A new study by UMass Medical School clinical psychologist Sherry Pagoto, PhD, and colleagues that evaluates mobile weight loss apps is garnering headlines around the world.
The popular mobile apps are lacking in strategies to help users change their behavior, according to the study, published Oct. 8 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
“Apps do include evidence-based behavioral strategies, but only a narrow range,” Dr. Pagoto, associate professor of medicine, is quoted in the Daily Mail. “Strategies that often were missing are ones that help patients with adherence and motivation.”
Read the full media coverage below:
Phone apps for dieters 'lack motivational support and tips on changing behaviour'
Daily Mail – October 8, 2013
Evaluating mobile weight loss apps on use of evidence-based behavioral strategies
Medical Xpress – October 8, 2013
Diet Apps Don't Work For Weight Loss, Say Experts
Huffington Post UK – October 8, 2013
Mobile apps don't strategise weight-loss behavior
Health 24 – October 8, 2013
Diet apps 'fail to provide motivation'
Herald Scotland – October 8, 2013
Do weight-loss apps offer all that dieters need? Slim chance...
NBC News – October 8, 2013
Which Weight Loss Mobile App Should Doctors Recommend Most? Almost None Of Them
Huffington Post – October 8, 2013
Do weight loss apps work?
ABC Chicago – October 8, 2013
Dieting apps lack important weight loss supports and strategies (Video)
Examiner.com – October 8, 2013
Hungry for More: What Weight-Loss Apps Are Missing
Live Science – October 8, 2013
Hungry for more: What weight-loss apps are missing
Fox News – October 9, 2013
Evaluating Mobile Weight Loss Apps On Use of Evidence-Based Behavioral Strategies
Science Daily – October 8, 2013
