SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego-based company is conducting a study to see if constant text messages can help a person lose weight.

San Diegan Raymond Acosta wants to be fit and healthy, and he said sometimes he needs a little push. He said constant text messages have helped him stay on track.

"It's a reminder to keep me on my toes, as far as eating the right things and doing right things to stay active and fit," Acosta said.

Acosta was part of a two-month study where some of the participants received four text messages a day. The messages varied depending on each individual's nutrition, physical activity and eating habits, and sometimes they required a response.

Acosta said, "I'm an emotional eater, so I would get texts that would say tips that would keep me from being an emotional eater."

In 2008, 21.6 percent of people in San Diego County were considered obese.

Santech, the company behind the text messaging weight loss program received a federal grant to extend the study for a year.

Jennifer Shapiro, scientific director of Santech, said many of the people who participated have lost between 5-11 pounds in two months.

"People always have their cell phones on them, so constantly being reminded of healthy nutrition and healthy exercise and diet tips will help them stay on top of their weight," said Shapiro.

Acosta said it keeps him motivated and he hopes to continue getting messages so he can improve his lifestyle.

While he didn't lose any weight, he has changed his behaviors and plans on joining the program next year.

For information on the program, call Santech at 858-453-0695 or e-mail ckoro@santechhealth.com.