For those losing weight on-the-go, they need all the help they need to stay on track–and with smartphone weight loss apps, that journey couldn’t be easier.
But now a study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine says these apps may offer little incentive to desperate dieters.
“Apps do include evidence-based behavioral strategies, but only a narrow range,” says Sherry Pagoto, Ph.D., a University of Massachusetts Medical School behavior psychologist and lead author of the study. “Strategies that often were missing are ones that help patients with adherence and motivation. On the bright side, in terms of how apps are using technology, they’re doing some really interesting things.”
The Study’s Findings
Basing their evaluation based on 20 evidence-based behavioral strategies shown to improve weight loss odds, Pagoto and her team of researchers examined 30 of the most popular smartphone weight loss apps on the market, including MyNetDiary, and MyFitnessPal.
The study included both paid and free apps, but found that many apps fell short of including enough evidence-based strategies to be effective for dieters, regardless of its price.
For instance, most apps allowed people to set individual weight loss and calorie goals–but only 20 percent of these apps explained how many minutes they should exercise weekly or explained how to interpret nutritional labels on food containers. It also didn’t matter how expensive the app was, as paid apps included around the same amount of evidence-based strategies as free apps.
“Free apps were just as likely as paid apps to include evidence-based strategies,” says Pagoto. “That’s the good news for the consumer.”
As for which apps ranked best, all researchers agree: MyNetDiary, and its paid equivalent MyNetDiary PRO were the best apps for evidence-based weight loss. The popular app MyFitnessPal didn’t fare so well, however–which may disappoint some dieters.
A Possible App in the Future?
While Pagoto’s findings were intended to be utilized to examine the efficacy of weight loss apps, now her team of researchers are taking this research to a whole new level: By developing a new app.
Called SmartCoach, Pagoto plans to use evidence-based weight loss strategies to help people make healthful decision about their diet–such as developing strategies for fighting plummeting motivation levels.
“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,” says Pagoto.
While it may be a while before SmartCoach is developed, your best bet now probably is relying on tested apps such as MyNetDiary. But even for the highest ranked apps, their ability to incorporate evidence-based strategies aren’t good: Pagoto says these apps only utilize up to 65 percent of these strategies.
Readers: What are some of your favorite weight loss or fitness apps for the smartphone?
Sources:
Mobile Weight Loss Apps Not Good for Weight Loss – UmassMed.edu
Do Weight Loss Apps Offer Dieters a Good Way to Slim Down? – NBCNews.com
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