Human support may also play a role in sustaining engagement with a weight loss app.20 If a user knows or perceives that another human can see all interactions with the app and perceive this supportive accountability to be beneficial, app engagement may be enhanced. In 2012, nearly 20% of smartphone users had at least one health-related app,19 and these numbers are expected to rise given the sharp increases in smartphone ownership seen over the last 5 years. As features develop and new capabilities are identified, we propose a conceptual model as a framework to guide the inclusion of features that can facilitate behavior change and lead to reductions in weight. The built-in features and the mechanisms by which they work vary across apps. Mobile applications supporting WL should be considered viable treatment options, and real-world observational studies should be used to gather evidence for treatment decisions for individuals with overweight and obesity. The WW app is not exceptionally flashy, but it does offer an easy-to-use interface and plenty of valuable activity tracking metrics.Naturally, a free app is likely to earn a 5-out-of-5 rating for value, and that is definitely the case with MyFitnessPal.It lets you schedule your eating windows, notifies you when eating windows open and close, lets you sync your data with the Apple Health app and Apple Watch, and provides a blog with tips on how to be healthier.Diabetes is not a child’s play, it is a serious health issue.The fatsecret app is your companion for successful weight loss.If you’re looking to lose weight, then BetterMe is the app for you. To ensure the selection of relevant and high-quality studies, the search terms also included keywords related to randomized clinical trials (“randomized,” “randomised,” and “control group”; Multimedia Appendix 2). However, challenges such as user engagement, data privacy, scientific validation, and integration into clinical practice highlight the need for balanced approaches and ongoing evaluation . In the United States, a national survey reported that 58.23% of the population uses mHealth apps . The global mHealth apps market will grow from US $8 billion in 2018 to US $111.1 billion by 2025 . Users can search for foods by name, brand, or category and the app will provide nutritional information such as calorie count, macronutrient breakdown, and serving size. In addition, participants mentioned that good usability can increase user engagement and adherence to weight management goals. Usability, according to experts 2 and 5, includes several elements, including the app’s design, navigation, feedback systems, and user interaction features. This one is for people who don’t care about how many steps they’ve taken or how much food they’ve eaten. Well, Weight Loss Tracker, BMI (confusing I know) offers the same featureset with a wider variety of themes. Give it a try if you find yourself forgetting to add foods you’ve eaten because you find the hassle of adding each individual item to a food log to be too much. Besides that, studies evaluating the efficacy of digital tools regarding health-related outcomes have proliferated. Although there are several approaches for a harmonized evaluation of apps, there are no standardized criteria available by now. At the same time, the market for apps and wearables is growing rapidly with almost no external (e.g., federal) regulations. Prior to randomization, participants were instructed to reduce caloric intake, to increase physical activity and received group counselling sessions for 6 months. Finally, no improvements on health (weight, blood pressure, and quality of life measures) were detected at 6 or 12 months . Among researchers, there is growing interest into the use of smartphones to deliver behavioral interventions for health because of their cost advantages, ubiquity, and portability 2,3. Given the magnitude of the epidemic, treatment strategies and interventions with long-term effectiveness and a wide reach are required to address this major public health concern. Advancements in mobile phone technology have led to the development of smartphones with the capability to run apps. This is one of the best apps to lose weight while working out at home. Google Fit will aggregate the data it collects from other apps, and award you for a job well done, with heart points. They can share management strategies with you and help you get to a comfortable weight safely. MyFitnessPal helps you track your daily calorie intake by subtracting the calories you eat to show how many you have left. Fooducate’s daily meal suggestions and behavior tips may make it easier for you to stick to your diet plan. You’ve probably heard of Fitbit devices for tracking steps. Additionally, DoFasting offers a 14-Day Money Back Guarantee if you don’t see results, giving you peace of mind as you invest in your health. This app carefully steers you through every stage of the process, providing support and guidance tailored to your unique needs. Most food has already been logged and entered, so all you need to do is search and add your serving size. Therefore, any inferences made based on the results of the secondary outcomes should be made with discretion. This is in contrast with previous systematic reviews on studies with follow-up time points of ≥2 years. This is consistent with existing systematic reviews 7-9, although the time points at which the analyzed data were retrieved were unclear. A summary of the outcomes reported in each study is reported in Multimedia Appendix 6 16-31. We will exclude duplicates (if an app is available for both iOS and Android operating systems, we will include the iOS version only) and apps that are not in English. This will include apps designed for any age group, from children to older adults. This will ensure that the apps being evaluated are the ones that are most used and will limit the number of apps to be evaluated. We will use the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols) guidelines to guide the search and selection of apps for evaluation. Happy Scale is an iPhone-exclusive app that is oriented around goal-setting for your weight. The primary downside is that the WW app is less versatile if you are following other (non-WW) diet programs. Tracking foods is super easy with the built-in barcode scanner, and unlike many competitors, it has a wide array of recipes that are both healthy and tasty. If you are following the WW diet program, the WW app should be your go-to choice, since it fits so well with the system. In the context of mobile applications, the term “platforms” refers to the different operating systems or mobile platforms on which the app is available such as iOS, Android, and Native. In addition, apps should be optimized for battery efficiency to minimize battery consumption and prolong device usage. In terms of responsiveness and speed, mobile applications should have fast and responsive performance to ensure a smooth user experience. "THERE'S AN APP for that" takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to weight loss. There are hundreds of crappy diet and fitness tools out there. Researchers found the combination of using a food diary and developing tailored goals were key in helping people lose weight. Weight loss is all about daily habits, and apps can be a great way to make sure you stay on top of those habits. The primary and secondary outcomes of this study were step count (physical activity) and body weight. Assessments of the impact of the intervention on physical activity and body weight were conducted at weeks and weeks from the start of the intervention. Before the intervention, an hour-long lecture on weight loss instruction and increasing physical activity was conducted once for both groups. Weight reduction due to app use was expected to be greater in males and in those with high baseline BMI and more frequent inputs for weight, exercise and dinner. Gender (male), younger age, higher baseline BMI, weight input frequency, breakfast and dinner input frequencies, breakfast, lunch and dinner calories, exercise input frequency and related calorie expenditure remained significant in the multivariate analysis. Interestingly, the rate of weight loss was faster in the yo-yo group than in the partial success group during the first 8 weeks (Appendix Table 4). Variables found to contribute to weight loss were then analyzed by multivariate linear regression. The individual variables contributing to weight loss were assessed using univariate linear regression. The application can analyze the user’s progress toward their weight loss or weight gain goals and send reminders or notifications to encourage adherence to their plan. Experts say that by analyzing historical data, data analytics can identify patterns and trends in a user’s weight management journey. This can be adding new features to the application, making it easier to use, or giving users more tools or support. Best Free Weight Loss Apps ( Learn more about nutrients in your diet and make better choices. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. Remember that you're planning to change your life. MyFitnessPal is still recommended for individuals who are just starting or want to track their calories accurately. It’s important to lose weight slowly and steadily if you want to keep it off for good. They can also teach you more about different ways of losing weight, such as keto and intermittent fasting. Remember that everyone loses weight at different rates, depending on their age, gender, starting weight, and lifestyle. Whole-body vibration may also have a role beyond sports and fitness. But comprehensive research about whole-body vibration is lacking. You may find a whole-body vibration machine at a local gym, or you can buy one for home use. During the app inspection, 3 of the selected apps were found to require in-app purchases to access the key functionality and thus were excluded from the study, leaving 17 apps for analysis.The findings of this study suggest that mobile app interventions appear to be feasible and acceptable for reducing weight, maintaining BMI, and increasing physical activity, although the overall effects might be relatively modest.These apps are designed to help keep you motivated, reduce stress, and support healthy habit-building while fostering a positive mindset for long-term success.Customer reviews say the program is effective, though some miss having a human coach and others say the app is prone to glitches.These apps represent a unique opportunity for young people (age range years), for whom mobile phones are an indispensable part of their everyday living.However, another study reported weak associations between behavioral components and the usability and effectiveness of smartphone apps for weight loss, suggesting the unclear role of behavioral components in similar apps .This will help you know the right diet to imbibe and the right exercises for you.Nevertheless, the weight loss derived from using smartphones remains limited in their current state and may only be useful for people with slight overweight.Renowned mobile app development company delivering user-engaging mobile applications for multiple industry verticals. However, it is important to acknowledge that the exclusion of many apps from this review could be considered a limitation, as our findings may not be generalizable to apps that require an immediate paid subscription or apps with a user score of Second, in alignment with prior research , only apps with free content and those with a user score of ≥4 out of 5 were considered for this review. Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that the apps were assessed after relatively short-term use, which may have concealed certain characteristics, such as those BCTs requiring extended use (eg, follow-up prompts). To our knowledge, no meta-analysis to date has assessed the efficacy of mobile phone apps to promote weight loss and increase physical activity. Public awareness of safety and the benefits of weight management and physical activity should be promoted, and more studies with a larger sample and longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the potential role of a mobile phone app intervention. The findings of this study suggest that mobile app interventions appear to be feasible and acceptable for reducing weight, maintaining BMI, and increasing physical activity, although the overall effects might be relatively modest. Third, we extended the sample size and characteristics, such as age, gender, geographic region, and features of the intervention, to evaluate mobile app efficacy for weight loss and increased physical activity. No statistically significant reduction in body weight is reported before 3 months, at 3 months, and between 9 and 12 months of follow-up (all PTable 2). Similar results were reported in other studies, such as Gemesi et al , which showed maintained weight reduction over time. The duration of the interventions ranged from 60 days to 12 months, with follow-ups from 4 weeks to 12 months. “Do you want the app to just track your fasting time? Look for apps that cater to your specific needs. Colleen Moltzen, RD, is a New York-based dietitian at Keatley MNT. Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, is a registered dietitian based in Sparta, New Jersey and the author of Belly Fat Diet For Dummies. All the developed evaluation elements were found at least once in iTunes and/or Google Play apps (see Figure 2).How do free weight loss apps integrate with wearable technology or smart devices?Self-monitoring combined with healthy weight guidelines provides an alternative solution to weight management .You can track your food manually, search their robust database or use the barcode scanner.The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study was the main origin of heterogeneity between studies.This review also observed that the outcomes of healthy eating and increased physical activity, which are key determinants of weight loss, tend to occur alongside improved self-efficacy for implementing healthy behaviors.Apparently, the search engine has considered the term “fat,” hence it retrieved those 2 apps in the search results.It is worth noting that interventions with a higher number of BCTs tend to be more effective . From fat to protein to carbs, access personalized nutrition charts and dashboards to get a complete picture of your health. Absolutely a game changer. By far the best macro and micronutrient tracker I've used. In all, 8 out of 11 studies (73%) showed that an app intervention improved dietary outcomes, with 5 studies 26,32,38,48,50 reporting concomitant within-group and between-groups differences, whereas Suen et al and Lee et al reported within-group differences. All studies included in this meta-analysis had an intervention period of 6 months or less. Moderation analysis suggested that study duration was not a significant moderator of intervention effects on weight, BMI, and waist circumference, with P values of .72, .67, and .69, respectively. Overall, the results for the non-RCT meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution because there were very few data points included in the analyses and the data from the studies included were highly variable. Among the 14 selected RCTs for the quantitative analysis, 9 (64%) reported a positive effect for the intervention on weight loss between the treatment arms 26,28-33,35,47. These common features in apps support several BCTs, including goal setting, reviewing behavioral goals, providing guidance, self-monitoring, and performance feedback. They also set up goal achievement reminders to motivate users by celebrating each successful weight loss goal. The 4 most commonly identified BCTs in apps targeting weight and PA in adults are goal setting, self-monitoring, providing instruction, and performance feedback 28,51. It also plays a role in where the body stores fat. Genes can contribute to an individual's chances of being overweight or obese too. Loss of muscle mass decreases how quickly the body uses calories. Women in the intervention group reported a greater increase in positive affect (i.e. mood) than those in the control group. Mobile phones using text messaging and monitoring have been shown to be useful additions to health programs. Flow chart of the study search and selection. We appreciate the time, patience, and insightful feedback provided by all participants in the expert review. It’s food and activity tracking made simple, with a twist. Like many of the other apps I covered, you can add food calories to your day that you earned via exercising… should you choose to. The app is free to download and has an extensive list of foods in its database, even popular restaurant menu items (like McDonald’s and Dominos). Happy Scale prides itself on visuals, breaking down your weight change into green and red areas displayed over 30 days. Characteristics of the Components of Both the Intervention and Control Arms Additionally, incorporating gamification elements, such as challenges or rewards, can enhance motivation and adherence to physical activity goals. Regular self-monitoring has been shown to improve adherence to healthy habits and facilitate behavior change. One important technique is goal setting, which involves helping users set specific and attainable goals related to their weight-loss journey. A recent study found that only 25 percent of the participants who used a commercial app during a 12-week study stuck with it. ” says Sherry Pagoto, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut who researches behavioral weight management and advises Fitbit. “People who are tracking their calories — and hitting their calorie goal — tend to lose weight. You also have to be consistent using apps. Track your diet and exercise in a journal or an app. Think of your goals on days when you don't feel like eating healthy foods or moving more. Make a list of reasons why weight loss is important to you. The top three most tempting foods were sweets (56.7%), chocolate (55.2%), and ice cream (50.7%); 24.4 and 19.3% of the participants were at risk of having anxiety and depression symptoms. Sociodemographic profile of the 271 participants with overweight and obesity. Two hundred eighty participants were recruited of which nine responses were voided as the participants were of a normal weight status (i.e., BMI 2). Correlation analysis and linear regression were conducted to describe the association between factors. Model fits were tested using maximum-likelihood generalized unweighted least squares. Notifications can also motivate users by sending encouraging messages or reminders of their progress toward their goals. This can assist users in maintaining accountability and preventing the forgetting of critical acts that are necessary for their success. Users may receive notifications to remind them to log their meals, monitor their progress, or finish other chores relevant to their weight reduction journey. By logging their meals and snacks, users can identify areas where they may be consuming too many calories or not getting enough of certain nutrients. Users may spot patterns and adjust as necessary by tracking what they eat and how much exercise they get. I put around 10 pounds on in 2019, but I kicked off 2020 with a renewed passion for weight loss and fitness. Choose the apps that best work with your lifestyle and wallet. "Most apps offer a free trial, so you can give it a road test before committing to the full month or year subscription," Sassos says. We look for apps that are user-friendly, contain up-to-date and effective information, are consistent in quality and are affordable. App Search Sometimes you just need your weight in black and white, and here's where Weightbot comes in. If you're looking for an app that acts as a supportive, well-wishing friend, rather than a calorie counter you'll love this. This one is aimed women, and it's all about motivating you to keep committed to losing weight. You then tell it what foods you like to eat and when and I'll build a menu for you and even makes a shopping list for you! This great app builds a personalised menu for you, taking into consideration how many calories you should be eating each day to reach your goal. As mentioned by experts, integration with other apps and devices was one of the most important factors in determining the effectiveness of weight management apps. Integration in a weight management mobile application refers to the ability of the app to connect with other devices or applications to enhance its functionality. Navigation typically includes a menu or toolbar that users can use to navigate between features such as tracking their meals, logging their exercise, or accessing their data dashboard. It can also help users overcome common barriers to weight loss, such as lack of motivation, time constraints, or confusion about how to track their progress. Unexpectedly, dietary calorie intake did not play a significant role in weight reduction, possibly because the food database embedded in apps may not accurately reflect the food calories entered by app users worldwide. Weight-loss mobile applications (apps) have the potential to be a helpful tool, but the extent to which they include the behavioral strategies included in evidence-based interventions is unknown. To our knowledge, this is the only meta-analysis that has performed a subgroup analysis based on the add-on interventions to mobile apps. Subgroup analysis integrating additional nonapp intervention components with the mobile app showed that use of the tracker and behavioral components resulted in the most significant weight loss of –3.77 kg (95% CI –4.05 to –3.49 kg) at 6 months. So, Fooducate comes with a food grading system with a large database to easily scan the food and know about its nutritional value. Moreover, the timer feature for the intermittent fasting app makes sure that you eat your diet according to the chart and at the right time of the day without skipping any meals. At the same time, the application can also be synced with other devices, software, and trackers like Fitbit, Apple Health, and more. Moreover, one can capture and upload a picture of a particular food to know the meal and the application will automatically detect the same. The application carries over 47 million dishes and food types that one can access to make smart food choices. Log your food manually, by searching their robust database, or taking a picture of your plate. Answer a few questions about you and your goals, and LoseIt will generate a personalized weight loss plan. There are many great features to make your calorie tracking easier. The app is fast and responsive. It’s also the best calorie app on Apple Watch. I’m actually obsessed with logging in my foods because Cronometer is just that good and fun. We encrypt all data, uphold industry best practices, and enforce strict access controls. We're proud to offer accurate nutrition information within a lock-tight framework to keep your data safe. Best for Diet Plans The combination of these factors can give you a clearer picture of your overall health than just a number on a scale. Or B vitamins, which many vegan and vegetarian diets lack. In other words, when you enter a food into Cronometer, you are given not just the amount of calories it contains… but the macro and micronutrients in the food. In fact, a team of experts reviews and corrects every entry before it is added to the public database. Once you’ve established a goal and start entering food, Cronometer uses science and algorithms to allot the proper calories, macro and micronutrients to your entries. Moreover, calorie counting has been described as troublesome and dislikable by users who prefer to have more motivational aspects in weight loss apps . Comparing the studies that reported mixed findings on weight loss at 18,20,21,25], which were not present in the remaining 2 studies that only included the food logging function and reported nonsignificant findings 17,24. However, another study reported weak associations between behavioral components and the usability and effectiveness of smartphone apps for weight loss, suggesting the unclear role of behavioral components in similar apps . Moreover, the actual effectiveness of such apps could be even lower considering that participants who stay throughout the interventions have a certain level of motivation to lose weight, potentially augmenting the results. The illustration also shows the subgroup analysis of the studies based on whether the control group received an app-based intervention. Even the top two apps include only 65 percent of the 20 strategies. A conceptual framework for adaptive preventive interventions. Handheld electronic technology for weight loss in overweight/obese adults. It provides detailed visuals that allow you to track your weight-loss progress and monitor your fasting without added stress. The app tracks your movement and sleep patterns to give you tips on how to improve the quality of your shuteye, Wickham says. That’s because, when it comes to weight loss, it’s about more than just calories in and calories out, says personal trainer Grayson Wickham, CSCS, the founder of Movement Vault. That’s where an app that tracks calories for you really comes in handy. Get a holistic view of your health The application of the evaluation framework required the individual downloading of the refined apps that resulted from stage 1—identifying apps. Thus, an Excel worksheet was used to apply the framework to the apps. Only the apps that met the 5 inclusion criteria were considered; all other apps were excluded. The description page of both stores includes a list of features the app offers, user ratings, customer reviews, and 1 to 4 screenshots of what the app looks like when downloaded. Of the 35 apps selected, 80% (28/35) provided only diet-related information, 60% (21/35) provided only PA-related information, and 46% (16/35) offered a combination of both types of information. After conducting a comprehensive search and screening of over 1000 apps, 35 were chosen for an in-depth evaluation in this study. Correlations between app quality, number of app features, and behavior change techniques. Of the 35 apps included, 10 were exclusive to iOS, 8 were exclusive to Android, and 17 apps were available on both platforms. You can use MyFitnessPal Premium as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. Food tracking uses a detailed and expansive database with hundreds of millions of entries. MyFitnessPal is a complete calorie counter that also helps keep track of your activity. Related article Best meal planning apps in 2026, tested by our editors “Weight loss and weight loss maintenance are supremely difficult and you may well need professional help.” Each diet plan is prepared by using your basic information like gender, age, weight, height, and activity level. As the name suggests, this application is all about looking at what you eat and making changes in your diet. The user can answer some questions for registering in the application after which the application asks for basic general information like age, sex, weight, and weight loss goals. The reliable food database comes built with the application so that you can ensure to take the right type of food in the right quantity. Be sure to check your wearable to determine if it is a device the app can sync with.Additionally, the expectation for mHealth interventions is to be able to achieve effectiveness in line with the traditional delivery of behavioral interventions.Grocery shopping can be time consuming and can trigger some unhealthy eating habits if you don’t have a plan going in.Current evidence is promising and continues to emerge on the potential of smartphone use within weight loss programs; yet research is unable to keep up with the rapidly improving smartphone technology.A review study published in 2015 noted that across multiple different studies, using an app-based dietary logging system led to more weight loss, lower caloric intake, and higher intake of fiber (7).In contrast, a group of studies considered counting the daily interaction with specific app components or features as a sign of adherence 29,34,38,61. In the following, the focus is on apps and wearable technologies (activity trackers) for the purpose of weight management. Of those, 20% use health apps, primarily focusing on smoking cessation, healthy diet, and weight loss . A study on the current weight management app market showed that apps lack in professional content expertise as well as in evidence-based online approaches . According to the World Health Organization (1), approximately 39 and 13% of the adult population worldwide were living with overweight and obesity, respectively. Only performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and the habit of using AI-assisted apps were significant predictors of intention. The developer, ABISHKKING LIMITED., indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Random effects models, which control for heterogeneity between studies, were used to fit the Hedges g scores. Any missing data or further information required was requested by email from the corresponding authors, with a follow-up reminder sent after 2 months. Studies were excluded if participants were reported to have eating disorders or mental health conditions, bariatric surgery, or were within the pregnancy or postpartum period. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized trials, or nonrandomized controlled trials (non-RCTs). Reference lists of the eligible studies and review articles were also manually searched for additional papers that warranted inclusion. If you’d prefer a weight loss app with available coaching for resistance training, we recommend subscribing to services like Future. Plus, I appreciate the vast food library that features a range of different meals and food items for easier logging. When sticking to a meal plan or monitoring your nutrition for the sake of weight loss, your macronutrient intake is one of the most vital components to track. To maintain engagement, perceived value of using the app needs to outweigh the burden. Engagement, past the point of the initial download, will be determined by a balance between both the perceived value and enjoyment of interacting with the app as well as the level of burden required. The effectiveness of an app depends on the amount of engagement, which could be operationalized in various ways including downloads, logins, and frequency or duration of use. Considering adults on average have approximately five eating episodes each day,18 it is highly likely that around each eating episode, an individual has either recently or will soon interact with his/her smartphone. Their app has daily classes that'll leave you toned, sculpted, and feeling great. The app will score each item — the ones with low scores aren't so great (and you'll get similar product recs to replace 'em with); the ones close to 100 belong in your cart. Use ShopWell to create a personal profile of your health goals (and all the details that come with them), then head to the store and start scanning barcodes. Although some of the studies used commercial apps, the study team developed most of them.Whether you want to lose a few pounds or make big changes, these apps can be a big help.These strategies include self-monitoring, goal-setting, healthy eating training, increasing physical activity, providing personalized and objective feedback, stress reduction, and problem solving .Losing weight is hard work, but keeping it off is just as difficult, if not more—for many people, the challenge with weight loss is not so much losing some initial weight, but keeping your weight from creeping back up after you shift to maintenance mode.You can also use it to track your walkouts. Lose It! – Calorie Counter A weight-loss plan with diet, exercise and drug therapy is generally considered successful if you lose about 1 pound (0.5 kilogram) a week during the first month. But the weight loss will likely be modest. If you or someone you care for has special dietary requirements, medical needs or an eating disorder, please seek advice from a registered healthcare professional. Download the free NHS Weight Loss Plan to help you start healthier eating habits, be more active, and start losing weight. Find out more about healthy eating when trying to lose weight. The accuracy of app energy intake calculations was further investigated by comparison with results from a 3-day weighed food record (WFR). For inter-rater reliability purposes, a second assessor provided ratings on 30% of the apps. However, current top-rated apps in this area have not been extensively evaluated in terms of scientific quality and behavioral theory evidence base. Pretty much all of those features are focused to help you keep track of your calorie intake. User Engagement and Weight Loss Facilitated by a Mobile App: Retrospective Review of Medical Records The app is a calorie counter and food diary app that tracks your macro, carb, and calorie intake. Whether it’s Keto, vegan, or any other named diet specialty, you can count on Lose It to help you identify a weight loss routine. Efforts to boost user-app interaction and provide more comprehensive, evidence-based information within apps are crucial. There is a need for further efforts in the future to enhance these apps to engage users effectively. Teixeira PJ, Silva MN, Mata J, Palmeira AL, Markland D. Motivation, self-determination, and long-term weight control. Obesity and overweight World Health Organisation. All authors provided substantial intellectual input to the work in line with ICMJE criteria for authorship and approved the final manuscript for publication. The main implication from the current evidence is that while the technology available now is useful, there remains considerable untapped potential in the area. There is also good overall satisfaction from consumers, and many believe they have benefited from the use of mHealth applications. The post hoc analyses were conducted in lieu of a more robust meta-regression approach given the dearth of quantifiable app engagement data. These were done as a preliminary assessment of the importance of app engagement levels on study outcomes because adherence to app use generally tails off after 2 to 3 months 8,11,42,43. Subsequently, subgroup analyses were conducted to analyze the effects of adding an app to usual care (intervention group) compared with usual care alone (control group). Additionally, privacy and security considerations should be integrated throughout the development process to ensure that user data is protected, and the application meets regulatory requirements. Additionally, online support functions should be designed with privacy and security considerations in mind to protect user data and ensure that users feel comfortable sharing personal information online. However, it is important to note that video live-stream features may not be suitable for everyone, and some users may prefer other forms of support or coaching. Additionally, wearable devices should be chosen based on the individual’s needs and preferences, as different devices have different features and capabilities. In other words, regular tracking via an app can make it more likely that you’ll hit your weight loss goals.You can even track your progress and hasten your goal.“I’ve used a handful of fitness apps and diet trackers, and the cost of WeightWatchers, to me, is more than justifiable,” states Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1.The ease of use category was considered one of the most important unrelated categories as it was in the user reviews of almost all the apps that gained high index score values.Pagoto S, Schneider K, Jojic M, DeBiasse M, Mann D. Evidence-based strategies in weight-loss mobile apps.These apps have useful visuals that help you see what you’ve accomplished in a given time period, says Dr. Wright. For the price of using the app it is a steal! There is even a scanner that scans the food label and you can find out how many points each food item is. The app is extremely user friendly in every way! We have transformed the lives of thousands of people by combining dietary changes with our superior ideal light therapy. By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men's health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. Most weight loss often occurs within the first 4 to 5 months, continuing more gradually over the first year before leveling off. During clinical trials, people lost about 2% to 3% of their starting body weight during the first 4 weeks. GoodRx Care Direct for weight loss helps you get GLP-1 medication at some of the lowest out-of-pocket prices available. Self-monitoring including tracking food and calorie intake can be done with the help of free weight loss apps. You also get the added benefit of tracking your body fat percentage, right in the app (a feature not available in many other weight loss apps, even those that connect to smart scales). As such, women will likely get more use out of weight loss apps that offer detailed analysis of micronutrients and specific food groups. Some nutrition researchers have been curious to see how well the current crop of weight loss apps stack up against evidence-based recommendations on what works for weight loss, which led to a 2011 study on currently-available apps (10). It was also apparent from our review that multifunctional, all-in-one apps were common among Asian interventions. Among the studies in our review that reported a significant difference in either between groups or within group for weight loss favoring the intervention or a greater likelihood among the intervention groups for clinically significant weight loss, most were multicomponent. It was unclear if single-component standalone app studies were efficacious for weight loss; however, supplementing usual care with an app seemed to be beneficial for enhancing weight loss compared with usual care alone. These statistics included number of daily log-ins ; meal, activity, or weight logging ; uploading of meal photos ; reading of messages ; frequency of app use ; interactivity with coaches 37,38; and number of questions asked and cumulative app use scores . Of the 9 studies reporting significant weight change, 3 (33%) studies did not find a significant improvement in diet 29,33,35, whereas the others did not report dietary outcomes 28,30,31,47. Secondary Outcomes Zero can be customized to track your fasting times, which means it works regardless of the type of IF plan you’re on (even if you’ve sort of made up your own schedule). The app is free, but you can also join Fastic PLUS for a one-month, three-month, six-month, or yearly membership—prices vary. It also tells you what your body is doing during your fast and offers a fasting timer and step counter, as well as connection with a large community of fellow fasters. The upgrade unlocks all IF plans, individual meal plans, challenges that help you build new habits, and nutrition and mood trackers. As mentioned by experts, studies found that users who received personalized coaching through the app lost significantly more weight than those who used a generic weight loss app. Users of MyFitnessPal can create their own specific goals for weight loss, keep track of their dietary consumption and exercise, and get recommendations and tailored feedback based on their results. Experts claim that personalized interventions with a high degree of personalization are more effective than generic ones at promoting weight loss and improving health outcomes. Customization of weight management mobile applications is an effective strategy for promoting weight loss success and improving user engagement and adherence to weight loss goals. The outcome of this study is a refined and improved framework that can serve as the basis for designing a mobile application focused on effective and long-lasting weight management. By making progress visible and tangible, apps can reinforce positive behaviors and support long-term adherence to weight-loss goals. This can be achieved through features like workout plans, step tracking, and personalized activity recommendations. Physical activity is a key component of weight loss and overall well-being. Nutrition plays a critical role in weight loss and overall health. Once you put in some basic information and your weight loss goals, Lose It! Each plan offers a selection of zero point foods… those they deem healthy and can be eaten in abundance. Weight Watchers found success in helping people to eat sensibly… as in a well-rounded diet, consisting of all food groups. You can scan labels to discover elements like added sugars, artificial sweeteners, MSG, food colorings, genetically modified organisms, additives, and preservatives. The app analyzes the information on product nutrition panels and ingredient lists. WW has also partnered with meditation and sleep app Headspace to bring you mindfulness and coaching. WEIGHT-LOSS COURSEOur weight loss course is designed to teach you how to build new healthy habits and help you achieve long-term success. Tired of yo-yo diets, confusing workout routines, and feeling like you're alone in your weight loss journey? Introducing Omo, the weight loss app designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals with ease! Overall, five studies were ranked as low risk and three studies were ranked as some concerns, mainly due to difficulties in randomization and blinding. Consequently, 40 citations were screened from titles, and 15 were considered not to be relevant after reading the titles and abstracts, and a total of 25 studies were screened by reading the full-text. The results of the bias assessments were considered in the interpretation of findings, particularly when synthesizing evidence from studies rated as having “some concerns” or methodological limitations. The search was restricted to studies written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals. Many fasting studies, although considered “short-term,” analyze fasting intervals that are much longer than those used in IF, so their results may not always be applicable . However, more research is still required about what metabolic changes IF brings about and how they affect body composition. Similarly, in a systematic review, Guerrero et al found that some studies showed a higher fat mass reduction with IF compared to that with regular energy restriction diets. Alternatively, those who were more motivated and successful in losing weight may have also appeared more active in the app. Including challenges and tracking of progress can bring a certain appeal and improve self-management with the app . This involves ensuring that the foods suggested are not only healthy and appropriate for weight management but also accessible and compatible with local food preferences. Indeed, many studies, including those by Unick et al and Al Naabi et al , have highlighted that while weight loss apps are often effective in the short term, the ability to maintain achieved results diminishes over time. This meta-analysis specifically aimed to investigate the effect of exclusive use of smartphone apps on body weight in individuals with uncomplicated overweight and obesity, comparing it with standard nutritional treatments or no treatment at all. Excessive weight puts extra pressure and strain on your heart thereby increasing your risks for heart disease. Fat or obese people have high risk of coming down with arthritis because the excess weight puts extra pressure on their joints and cartilage. This health condition causes pains, swellings, and reduced motions in your joints. One of the best ways to prevent this is to watch your weight. Diabetes is not a child’s play, it is a serious health issue. Many of them also have additional features, like sleep cycle and exercise tracking so you can take a holistic look at your lifestyle and make tweaks as needed. Weight-loss apps are handy tools if you’re looking to lose a few pounds (or more). If you’re curious how hypnotherapy may help support your weight-loss goals, it’s best to connect with a healthcare professional. “Look for an app with accountability features and social support for when you’re experiencing challenges.” Features that can make tracking easier include a “foods you eat frequently” option, barcode scanners, and recipe importers. “Studies show people who keep a food diary are more likely to hit their goals. We don't need to jump on some diet fad, but understand our goals and adjust our calories and macros to achieve those goals.” “My biggest realization with MyFitnessPal was being able to understand the food I ate ... “MyFitnessPal helped me gain muscle, get a 6-pack, and simply achieve all my body goals.” Of the 21 studies, only 1 study (5%) included a 4-week follow-up outcome measurement after the active intervention . The possible moderating effect of study duration was also tested using moderation analysis, after which the possible differences in intervention outcomes in studies conducted over 3 months or less versus studies lasting for longer than 3 months were assessed post hoc. A unique study identifier was assigned to each intervention-control pair included in the meta-analysis (Multimedia Appendix 4 25-41). This evaluation will be composed of an app search, app selection, data extraction, data analysis, and data synthesis. Experts have established a theory-based taxonomy of these BCTs to aid identification and evaluation of the key components of behavioral interventions . The authors of both reviews also examined the behavior change techniques (BCTs) that were incorporated in the apps. Finally, it is recommended that investigators monitor and address the low uptake of apps and attempt to enhance engagement level before using apps as part of national health strategies for reducing obesity. Cultural adaptation and offering the app in the native language of the users seem to be a priority in Asian apps. As stated by experts 1, 2 and 4, mobile apps, including those for weight management, must include this process to personalize the user experience, give users access to their data, and track their progress. The nutrition database function in a weight management mobile application can be designed to allow users to search for and track the nutritional content of various foods, including packaged foods and restaurant meals. A nutrition database function in a weight management mobile application refers to a feature that allows users to search for and track the nutritional content of foods. A weight management mobile app’s “activity tracker feature” is a function that enables users to monitor their physical activity, including steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burnt. A lifestyle tracker feature in a weight control mobile app is a tool that enables users to track several lifestyle elements in addition to tracking food consumption and physical activity, such as sleep, stress, and mood. To get an overview about quality seals, regulatory marks, and orientation aids, Albrecht et al. investigated the metadata (store descriptions) of “medicine” and “health and fitness” apps available at Apple’s German App Store . Additionally, there are also validated questionnaires available for the quality assessment of health (mobile rating app scale, MARS) and nutrition apps (app quality evaluation, AQEL) . Based on cited literature, the efficacy of apps and wearables on weight management is assessed. Although some intervention studies have already investigated the efficacy of aforementioned digital tools on weight management, there are no clear recommendations for its clinical and therapeutic use. Let's look at top weight loss apps in 2023. As, this can be unhealthy and lead to nutrient deficiencies. It also functions as a calorie calculator, helping to determine the calorie burn required for your weight goal. To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit (burn more calories than you consume). Use our search tool to find nutrition information on any food instantly. Curious about the calories and nutrition in your favorite foods? The effectiveness of mobile app usage in facilitating weight loss: An observational study A healthy and safe calorie deficit can help you lose weight, and logging what you eat in an app allows you to keep track of your daily calorie intake. If apps like Strava help motivate you to go on a run and log mileage, or if AllTrails encourages you to go on a rigorous hike, then that can be helpful in your weight loss journey. Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M., exercise physiologist and the owner of Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios, says he believes weight loss apps will only work if they teach you sustainable habits. However, simply tracking physical activity or following workout plans is not necessarily the end-all-be-all to losing weight. Even those without a history of disordered eating should stay mindful, and check in with themselves regularly about how they are feeling mentally and physically while using weight loss apps. Eating solid food may cause excess weight to return if you don't make smart food choices. Some studies find that consuming a higher than usual amount of protein in your diet may offer benefits. Zepbound, Eli Lilly’s injectable weight loss drug, showed weight loss of 21% on its highest dose, compared with 3% for those on a placebo. Eli Lilly’s orforglipron showed 11% weight loss over 72 weeks on its highest dose, compared with 2% for the placebo group. The injection showed weight loss of 15% in its key trial, versus 2% for placebo. If you need a little hand holding and have quite a bit of weight to lose, you may want to consider the apps that offer coaching and trainers like Noom or WW.Duplicate apps which were available on both the Android and iPhone platforms were selected for use only on the Android operating system.Moreover, age, gender, marital status, and education level were used as baseline variables, and mobile apps, email, etc were considered as study interventions (Table 2).Some research does show that whole-body vibration may help improve muscle strength and that it may help with weight loss when you also cut back on calories.The app uses smart tech, like a virtual nutritionist named Ria.Nutrition plays a critical role in weight loss and overall health.The app analyzes the information on product nutrition panels and ingredient lists.Features such as reminders, feedback, setting of goals, and availability of diet-related educational information allow mobile apps to be platforms that help maintain dietary interventions 15,16. Technology has many benefits nowadays and assistance with weight loss is definitely one of them. Is weight loss a side effect of the tablet Rosuvastatin? Moreover, apps can also provide feedback and celebrate milestones to further enhance motivation and engagement. These visual cues enable users to track their success, identify patterns, and stay motivated during challenging periods. Review Our knowledge of nutrition has come full circle, back to eating food that is as close as possible to the way nature made it. "I tell them the verdict is still out. Some studies support it, some studies don't." "But I think the data are pretty strong against significantly increasing red meat, and certainly processed meat, to get protein." All you have to do is to scan the barcode and it will tell you the grade of food and explain the grade. I would advise anyone not to hesitate in downloading this app. It has built-in nutrition information and this is helpful for people who need a specific diet plan or diabetic patients. You can configure two-factor authentication (2FA) using a TOTP app on mobile or desktop or via text message. "Patients come to me all the time asking if more protein will help them in weight loss," McManus says. For example, the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize the importance of eating healthier protein rich foods rather than concentrating on specific amounts of daily protein. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is a modest 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. Ask your health care provider for help getting started and staying on track. If you’ve started walking, cycling or running to lose weight, then you should definitely try out the Strava app. For losing weight, the 8fit Workouts & Meal Planner app is one to try. Not only does it offer meal plans that can help you to lose weight, but it also features more than 1,500 workouts! If you’re looking to lose weight, then BetterMe is the app for you. There are more than 27 million searchable food items in its comprehensive international food library database. Check out our top picks for the best sleep apps, the best workout apps and the best weight loss apps. In order to restrict caloric intake while staying healthy… users of the diet must track their vitamin, mineral, and protein intakes with great care. Cronometer is an app designed to not only track your caloric intake and exercise, but to make sure you are eating foods with enough nutrients to sustain you while dieting. The machine learning-based algorithms adaptively personalized goals that were attainable but difficult for users, as compared to the control group who got a standardized daily goal of 10,000 steps every day. One study assessed as the primary endpoint, the relative change in daily steps from run-in to the 10-week follow-up, measured objectively by the participants' iPhones. While in surveys, all participants express their desire to lose weight, not all of them are willing to put in the effort to make it happen (61). Here are some top picks for premium weight-loss apps. A weight-loss app is a tool that can help you reach weight goals, eat nutritious foods, and get more exercise. Weight loss mobile apps for android, such as Lose It! A free exercise app for weight loss can guide you through workouts at home. To lose weight, you have to trim that number of calories down; cutting out 250 to 500 calories each day may result in modest weight loss. This app makes it super easy to up your produce game thanks to its searchable archive of over 140 plant-based recipes, including 120 gluten-free options. Unlike similar apps on the market, this one stands out for its wide focus. Though you can't track calories on the app, it does offer nutrition guides from Nike Master Trainers, which include recipes and recovery tips, and the best part is the app is free. The flowchart of the participants included in this study is shown in Figure 1. Physical activity was assessed using step count and activity time based on the intensity levels. Physical activity was measured for 3 weeks at 1-minute epochs by using a triaxial accelerometer (Active Style Pro HJA- 750C) before and during the intervention (10-12 weeks and weeks, respectively). The body weights of the participants were measured with a body composition monitor to the nearest 50 g (BC-308, Tanita). Within the app, the number of steps taken and the rank in the group could be tracked and this information was shared with the smartphone app group. The weight loss mobile application that allowed users to customize their goals, preferences, and feedback messages made them more likely to use the app regularly and achieve their weight loss goals (15). Results from discussions provide solid information and feedback related to the main functions and features of sustainable mobile weight management applications. Also, experts declared that offering a web-based version of the mobile weight management application expands its accessibility beyond mobile devices. As stated by experts 2 and 4, an intuitive user interface is crucial for mobile weight management apps. This function in a mobile weight management application refers to the features and capabilities that optimize the application’s performance, usability, and user experience.