Adherence
Popular commercial weight management apps that incorporate evidence-based behavior change techniques (specifically goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback) along with semi-automated tracking features demonstrate significantly higher app quality, engagement, and information quality than those lacking these features.
When choosing a weight management app, prioritize those that offer semi-automated tracking (like barcode scanners or device syncing) and explicitly include behavior change techniques like goal setting and self-monitoring. These features are correlated with higher app quality and engagement, whereas apps that rely solely on aesthetics or manual entry may lack the necessary content for effective behavior change.
Apps that used change techniques previously associated with effectiveness (i.e., goal setting, self-monitoring and feedback) also had better “information quality”.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional content analysis of app features, not a clinical trial measuring weight loss outcomes.
Source
A review and content analysis of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information quality, and change techniques in the most popular commercial apps for weight management
Marco Bardus et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2016
DOI 10.1186/s12966-016-0359-9
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →