Studies have shown that motorists are likelier to avoid accidents and violations when they are reminded to do so. A simple traffic sign instructing drivers to slow down or to stay in their lane has been shown to have a very high rate of success. This psychological concept can be adapted, and has been adapted, to weight loss efforts with equal success.

Kelley Davis had difficulty losing weight, so she decided to create a bracelet to help her do so. Called the PoundPuncher, the bracelet has a movable button that indicates how much weight a user has lost. The numbers range from 2-10 lbs., and users are advised to go back to the start after reaching 10 lbs. if their weight loss target is more than that.

The device helped Davis whenever she had an urge to eat food during irregular times. It reminded her of her weight loss goals, and motivated her not to indulge her ill-timed cravings.

Another useful tactic is to use e-mail reminders. Research done by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine shows that these reminders can have a big effect on behaviour.

Users received e-mails encouraging them to eat fruit and vegetables or to get some exercise. The alerts proved successful, with users following the instructions more often that not than their counterparts who did not receive the e-mail alerts.