Health & Fitness Apps Linked to Anxiety, Disordered Eating, New Research Finds
Reliance on diet and fitness apps, despite their surging popularity, may be contributing to negative mental health outcomes and even disordered eating habits, according to research published today.
A study led by Dr. Paulina Bondaronek, a research fellow in behavioural science at University College London, analyzed nearly 60,000 posts across social media platforms relating to popular apps like MyFitnessPal, Strava, and WW. Researchers used AI models to identify 13,799 posts containing negative sentiments, ranging from frustration with app functionality to feelings of shame and self-loathing related to food logging and unmet goals. Many users reported feeling “pestered” by notifications and experiencing anxiety over slow progress toward algorithm-generated targets. This comes as global downloads of diet and fitness apps reached 3.6 billion last year, with the UK market projected to be worth £982 million by 2033 – highlighting the scale of potential impact.
The findings echo a review of 38 studies conducted earlier this year by Flinders University in Australia, which raised concerns about increasing numbers of users developing obsessive behaviors and disordered eating patterns. Isabella Anderberg, a researcher involved in the Australian study, noted that “The focus on dietary restriction and weight loss in these apps may feed into restrictive or excessive behaviours, raising concerns for those people who have pre-existing concerns about their weight or body image.” Dr. Bondaronek emphasized the lack of regulation in the wellness app market, stating, “Many health apps are still based on very crude metrics, which is concerning,” and that algorithms often lack the personalization needed for accurate recommendations. For more information on healthy eating habits, visit the National Health Service website.
Researchers also cautioned against the accuracy of certain app features, such as calorie tracking and “cycle syncing” for menstrual health. Alex Ruani, a nutrition researcher at University College London, pointed out that dietary record apps often overestimate or underestimate intake, and should be used as “rough guides, not gospel.” Furthermore, apps offering diet and exercise advice based on menstrual cycles were deemed scientifically unsound. The study builds on previous research into the potential downsides of self-tracking, such as sleep trackers exacerbating anxiety.
Dr. Bondaronek stated that the aim of the research is not to discredit wellness apps, but to raise awareness of potential negative side effects and encourage a more balanced approach to health and fitness. Officials recommend prioritizing social connection and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals when setting health goals.
