CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/567,875, filed on May 4, 2004 by Traci L. Metzger, which is incorporated herein in its entirety and is entitled “BODY IMAGE ANALYSIS SYSTEM.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer operations, and more particularly, to a computer implemented system for assessing and treating patient disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Timely body image assessment and treatment can improve and even save the lives of those that suffer from low self esteem, eating disorders and other image related issues. While the response to such treatment has been tremendous, many persons in need of treatment go without it, in part due to a reluctance to seek out professional help in person. Such may be the case where a person is too self conscious, nervous, or busy to arrange for a visit.

Professionals trained in assessing and treating body image issues can be consequently handicapped in reaching people in need of their services. In addition to accessibility, these professionals conventionally face other obstacles, largely attributable to the cumbersome, overwhelming and growing volume of statistics, books and other studies that must be considered when manually assessing and/or treating a patient. Moreover, the clinical/scientific studies relied upon by professionals are often based on small pools of participants from a discrete geographic location(s), limiting the applicability of a study.

Consequently, and for in part the above delineated reasons, there exists a need for an improved manner of conducting body image analysis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved apparatus, method and program product for providing body image analysis. Such analysis may include assessment and treatment features that, for instance, allow a user to manipulate and a displayed body image. The body image may include a computer scanned or computer generated image of the user or another, and may be compared and tracked over time to reflect changes in a user's actual, perceived and/or desired appearance. Another feature of the invention may provide online answers and interactive tools configured to help a patient, health professional or other user in body image assessment. The display of such answers and tools may be prompted by the user answering a set of preliminary questions, the answer(s) to which the system may use to tailor the display. For instance, answers to anticipated questions may be automatically determined by the virtue of the system matching user input to an appropriate, stored set of answers.

In another respect, a feature of the analysis system may automatically and/or transparently compile statistical data based upon the interaction of the user. Such statistical data may have application in furthering research and treatment.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawing and the description thereof.

DESCRIPTION

According to an image warping aspect of the invention, a user may manipulate the front, back and side view of either a silhouette image that is based on in individual's actual body measurements, or an uploaded digital image of an individual. Before the individual makes any changes to an image, the warping engine may automatically alter the image slightly in order to provide a “neutral” image for the individual to begin manipulating into the following states: (a) how the individual thinks s/he looks (perceived) (b) how s/he wants to look (ideal) and (c) what is a realistic way s/he should look (realistic). This image manipulation may occur by the user taking a mouse to the edge of a specific area of the body silhouette or digital image and dragging the section of the image to the shape s/he feels is what is perceived, ideal or realistic. The individual will have the opportunity to compare the images s/he has manipulated to see the discrepancy between their perceived, ideal, realistic and actual image. With permission from the individual, data will be captured on the discrepancies between the images for analysis and reporting.

Another embodiment consistent with the invention processes interactive user input to help prioritize the importance of different steps/phases of an assessment or treatment program. The steps/phases of the program may be prioritized based on how the multiple choice questions are answered. The customized program based on the individuals' answers will have the opportunity to address their specific needs first and then work through less critical sections after the priority sections are complete. Some sections will have to occur in a specific order to make the individual program successful, and are dependant upon the self-improvement program tailored to individual. With permission from the individual, data will be captured and analyzed for report generation.

According to another aspect of the invention, data is collected at a worldwide scale. Such data is generated from the use of Real-Time Body Warping Application and the Customized Self-Improvement Programs. Permission may be requested from individuals to collect data that is generated from the individual's session. Data will be stored in a secure database separate from identity-related information. A code will be assigned to the data as the only identifier to map data to the correct file if the individual returns multiple times to utilize their customized program or body-warping application. Identity-related information for billing reasons will be kept in a separate database. This will provide the opportunity to collect data worldwide to analyze and better understand trends of medical disorders of people that are not seeking medical assistance or are in need of additional support.

While the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. For instance, additional disclosure is included in the appendix attached hereto, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:

Definitions

The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are found in tis document:

TABLE 1

Definitions

Term

Definition

Internet

Worldwide network of computer networks that use the

TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission

and exchange

Web

A software program which allows the viewing of data

browser

transmitted by the Internet. Examples are Internet Explorer

and Netscape.

Web-

A software application which is programmed to present data

based

by a Web browser that is transmitted by the Internet. The

applica-

application is hosted on a central server and not located on

tion

individual desktop computers.

Module

Individual programs within the application that operate

separately, collect different data sets and have separate

security measures.

Compo-

An element of a system/module

nent

Web

An individual accessing the public sections of the Web site

visitor

that does not require user authentication through username

and password.

Participant

An individual that has signed a release to use the application

and allow the capture of specific data sets.

User

An individual that is facilitating the use of the application

and its modules.

Profile

A file containing information of a patient/participant

Body

A discrepancy between a person's perceived image and their

Dis-

ideal image.

satisfac-

tion

Body

A discrepancy between a person's actual image and their

Distortion

perceived image.

Introduction

Purpose

This document identifies both the business and technical requirements and specifies the functionality to be included in the prototype f. The current business problem and the objectives of the project, as well as functional and technical requirements are documented. This document, once it is approved, serves as the basis for:

• • Creating the detailed design
  • Monitoring progress during system development
  • Providing a successful implementation
  • Creating the acceptance test plan of the completed system

Scope

The scope of this project is to architect, design and build a prototype that will be used in pilot research studies to prove the validity of the PTI concept and the benefits it offers both the medical and non-medical community. Once the studies have proven the validity of the concept that is represented in the prototype, it will be tested for market response through public relations efforts.

Out of Scope

While important, the following items are beyond the scope of this initial effort.

• • Database development will only be to the extent that it can support the prototype. Once the prototype is proven valid in the marketplace, the complete front-end and back end application will be developed.

Assumptions

• • High priority requirements will be implemented in the prototype.
  • Medium priority requirements will be implemented in the prototype if time permits.
  • Low priority requirements will be implemented in the first full version release.

User Roles and Responsibilities

TABLE 2

User roles and responsibilities

Market

User

Description

Clinical

Nurses, Medical Assistants,

Medical professionals

Lab Technicians,

such as a physician, psychologist,

Medical Interns

psychiatrist or therapist

will decide to have patient take

assessment(s). The users listed

to the left will administer the

assessment.

General

An individual with

Individual will pay a

Public

moderate Web skills

fee to access the online self-help

modules, enter measurements

to manipulate silhouettes

or to upload their actual

images to manipulate and

receive results.

Requirement Sources

Requirement Gathering Methods

These requirements have been gathered through consultations with medical experts, extensive secondary research and applying that knowledge to develop the concept which is the basis for the prototype and launch of PTI.

Requirements

Functional Requirements

Prototype Functional Requirements

TABLE 3

Prototype Functional Requirements

#

Requirement

Priority

Description

1.01

Choose Your Language - English or Japanese

High

Prototype will be test marketed in the

U.S. and Japan.

1.02

I would like to:

High

Dropdown to access different modules

of the application. Dropdown options

may show all options or two to three

based on audience of application. This

could also be a nav bar.

1.03

Take a body image assessment

High

Up to five assessments that are 1-2

pages each. Multiple choice answers.

This module will need to be available

independently for university and

clinical studies. Scores will need to be

tabulated on separate page that user

cannot see. Score and answers will be

saved in a database which only tracks

the UserID of the user.

1.04

Create a customized self-guided improvement program

High

Link to self-guide module

1.05

COMPAIR my silhouettes

High

Link to silhouette module

1.06

COMPAIR my actual images

High

Link to image module

1.07

Enter User ID and Password

High

User ID automatically generated and

user sets up password. Information

kept in a separate database with

contact/billing information. This may

take them to where the page they were

working in a customized self-

improvement module. Images will not

be saved in COMPAIR so people will

have to be warned that they will lose

images if they close out but statistics

will be saved on variances between

different images and comparisons.

1.08

Friends and Family Information

Medium

Link to 2-3 pages of sample

information that will be included to

offer support, information and

resources for friends or family

members where a loved one has a

medical illness or issues where body

image is a factor. Can be incorporated

into main nav bar.

1.09

Hidden URL

High

The URL must not be visible in a

clinical setting to prevent patients from

surfing the Web.

1.10

Assessment Overview

High

For prototype, content will describe

the purpose of the assessment and the

results that will be generated. In a

medical facility, results will be

generated in a separate password

protected area of the site for a medical

professional to view the results and

make decisions in treatment. For the

public, results will be generated with

general descriptions of meaning of

results after individual clicks on

submit.

1.11

Dropdown of different assessments to select from

Two-five assessments will be available

for the prototype. During research

studies, two will be pre-selected.

1.12

Assessment Results

Results will likely be in ranges that will

have descriptions associated with each

range. This page needs to be secure in

a medical setting so the medical

professional can review results without

the patient seeing the results

themselves. General public will be

able to see results.

1.13

Legal Disclaimer/Privacy Statement

Legal description of what PTI will or

will not do with information that is

gathered.

1.14

Silhouette Overview - (This page is from the 1.05 link on the Home

High

Content to describe the purpose of the

Page)

silhouettes and what the user will do to

create the silhouettes that reflects their

current image.

1.15

Silhouette Demo

High

To provide a visual overview of what

the user will experience by entering

their measurements and manipulating

the silhouettes. Flash will have the

most impact obviously. Need to have

another option for those that do not

have flash in other countries.

1.16

Sign - up to create silhouettes

High

After seeing the demo, they will click

on the register/sign up button to enter

billing information and generate their

automatic User ID and create their

password. This info will be kept in

Database #1.

1.17

Link to Registration Page

High

Links to page for public to sign up and

enter billing and contact information.

1.18

Registration Form

Low

See fields in wireframe as a guide to

types of fields that should be used.

After username and password are

issued and verified, the user will need

to be directed to the module they

purchased to start right away or

directions to remind them how to log

in.

1.19

UserID and Password Set up

Low

User registers information and then

they are prompted with an

automatically generated ID and enter

their unique password.

1.20

Silhouette Measurements

High

Required measurements will be

finalized once it is determined if a pre-

existing software application will be

used or if it will be a custom

application. We would like the

minimum number of required

measurements to receive the most

accurate silhouette image of the

person.

1.21

Neutral Image

High

The actual image will appear “neutral”

either slightly or significantly larger or

smaller. The demo should indicate

that the “neutral” image is random and

will not always be slightly smaller for

example. The computer program

should randomly select how to

manipulate the image.

1.22

Perceived Image - how the person “thinks” they look based on

High

The user will see “x”s or points on

manipulation of a “neutral” image.

sections of the neutral image and they

can take their mouse and either drag

the edge of the image to make it either

narrower or wider to how they “think”

or perceive they look. For example,

they can modify the top area of their

arm or the lower portion. Another

example would be the waist being

manipulated without affecting the hips.

1.23

Perceived Image Data Capture

High

The measurements of the Perceived

image once complete will be compared

against the Actual image that is based

on real measurements. This data will

be stored in Database #2.

1.24

Ideal Image

High

The images are randomly “neutralized”

again and the user manipulates front,

back and side images on how the want

to look.

1.25

Ideal Image Data Capture

High

The measurements of the Ideal image

will be compared against the Actual

image that is based on real

measurements. This data will be stored

in Database #2.

1.26

Ideal vs. Perceived Image

High

Ideal vs. Perceived image demonstrates

body image dissatisfaction. Data will be

tracked to measure level of dissatisfaction

in a standardized manner.

1.27

Front, Back and Side Buttons

High

Person can click on any three buttons

to select the view the want to see.

1.28

Create customizable self-improvement program

High

Person will answer questions which

will prioritize the modules that they

will go through based on their

individual needs. Data will be

captured in database to analyze what

people are seeking or feel they need to

improve in their lives. Estimate is 5-10

questions. Questions will be multiple

choice.

1.29

Patent-Pending

High

Patent-pending should be discrete, yet

visible on every page.

1.30

Self-improvement Recommendation

High

After the person has answered the

questions, the recommended modules

will be shown in order of importance.

Each module will have a brief

description. These results should be

captured in a database not associated

with the user's personal information -

just ID number.

1.31

Register for program

High

If person wants to move forward they

will click on the register button to

provide user and payment information

if they did not select to do this along

with their silhouette or image module.

1.32

Not at this time

High

After reviewing the program the

person decides they do not want to

purchase the program. This will need

to be collected in a database.

1.33

Selecting To (on registration form)

High

The person has the option to purchase

one module or multiple modules. They

can complete one module and choose

to go back and purchase another. They

will keep the same UserID and

Password as they had before.

1.34

Sample Module

High

For the prototype, show one page of a

sample module. Does not need to

track info in the database for the

prototype. It does need to track all

information provided in Version 1.0.

1.35

Friends and Family Information

High

For the prototype, one page of sample

information and resources for friends

and family. Version 1.0 will require this

area to be database driven to easily

update physician contact information

for example. Will contain white papers,

links to research, medical resources etc.

1.36

I would like to PREPAIR:

High

Modules for prevention of body image

disturbances and eating disorders.

Either a drop down or part of the nav

bar with sub-level choices.

1.37

Parental Consent Form

Med

Not essential for the prototype but

need to show it in the dropdown and it

will be critical for Version 1.0. Will

need to submit to Database #1

1.38

PREPAIR: 9-11 years of age

Med

Show intro page in the prototype and

complete modules developed with

content and subject matter that is

appropriate for 9-11 year old

adolescents.

1.39

PREPAIR: 12-15 years of age

Med

Show intro page in the prototype and

complete modules developed with

content and subject matter that is

appropriate for 12-15 year old

adolescents.

1.40

PREPAIR: 16-18 years of age

Med

Show intro page in the prototype and

complete modules developed with

content and subject matter that is

appropriate for 10-12th grade level.

1.41

End Assessment for both Silhouette, Digital Images and Customizable

High

User takes the same assessment they

Self-guided Improvement Program

did before they went through the

silhouette or digital image module to

see if they improved on their results.

This is will guide the individual and

provide data which will be captured in

database #2. Some individuals my

choose to take the beginning

assessment and unless they decide to

participate in the silhouette, digital

image or customized self-guided

improvement program, they will not

be presented with the second

assessment. (View 2.14 in Database

specs)

1.42

Saving Digital Images

High

Images will only be saved under

unique circumstances with an

agreement with another

facility/company requires that images

are saved. A consent form for each

person will need to be signed in order

for this to occur and record that this

consent form was complete must be

filed with the user information in

Database #1. Consider allowing user

to save manipulated images to their

desktop and then if they exit in the

middle of the module, they can upload

the images they manipulated so that

effort is not lost and PTI does not save

images.

1.43

Specs/Requirements for equipment to capture and upload digital

High

These specs will be determined upon

images - need to consider using cell phones that take digital pictures

either the pre-packaged software that is

for countries like Japan.

used or requirements of the custom

application.

1.44

Consistency of Images

High

Evaluate the need for the angles of the

arms and legs to be the same across all

images to capture data that is

consistent across different individuals.

Prefer for it not to be.

1.45

Feedback/Questionnaire

Med

Please review the university study from

Dr. Thomas Cash at Old Dominion

University to identify the priority in the

prototype. May want to consider

getting feedback at the bottom of

every page. Example of this is at the

bottom of Microsoft help where they

request feedback and it is automatically

sent via Internet. Feedback is broken

up throughout the site to avoid

inconvenience of long form.

Prototype Database #1 and #2 Requirements

TABLE 4

Prototype Database Requirements

#

Requirement

Priority

Description

2.01

Database #1 will contain contact information and billing information of

High

Medical facilities will contact PTI to

either an individual user or medical facility.

set up an account or work with a PTI

sales representative. Individuals will

enter their information via the online

application.

2.02

Database #1 will have user ID number associated individual's file or

High

Someone may register and then want

group of ID numbers associated to a medical facility.

to come back at another time to start

the module. When they log in with

their username and password, the

system will need to identify what they

purchased so they do not have access

to other modules and just the one they

purchased.

2.03

Database #1 will store password generated by the individual or medical

High

facility.

2.04

Web application will have a “Forgot My Username/Password” function

Medium

Medical facilities will require some

which will email this information to the individual or medical facility.

additional level of authentication when

requesting this information to prevent

patients or other individuals accessing

this information.

2.05

Database #1 will record use of application and track modules used for

Low

billing purposes for medical facilities.

2.06

Database #1 will provide activity reports containing data such as: activity

Low

per module, estimated time of use for each session etc.

2.07

Databases for prototype should be able to store 150-200 records.

High

2.08

Databases for V 1.0 should store 125,000 records for Year 1; 175,000

Low

records for Year 2; 225,000 records for Year 3.

2.09

Database #2 will not contain individual or patient information. It will

High

Only build for the 150 to 200 records

contain the UserID and Password which will be the map to the other

that will be developed for the

database for billing information.

prototype.

2.10

Database #2 will store measurement information based on UserID and

High

For example, measurements to

session number.

develop the silhouette images and the

difference between Actual and Ideal,

Actual and Perceived, Actual and

Realistic and Perceived and Ideal.

Metric measurements will need to have

the option to convert to English

measurement in inches for example.

2.11

Parental Consent Form

High

Track parents that have given or not

given consent for them to have their

children use the PREPAIR or

COMPAIR modules. This will be

important to show in the prototype.

2.12

Exiting the module mid-stream

Low

If someone ends midstream, images

will not be stored but the statistics will.

If the user can pick up where they left

off that will be beneficial. Not a

priority for the prototype but will be

for Version 1.0.

2.13

Database #2 - Measurement/Findings Reports

Med

Will need to develop sample report(s)

for the prototype but not the complete

reporting system. Reports will need to

be convertible between English and

Metric measurements. In Japanese and

English.

2.14

Beginning and end assessment data captured per UserID Number

Med

Please review proposed university

study to identify the level of

importance in the prototype phase.

User takes the same assessment they

did before they went through the

silhouette or digital image module to

see if they improved on their results.

This is will guide the individual and

provide data which will be captured in

database #2. Some individuals my

choose to take the beginning

assessment and unless they decide to

participate in the silhouette, digital

image or customized self-guided

improvement program, they will not

be presented with the second

assessment.

2.15

Consent form to save images

High

Database #1 - important to keep

record of these consent forms and

images will only be saved in a detailed

agreement with a medical facilitate or

business that required this function.

PTI Prototype Application System & Security Requirements

TABLE 5

Risk Consulting Home Page Requirements

#

Requirement

Priority

Description

3.01

No access to a Web browser in a medical environment

High

If possible, the application should not

require opening a browser, typing in an

address to access the Home page. If a

browser is available on the Desktop, it

allows the opportunity patients will

access the browser and surf the Web.

3.02

Desktop Icon to Application

High

Medical facility will click on a desktop

icon which will link them directly to

the Web-based application. They will

log into the application prior to use

and enter in the patients UserID and

Password. When patient enters the

application will be ready for use.

3.03

Credit Card and Purchase Order Payment Abilities

Low

System will need to be able to accept

major credit cards and take purchase

order information from medical

facilities.

3.04

Database and Application Security

High

Implementation of advanced database

and application security is critical to

protect data.

3.05

Measurement variances by country - metrics vs. inches/feet etc.

High

Japan will enter different

measurements and we will need to

convert the data to the same

measurement standard to have

consistency in data that is collected.

3.06

Measurement ranges

High

PTI will establish what measurements

ranges are not within general ranges to

avoid capturing grossly incorrect

measurements entered by users.

Other Functional Requirements

TABLE 4

Other Functional Requirements

#

Requirement

Priority

Description

6.01

None at this time

n/a

n/a

Technical/Infrastructure Requirements

TABLE 5

Technical/Infrastructure Requirements

#

Requirement

Priority

Description

6.01

All authenticated users can access modules

High

via the Internet

6.02

Acceptable performance via dialup

High

connection

6.03

Internet Explorer 6.0 and above is

High

standard browser

Appendix B

General information will be entered into the system such as sex, race, age, height, weight, current diet, exercise habits, health status, and emotional well-being to open a new file. This will provide identification when updating files of specific clients, as well as create the ability to gather statistical data for market and medical research.

The software will begin with an option of three body-image questionnaires depending whether the client is a woman, man or adolescent. With permission, established questionnaires will be used in the software.

The software will be based on four images:

• 1) Actual
• 2) Perceived
• 3) Ideal
• 4) Realistic

The Actual, Perceived and Ideal Images will be utilized to determine a person's body dissatisfaction and distortion. These two terms are defined below:

Body Dissatisfaction: a discrepancy between a person's perceived image and their ideal image.

Body Distortion: a discrepancy between a person's actual image and their perceived image.

The person will have their front, side and back image scanned in to the computer using a digital camera. Before viewing their actual image, they will manipulate their Perceived and Ideal Images. For the person to determine their body distortion and dissatisfaction, they need a “neutral” image of themselves to manipulate. Their neutral image is created by minor automatic changes on certain areas of the body by the computer. For example, their thighs will be slightly smaller and their arms slightly larger. These automatic changes will be minimal so the person is not shocked when they see this “neutral” image. The neutral image will initially be blurred on the screen. It will be brought into focus with the minor changes. The blurred image will create the effect of the image being altered as it comes into focus.

The Perceived and Ideal Images will be manipulated individually with the front, side and back image appearing separately. The therapist/counselor and client will discuss their thoughts associated with each image by clicking the mouse and the image will alter in size a small increment. The image will be manipulated altering the circumference of specific body parts. For example, the upper part of the leg from the hip down to the knee would be one section. Then another section would be from the knee down to the foot. Often a participant has issues about certain body parts. This will allow the participant to discuss these areas separately.

When the Perceived and Ideal images have been created, they will be compared individually to the client's Actual Image. During comparison, there will be six images on the screen. The front, back and side view will be displayed for the Perceived or Ideal Image and their Actual Image. As a comprehensive view, the Perceived, Ideal and Actual Images of either the front, back or side view can be displayed showing the differences between the three images.

The measurements of distortion will not be in “inches” because the patient may focus about reaching a certain measurement instead of what is realistic for that individual. Statistics are not needed for these images because it is visual. The distance between a person's Actual Image and maximum point of distortion from the revised image will be preconfigured; for example, 1 through 5. There will be a separate table for level of distortion and dissatisfaction.

Showing the tables may disturb some people to see their level of distortion and dissatisfaction. The numbers and table will not appear with the images so the patient will not see the number and the corresponding explanation.

The therapist/counselor will have the option of creating a Realistic Goal Image with the patient. They can discuss issues while the patient and therapist/counselor create the Realistic Goal Image together. By clicking the mouse, they can manipulate various body parts for an overall Realistic Goal. It will be important to emphasize this Realistic Goal Image is not based on an individual's statistics. Its purpose will be for the therapist/counselor and client to have a “tool” to discuss and determine what is realistic and not what will actually occur over time.

For motivational purposes, the Realistic Goal Image will be created for a result that the client can obtain in a short period of time. By providing an intermediate goal instead of the final Realistic Image initially, it will greatly increase the chances of the client being successful creating positive motivation. For example, if a client needs to convert to a healthy lifestyle and a factor in that is losing inches, an intermediate goal will be more attainable that giving the client the total inches.

These images can be saved for tracking progress throughout treatment. A file will be created for each client if the client signs a release. The therapist/counselor will be able to make notes on each session along with the images.

By using a projector, an option is for the therapist/counselor can project the client's image on to the wall. This will create an image for the patient that is “life-like” making the images even more realistic. This can be a tremendous advantage for the person to be looking at themselves instead of a blank silhouette without their features and personality.

A database will be created to gather data captured from of this module. Companies, universities and medical centers will download profiles of clients and their statistics to the database. Most studies are based at a university or medical center and have a limited participant population. This will provide the opportunity to gather data on a large cross-section of the population through leveraging the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Optional Component(s): Dietary and exercise modules can be developed and customized for weight loss centers and fitness centers by PTI to serve the needs of individual clients.

Listed below are examples of data that can be extrapolated from the profiles and the benefits it offers. These examples are not scientific-based or supported by a specific university or medical research facility.

Determination: Pinpoint when peer pressure, media and society begin to affect an adolescent and their self-esteem and self-perception.

Data: Utilize the gender, age range and adolescent body-image questionnaire

Benefits: School programs can be developed to address these issues with adolescents at the correct age before they typically develop.

Determination: Whether African-American women/men accept their bodies more than Caucasian women/men.

Data: Utilize race, gender and body-image questionnaire results.

Benefits: Gain a further understanding on different cultures and the effects it has on self-perception.

Determination: Whether women become more comfortable with their bodies as they get older and how media and society affects their self-perception.

Data: Utilize age, gender and answers from certain questions in the body-image questionnaire.

Benefit: Further understand reasons why women's perceptions change at a certain age and focus on developing programs to support women in age ranges that are still highly impacted by media and society.

Determination: An individual's self-perception and the stage of an eating disorder.

Data: Utilize body-image questionnaire, gender, age, body images and notes from specific time frames of treatment.

Benefit: Gain a deeper understanding how body-image and eating disorders relate with one another. With a better understanding medical facilities will be able to more effectively treat these disorders.