Smartphone app called 'OnTrack' can predict ahead of time when users are likely to experience lapses in their weight loss plan and help them stay on track.
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‘New smartphone app called 'OnTrack' can predict ahead of time when users are likely to experience lapses in their weight loss plan and help them stay on track.’
According to a recent study, led by Evan Forman, Ph.D., a psychology professor in Drexel University's College of Arts and Sciences, a first-of-its-kind smartphone app called OnTrack can predict ahead of time when users are likely to lapse in their weight loss plan and help them stay on track. "Weight loss apps are exceptionally popular," said Forman. "However, very few people are successful at losing weight and keeping weight off, even with the help of these apps. The bottom line seems to be that it is extraordinarily difficult to stay on the weight loss plan."
People on weight loss plans often experience lapses, which can prevent successful weight loss or even lead to weight regain, according to Forman.
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OnTrack uses advanced statistical methods - machine learning - to learn over time a user's individual patterns of eating. Specifically, it learns patterns that are predictive of staying on one's weight loss plan and patterns that are predictive of lapsing from one's plan. When the algorithm detects the risk of lapsing is high, it sends a special coaching message that matches the reasons that someone is at risk. For example, the app can predict a person is eating late at night because of being bored at home with tempting food. The predictions get better over time as the app learns a user's behavioral patterns.
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Results showed the study was successful in three separate areas. First, participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the app. Second, OnTrack was successful at predicting lapse. Finally, over the course of the study, participants averaged a 3.13 percent weight loss and reduction in unplanned lapses.
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"Apps are particularly useful for predicting and preventing individual health behaviors. OnTrack could be utilized to facilitate greater success during self-directed weight loss attempts," said Forman.
Source-Eurekalert
