Adherence

Adding wearable technology for physical activity and diet monitoring to a standard behavioral weight loss intervention results in significantly less long-term weight loss compared to the standard intervention alone.

If you are trying to lose weight long-term, do not rely on a wearable device to do the heavy lifting. This study shows that adding a tracker to a standard weight loss program actually led to worse results than the program alone. Focus on the core behaviors: a sustainable calorie deficit, regular physical activity, and consistent support (like counseling or coaching). The device is optional and may not help; the behavioral change is essential.