Short answer: probably not.
A recent study in the journal Obesity examined whether people who used a weight-loss application on their cell phone for two years lost more weight than those who didn't. Researchers divided 365 participants, ages 18 to 35, into three groups: one that used a weight-loss app, one that had a personal coach, plus the weight-loss app and a control group that had neither.
The smartphone app used included goal setting, challenge games and social support through a “buddy system.” Those with a personal coach used the app as a self-monitoring tool — tracking weight, dietary intake and physical activity.
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Researchers found that the first two groups didn’t experience any significant weight loss compared with their control group counterparts.
Finding a reliable way to help people change their behaviors and lose weight is critical in the ongoing battle against obesity in America.
Roughly 35 percent of young adults (age 18-35) are obese. And weight gain in early adulthood is linked to developing cardiovascular disease and other health problems as people age.
