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That Fun Nutrition App May Also Have a Dark Side
Newser • • health
Key Points:
- Psychologist Isabella Anderberg warns that calorie-tracking apps can reinforce behaviors linked to body dysmorphia and disordered eating, advising users to approach these tools with caution.
- Health professionals acknowledge that such apps can be beneficial for meal planning in managing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and physical-activity apps help encourage regular movement.
- Many users find motivational features like streak notifications enjoyable and helpful in maintaining healthy habits.
- Behavioral psychologist Courtney Simpson criticizes some apps for promoting unrealistically low calorie goals, which can lead to unhealthy behaviors and feelings of shame, potentially triggering binge eating.
- Simpson emphasizes that while gamification is not inherently negative, its value depends on whether it promotes genuinely beneficial and healthy behaviors.
