Do Weight Loss Apps Work?
Want to lose weight?
In fact, because you know what gets measured is what gets managed, do you want to track the number of calories you consume? The number of calories you burn via exercise? How many steps you take? Your hydration levels? How much sleep you’re getting and the quality of it?
Well, there’s an app for that!
In fact, there are many, many mobile and web-based applications that are now available that can help with weight loss and lifestyle management by way of one or more of those desired features. Further, some apps offer daily reminders for motivation, provide access to online communities of fellow dieters for support, and have the ability to sync with other health and fitness devices for more robust tracking.
Now, I know what you’re thinking…
Can an app really help you lose weight?
The answer is yes, research has found that apps can be effective tools for weight loss. That, however, is so long as the person using the app keeps in mind that it’s simply a tool and won’t be everything that’s needed to achieve their goal. Another thing found by research is that active engagement is tied to efficacy, which means consistently logging meals, for example, is required for success.
Now, having found out that apps do indeed work, I know what else you’re thinking…
With all the apps out there and all of their features, how do you know which ones are the best?
Well, first of all, there is no “best”. There’s only what’s best for you. As for how you go about finding what’s best for you, go to your phone’s app store and run a search for a food tracking app, for example. Once a list pops up of all the available food tracking apps, read the description of what’s included in the free version of each app and then download whatever one has features that you feel can help you make healthy changes toward your weight loss goal. Once the app is downloaded, play around with it for a while. If you find the app’s features to be what you need and the user experience is friendly, then congrats, you’ve found an app that’s right for you. If the app doesn’t meet those criteria, then repeat the process with the rest of the apps from the search results. The same process applies to web platforms, of which a search engine can be used to find sites that boost self-monitoring behavior, among other features that can help you manage your weight and lifestyle.
Glossary: calories, exercise, fitness, goal, motivation
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