage their health and fitness. By monitoring their energy intake (through the food dairy) and their energy expenditure (through the exercise diary) people are able to see where they are going wrong and how they can improve their diet and exercise habits to improve their health.
3. What can people get out of Mikibo? By using the Mikibo food and exercise diaries for a week or so you will get to learn exactly how your diet and exercise is impacting on your health. You will be able to see if you are eating too much for your level of exercise. You will see if you are getting the recommended intakes of keys nutrients such as iron and calcium. You will see if you are having too much saturated fat and cholesterol. You can also record your weight and measurements as often as you like on Mikibo and you will then be able to keep track of your progress. You can get support and tips from other members in the support groups and you can ask questions of Mikibo's experts. If you like, you can even sign up for a training program (such as the fit for summer exercise plan) that will be tailored to you and will help kick-start you on the road to better health.
4. Can people lose weight using Mikibo? If you are committed to losing weight then Mikibo will help you to do so. Mikibo is based on science, it is not a quick fix solution but if your goal is to lose weight and you follow the targets set for you by Mikibo then you should lose weight. Mikibo has a weight loss support group that has a weigh-in each Wednesday and members have been seeing good results. In fact this year our members have lost over 6 Tonnes in body weight.
5. How much does it cost? Why is it free? Mikibo is free because we want anyone who wants to be healthier to have access to this service. We don't want money to be a barrier to better health. Of course Mikibo needs to make money eventually if we are going to continue to provide this service and our plan is to place advertisements on Mikibo from reputable companies that support our health message and conform to our advertising policy.
6. How do I join Mikibo? Go to www.mikibo.com and click 'Join Mikibo'. Some testimonials from Mikibo members:
Mikibo is getting better every day! Thank you, the program is very easy to use, is a motivational tool, and very informative with readings in so many areas making it very professional yet easy to understand.—Colleen, NSW Australia, 24 Jul 2006.
I have been using the Mikibo site for a while now and find it very valuable and great visual feedback on my training and diet.— Murray , NSW Australia, 8 May 2006 .
I am finding Mikibo useful - it is encouraging me to keep exercising. The energy input/output graph is very useful. —Pam, VIC Australia, 4 Apr 2006.
Thanks for the site - it’s helped me lose weight and get fit.— Craig, NSW Australia, 13 Jun 2006.
So take advantage of this fantastic resource—get online and join Mikibo. It is confidential and so easy to use whether you want to lose weight, find support or just be aware of your health—it’s a great site for anyone to use. Thank you very much to Dr Toby Heap for his time in giving us this information and for the invaluable service he provides with Mikibo.If you have a health question or request for information, please email it to me at nicki.brake@acu.edu.au.
Yours in health,
Dr Nicki Brake
Lecturer in Physical Education
School of Education, Mount Saint Mary campus, Strathfield, NSW
