Researchers Warn Nutrition Apps' Streaks and Badges Can Reinforce Disordered Eating
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 30
Researchers Warn Nutrition Apps' Streaks and Badges Can Reinforce Disordered Eating
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 30
Summary
Psychologists studying apps such as MyFitnessPal and Noom say badges, streaks and nudges can push some users toward obsessive calorie tracking, body dysmorphia and other disordered eating behaviors.
Those risks grow when apps set unrealistic calorie targets or rely on inaccurate food databases, researchers said, turning missed goals into shame that can fuel binge eating or other harmful cycles.
Health professionals still see value in nutrition apps for meal planning and managing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and some users say reminders and rewards help them stick to fitness goals.
Researchers urged users to treat app advice skeptically, set sustainable goals and pay closer attention to body cues rather than weight targets or gamified prompts.