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Digital Weight Loss and Weight Management Apps Supporting Young Adults

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Digital Weight Loss and Weight Management Apps Supporting Young Adults

Jun 08, 2023

Promoting healthy eating habits among young adults is essential but often challenging due to various barriers and influences. Factors such as social circles, low-cost of unhealthy foods, lack of time and facilities, limited knowledge and skills, motivation, and emotional responses can significantly impact dietary choices. Addressing these challenges in a holistic manner, considering socio-demographic and psycho-social factors, holds promise for achieving positive outcomes. Leveraging digital health tools, including mobile apps, has emerged as a potential solution for monitoring, educating, and managing chronic conditions. In this blog post, we explore the use of digital health tools to support healthy eating and discuss their potential benefits and limitations.

Mobile apps for dieting and exercise gain popularity

Digital health tools, particularly mobile apps, have gained popularity for assisting individuals in improving their health through dietary modifications and exercise. While there is a vast number of health-related apps available, a critical review is necessary to ensure their quality and evidence-based features. Weight management apps constitute a significant portion of health-related apps, indicating the demand for support in this area (Langarizadeh et al., 2021).

Benefits of goal setting in a weight loss program

Early studies on commercially available weight loss/management apps highlighted their limitations, including a lack of evidence-based features and involvement of healthcare experts in the development process (Rivera et al., 2016). However, more recent reviews have shown promising results. A study focused on children and adolescents found that app usage aligned with the theory of planned behavior, suggesting that perceived support and positive attitudes from others contribute to increased participation in positive behaviors (Langarizadeh et al., 2021). Goal setting within the apps, aligned with social cognitive theory, also had a positive influence on behavior modification (Langarizadeh et al., 2021).

Sustainable and effective weight management with online support

In a study conducted in 2022, mobile app usage was found to contribute to sustainable weight loss and lower failure rates compared to in-office visits. The frequency and granularity of app usage, including the breakdown of the app into different modules, played a crucial role in achieving long-term sustainable weight modification (Kwon et al., 2022). This highlights the potential of mobile apps to support individuals in their weight control journey by providing regular engagement, tracking, and guidance.

Nutrition, diet and coaching – the need for expert involvement in digital APPS.

While the potential of digital health tools is promising, it is essential to critically evaluate the quality and evidence base of these apps. Involving healthcare experts in the development process can ensure the inclusion of evidence-based features and enhance their effectiveness in supporting healthy eating habits.

Mobile apps can support healthy eating habits.

Digital health tools, particularly mobile apps, have the potential to support healthy eating habits by providing monitoring, education, and motivation. They offer a convenient and accessible platform for individuals to track their progress, set goals, and receive guidance. Although early weight management apps had limitations, recent studies highlight their positive impact on behaviour modification, social support, and sustainable weight control. Critical evaluation and expert involvement are crucial in ensuring the quality and evidence-based nature of these tools. By harnessing the power of digital health, we can empower individuals to make healthier dietary choices and improve their overall well-being.

Everybody is unique | Every body is unique

A digital weight loss and management APP developed through evidence-based practical experience from a leading qualified and practising Nutritionist and Dietitian: Monique Etkind.

  • ME for Me is a unique APP developed to customise each health program to suit every individual. ME for Me is built for you.
  • Your goals. Your likes and dislikes when it comes to food taste. Your lifestyle. The online program is designed to suit you and to encourage you to achieve your health and weight goals.
  • Your online food buddy offering support and encouragement 24 hours a day. Personalised daily nutrition allowance (DNA).]
  • Monitoring your progress day by day and offers extra support and encouragement when you need it most. Daily coaching triggered by your diary.)
  • You can control what you eat. Through education and practical help with food plans, recipes and coaching you will quickly develop a healthy eating habit that will help you achieve your health and weight goals.

References for this blog:

  • Dounavi, K., & Tsoumani, O. (2019). Mobile health applications in weight management: A systematic literature review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 46(5), 583-600.
  • Langarizadeh, M., Tabatabaei, M. S., Tavakol, K., Naghipour, M., Rostami, A., & Moghbeli, F. (2021). Mobile health applications for weight management: A systematic review of features based on behaviour change theories

Download the ME for Me APP today. For a healthier tomorrow.

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