Research from Flinders University proposes that apps and tools meant to track diet and exercise may cause problems for some users. The team, working alongside PhD candidate in clinical psychology, Isabella Anderberg, examined 38 studies on the topic. Their work found that frequent reliance on these apps can be linked to harmful thoughts about food, weight, and exercise.
Anderberg explains that calorie counting and strict targets could bring unintended outcomes. Young adults who used these apps often showed more unhealthy habits than those who did not. Individuals who already had worries about appearance seemed especially prone to negative patterns.
Researchers also found that many apps reward consistent usage. This setup can motivate people, though it can prompt obsessive attitudes around meal restriction and intense workouts.
Industry figures show that 311 million individuals globally used health apps in 2023. This means that very clearly, more of the world is beginning to use and rely on digital tools designed to monitor diet, workouts, and overall fitness.
What Makes Some Users Feel Guilt?
Frequent logging of every meal tends to create strong attention on hitting daily numeric goals. Missing a target can produce shame or a sense of failure. This burden may feed into extreme dieting or punishing exercise.
Social media aspects in some apps might also encourage risky patterns. People post workout milestones online and receive approval from others. Such reward cycles can merge app usage with self-worth, leading to a fixation on physique and weight loss.
One user suggested keeping calorie tracking to a short timeframe. That brief period can reveal hidden sugar sources or excessive portion sizes. Once a person learns more about typical meals, they might decide to remove the app altogether.
Are There Any Positive Outcomes?
A separate project from the University of South Australia and Flinders assessed data from thousands of participants. It uncovered gains for certain groups such as higher levels of physical activity and food choices.
It is true that some users find apps helpful. They feel more aware of daily intake and lifestyle habits, which can be beneficial when handled responsibly. Positive experiences often feature feeling motivated and maintaining a routine that helps people work towards their personal goals.
Professor Ivanka Prichard, who also worked on the Flinders analysis, stated that some people reported an increase in wellbeing. This involved mindful eating and a consistent exercise plan. She believes it depends on each person’s mindset at the outset.
In one instance, participants said they enjoyed logging steps to measure movement goals. That daily record gave reminders to stand up, stretch, or fit in brief walks. This method seemed effective for individuals who wanted a nudge toward more active habits.
What Should People Do?
Those who feel uneasy about their bodies or have a history of disordered eating might avoid tools meant for calorie restriction. Software warnings or prompts could assist high-risk individuals, pointing them toward safer methods and professional advice.
Anderberg’s team is collaborating with specialists in fitness, nutrition, and mental health. They intend to inform the public about possible hazards and advise professionals who might recommend such apps. Awareness could lead to better guidance for anyone who wants to adopt these tools.
Some individuals prefer a short trial, then stop once they grasp healthy eating. Others appreciate long term tracking. The main consideration is wellbeing. If an app leads to distress, it may be time to reconsider its roleRecent findings from Flinders University propose that mobile tools meant to track diet and exercise may cause problems for some users.
The team, working alongside PhD candidate in clinical psychology, Isabella Anderberg, examined 38 studies on the topic. Their work found that frequent reliance on these apps can be linked to harmful thoughts about food, weight, and exercise.
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Anderberg explains that calorie counting and strict targets could bring unintended outcomes. Young adults who used these apps often showed more unhealthy habits than those who did not. Individuals who already had worries about appearance seemed especially prone to negative patterns.
Researchers also found that many apps reward consistent usage. This setup can motivate people, though it can prompt obsessive attitudes around meal restriction and intense workouts.
Industry figures show that 311 million individuals globally used health apps in 2023. That trend points to growing enthusiasm for digital tools designed to monitor diet, workouts, and overall fitness.
What Makes Some Users Feel Guilt?
Personal accounts reveal the mental strain tied to these apps. For example, Adelaide resident, Chad DiMauro, tried calorie-counting for two days and felt overwhelmed. He decided it required excessive mental effort.
Frequent logging of every meal tends to create strong attention on hitting daily numeric goals. Missing a target can produce shame or a sense of failure. This burden may feed into extreme dieting or punishing exercise.
Anderberg points out that social media aspects in some apps might also encourage risky patterns. People post workout milestones online and receive approval from others. Such reward cycles can merge app usage with self-worth, leading to a fixation on physique and weight loss.
One user suggested keeping calorie tracking to a short timeframe. That brief period can reveal hidden sugar sources or excessive portion sizes. Once a person learns more about typical meals, they might decide to remove the app altogether.
Are There Any Positive Outcomes?
A separate project from the University of South Australia and Flinders assessed data from thousands of participants. It uncovered gains for certain groups such as higher levels of physical activity and food choices.
Anderberg acknowledges that some users find apps helpful. They feel more aware of daily intake and lifestyle habits, which can be beneficial when handled responsibly. Positive experiences often feature feeling motivated and maintaining a routine that supports personal objectives.
Professor Ivanka Prichard, who also worked on the Flinders analysis, stated that some people reported a boost in wellbeing. This involved mindful eating and a consistent exercise plan. She believes it depends on each person’s mindset at the outset.
In one instance, participants said they enjoyed logging steps to measure movement goals. That daily record offered gentle reminders to stand up, stretch, or fit in brief walks. This method seemed effective for individuals who wanted motivation toward more active habits.
What Should People Do?
Those who feel uneasy about their bodies or have a history of disordered eating might avoid tools that promote calorie restriction. Software warnings or prompts could assist high-risk individuals, pointing them toward safer methods and professional advice.
Anderberg’s team is working with specialists in fitness, nutrition, and mental health. They intend to inform the public about possible hazards and advise professionals who might recommend such apps. Awareness could lead to better guidance for anyone who wants to adopt these tools.
Some individuals prefer a short trial, then stop once they grasp healthy eating. Others appreciate long-term tracking. The main consideration is wellbeing. If an app leads to distress, it may be time to reconsider having it installed.
