Abstract: A method for monitoring food intake for an individual and providing an indication when the food intake exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, comprising the steps of monitoring the individual over a predetermined period of time in order to establish an empirical relationship for the individual between a change in at least one physiological variable and a rate and/or amount of food intake. Upon starting each meal, the change in each of the relevant physiological variables is measured so as to determine from the empirical relationship an estimated rate and/or amount of food intake. This permits calculation of a maximum eating time to intake the predetermined allowable amount for the individual, upon expiry of which an indication is given to stop eating.