About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

How Effective are Mobile Weight Loss Apps?

by Savitha C Muppala on October 10, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Font : A-A+

 How Effective are Mobile Weight Loss Apps?

In a new study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, UMass Medical School behavioral psychologist and weight loss expert Sherry Pagoto, PhD, and colleagues find that mobile apps to help people lose weight are lacking when it comes to strategies for changing behaviors.

"Apps do include evidence-based behavioral strategies, but only a narrow range," said Dr. Pagoto, associate professor of medicine at UMass Medical School. "Strategies that often were missing are ones that help patients with adherence and motivation." In the study "Evidence-based strategies in weight-loss mobile apps," published online Oct. 8, Pagoto and colleagues rated 30 of the most popular mobile weight-loss apps on the market for inclusion of 20 evidence-based behavioral strategies. Most of the apps evaluated include few or no behavioral weight-loss strategies—28 out of 30 included only 25 percent of the strategies or less.

Advertisement

Even the top two apps include only 65 percent of the 20 strategies. Behavioral weight-loss strategies that are evidence-based—meaning they have been scientifically researched and found to be effective—include stimulus willpower control, problem solving, stress reduction and relapse prevention. The 20 strategies that the study rated are those in the Centers for Disease Control's evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Plan, designed to help participants make modest behavior changes in order to lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight. Pagoto's team was also interested in determining whether apps incorporate technology features to enhance behavioral strategies.

"On the bright side, in terms of how apps are using technology, they're doing some really interesting things," Pagoto noted. Enhancements include barcode scanners that can be used in a supermarket to instantly get products' nutritional information; social networks where users can encourage and support each other; email and text reminders; and calendars for scheduling exercise and tracking food intake. The researchers' final question was "Do you get what you pay for?" "The answer is no," said Pagoto. "Free apps were just as likely as paid apps to include evidence-based strategies. That's the good news for the consumer." The two top-rated apps, according to the study, are MyNetDiary PRO ($3.99,) and MyNetDiary (free.) "Where we're hoping the next generation of apps can do better is in incorporating some of those strategies that help the user who might not be so good about entering their diet every day and staying on track with their goals," Pagoto concluded.

Source: Eurekalert
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Weight Loss

 Calorie Counting Vs Satiety: What to Focus for Weight Loss
A new study compared the effect of calorie counting vs approaches on satiety/satiation on achieving healthier body fat composition among primary care patients.
 Feeling Hungry? Looking at Pictures of Food on Phone Might Satisfy Your Appetite
New study disentangles general and (sensory-) specific eating desires, as well as considers the moderating influence of visual and flavor stimulus variety.
Want to Lose Weight? Say 'No' to Non-sugar Sweeteners
Do non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) reduce obesity and diabetes risk? Here's why you should avoid sugar substitutes for weight loss.
Are Workplace Weight Loss Interventions Effective
Are you suffering from obesity? Are looking for weight loss interventions? Don't worry; losing weight is easy with a new workplace lifestyle intervention.
Do Hormones Affect Your Weight
Do hormones play a role in weight management? Yes, hormones can help you gain weight as well as lose weight. Check out six hormones that affect your weight.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

How Effective are Mobile Weight Loss Apps? Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests