Kids sometimes look as if they're glued to their cell phones. If they could only complete their homework as quickly as they can send text messages, they'd really be set. Even better: Maybe text messaging could also help them lose weight.

Researchers are actually questioning if text messaging could become a weight management tool. We already know that keeping a journal of weight loss or other health-related goals is a tried and true method. However, many people can't stick to journaling for the long-term because it can become tedious. A recent study followed three groups -- one that monitored health goals through text messaging, one that kept a paper journal, and one that didn't self-monitor progress at all. The study included children (ages 5-13) and their parents. The group reporting progress via text message had a lower attrition rate and had significantly greater adherence to self-monitoring.

I think keeping track of weight loss progress through text messaging is a great idea -- it's convenient and it could offer instant feedback. However, I question whether it's a good idea for children and teens. Weight loss is obviously the primary goal when a child or teen is obese, but another goal must be protecting/correcting the child's relationship with food and bolstering their self-esteem. Will reporting their progress through text messaging be motivating or demeaning? What do you think?

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No need for an expensive trainer to motivate you in your fitness goals. A pedometer might be all you need.

Pedometers prompted a group of overweight folks in one University of Michigan study to move 20 to 40 minutes longer than those who didn't wear one. That's 2,000 to 4,000 more steps or an extra one to two miles, based on a three-mph walk. Logic has it that self-monitoring is too hard -- we tend to think we've walked longer than we have, for example. But watching a pedometer gives us the cold, hard facts on how many miles we've logged. Consider a pedometer a personal trainer you can wear.

I don't personally have a pedometer but I use my treadmill to chart much of my success. When I'm beginning to wind down my workout, I'll push myself if I see I'm just short of an accomplishment. If my three mile run has me completing, say, 30 minutes, I'll challenge myself to squeak in another two laps -- that's a half a mile and a whole lot more than I'd conquer if I was running outdoors, unaware of how my pursuits were adding up.

Are you a pedometer person?

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