Health and fitness apps are used by millions worldwide for tracking calories, monitoring steps, and setting fitness goals. But recent research from Flinders University in Australia has raised concerns about their impact, especially for users prone to disordered eating or negative body image. The study, which reviewed 38 studies on the use of diet and fitness apps, suggests that regular app users may be more likely to develop harmful food and exercise habits.
Potential Harmful Effects of Fitness Apps
While health apps are marketed as tools for wellness, the research indicates they may actually exacerbate disordered eating and body image concerns. Young adults who use these apps regularly are found to have more disordered eating symptoms, such as restrictive diets, and are more likely to experience negative thoughts about their body image compared to those who don’t use them.
The research highlighted that diet apps often lead to harmful behaviors like dietary restraint, food preoccupation, and eating concerns. On the other hand, fitness apps were linked to compulsive exercise habits. When users download these apps for weight loss, they appear to have higher levels of disordered eating symptoms than those using the apps to improve their overall health or fitness.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
The findings underscore the risks for vulnerable individuals, especially those predisposed to eating disorders. For these users, apps focused on calorie counting and exercise tracking may encourage unhealthy obsessions with numbers, such as calories burned, steps taken, or weight. Sarah Squire from The Butterfly Foundation points out that these apps can be counterproductive for people recovering from eating disorders, as they might trigger harmful behaviors or reinforce existing issues.
Not All Users Are Affected the Same Way
The study emphasizes that the relationship between fitness app use and disordered eating is correlational rather than causal. Eating disorders are complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and social aspects. While apps may be a factor, they are not the sole cause of these conditions.
Calls for Regulation and More Research
Given the potential harms of these apps, experts are calling for greater regulation in the industry. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) does not currently regulate health and fitness apps, which are considered tools rather than medical products. Experts like Squire advocate for more research to understand the impact of these apps, especially for vulnerable populations. She also suggests that users should seek professional guidance from dietitians or exercise physiologists instead of relying solely on apps.
Conclusion
While health and fitness apps can offer benefits for some users, they may also have unintended consequences, particularly for those with a predisposition to eating disorders or body image concerns. The study encourages users to assess their relationship with these apps and be mindful of their mental health. If users feel guilt, shame, or negative comparisons when using these apps, they are urged to seek professional support.
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