New research from Flinders University uncovers a troubling connection between the use of health and fitness apps and disordered eating behaviors. The study highlights the need for app developers to prioritize mental health alongside fitness.
With an increasing number of people turning to health and fitness apps to meet their New Year resolutions, new research from Flinders University raises red flags about the potential negative consequences of these tools. The study, published in the journal Body Image, explores the concerning relationship between the use of these apps and disordered eating, body image issues and excessive exercise.
“Diet and fitness apps are marketed as tools to improve health; however, they may also have unintended negative consequences, such as creating pressure to meet goals, concerns about body image as well as provoking feelings of guilt if goals aren’t achieved,” first author Isabella Anderberg, a doctoral student in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, said in a news release.
The researchers reviewed 38 studies, focusing on the growing trend of young adults using apps like MyFitnessPal to track their meals, calories and exercise routines. With approximately 311 million people using health apps globally, the study found that regular users were more likely to exhibit problematic behaviors related to food and exercise.
“We found that young adults who use diet and fitness apps have greater disordered eating symptoms, such as harmful or restrictive diets, and have negative thoughts about body image when compared to those that don’t use them,” Anderberg added.
The research indicated that the strong emphasis on dietary restriction and weight loss within these apps might exacerbate harmful behaviors, especially among individuals with pre-existing weight or body image concerns. While some users reported positive outcomes, such as increased awareness and motivation, the overall impact on mental health remains a crucial consideration.
“While some users reported positive experiences, such as increased awareness and motivation, the broader implications for mental health need careful consideration, especially among vulnerable populations like adolescents,” Anderberg added.
Senior author Ivanka Prichard, an associate professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, emphasized the importance of integrating mental health priorities into fitness app designs.
“Our findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy body image and exercise behaviors among young adults, and of being aware of the potential risks associated with the use of diet and fitness apps and for users to approach them with a focus on improving their health,” Prichard said in the news release.
As health technology continues to evolve, the need for ongoing research to balance the benefits and risks of these apps is clear.
“In a growing world of technology, studies like this are important in shaping future research to provide the best health and self-management information via apps to the wider population,” Prichard added.
The research team suggests that future app development must prioritize the psychological impacts alongside physical fitness goals to mitigate any unintended consequences.
“As self-monitoring technology evolves and new diet and fitness apps are released, it is crucial that research continues to explore potential benefits and any unintended consequences connected to their use,” Anderberg concluded.