Ananova:

A robot dog has been invented that helps slimmers to lose weight.

The US-made dog can monitor diet, exercise levels and give a verdict on the owner's health.

The device is linked to bathroom scales so it knows the dieter's weight and keeps a diary where meals are logged.

If the user loses weight the dog will dance around, flash lights and play music reports The Sun.

Dr David Haslam, of the UK's National Obesity Forum said: "This is great fun but I think it'll catch on more in Beverley Hills than Britain."