Body image is associated with weight loss or weight gain. When an individual gains or loses weight, the body shape changes. While health benefits weight gain or weight loss are closely linked with the extent of weight change, it is important to study the initial weight loss and monitor the trend in changes. Digital health technology involves the application of electronic tools that can be successfully utilized for self-monitoring of physical activity, weight, and diet. The apps provide feedback for loss maintenance efforts. The use of apps and other online trackers such as wearable technology for self-monitoring of weight to regulate health behaviors is now common. As these technologies gain popularity, there has been questions about their impact on the users. Goldstein, Thomas, Wing, and Bond (2017) carried out an investigation to determine whether self-monitoring technology has played a significant role among those who have successfully maintained their weight loss. The participants not only used calorie, food, or counter apps but also used weight monitoring apps. The researchers found out that the participants regulated their diet behaviour based on the tracking data. Their results suggest that people who want to maintain their weight loss program successfully can benefit a lot from self-monitoring technology. Many people are often advised to maintain a specific diet program to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The presence of tools to support their healthy lifestyle is, therefore, necessary for them. Certain dietary modifications can be implemented based on information obtained from smartphone apps. Ipjian and Johnson (2017) contend that the use of smartphone applications have a huge impact on the implementation of healthy lifestyle advice. In their investigation, they found out that participants who had used smartphone apps managed to regulate their sodium intake successfully. The results of these investigations suggest that calorie counting has an impact on the body shape of a student.
References
Goldstein, C. M., Thomas, J. G., Wing, R. R., & Bond, D. S. (2017). Successful Weight Loss Maintainers Use Health‐Tracking Smartphone Applications More Than a Nationally‐Representative Sample: Comparison of the National Weight Control Registry to Pew Tracking for Health. Obesity Science & Practice. Retrieved from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/osp4.102/pdf
Ipjian, M. L., & Johnston, C. S. (2017). Smartphone technology facilitates dietary change in healthy adults. Nutrition, 33, 343-347.
