Are digital tools healthy lifestyle allies?

The first week of the #FighterSummerChalenge challenge has passed! How’s it going? I hope that your motivation, strength and optimism stay with you! I wonder if you like to monitor your results on a regular basis? As it turns out, digital tools can provide valuable support in the fight against excess weight.

 

Monitoring your activity with digital tools helps you lose weight

According to a review by American scientists published in March this year in the journal Obesity, digital tools were helpful in self-control of the weight loss process in 74% of cases! This data looks promising, especially if we take into account the constantly developing market of new technologies. The respondents used various tools, with various websites and applications being the most popular.

In addition, it is pleasing that the effectiveness was at a similar, high level, regardless of what the participants of the research focused on: tracking body weight measurements, parameters of physical activity or the diet. The largest percentage of respondents (82%) decided to take measurements related to physical activity.

 

Paper diary or digital tools – what to choose?

An additional objective of this review was to compare the effectiveness of traditional methods used to monitor progress (e.g. recording weight changes in a paper diary) with digital tools (e.g. in an application). Digital tools turned out to be more effective for the majority of people (56%).

Scientists believe the success of digital solutions is primarily due to the growing popularity of this type of device over the last decade and the ease of use: they are portable, enable fast recording at any time of the day.

Are digital tools necessary for an effective weight loss process? Certainly not all of you will need them. There is no doubt, however, that applications or websites can significantly facilitate the monitoring of the achieved effects, which translates into greater motivation and willingness to continue.

 

It is worth a try

Some of you may choose a traditional notebook, but if you have already made similar attempts and have not been successful, I encourage you to use my application (you can download it HERE). It allows you to record body weight and measurements, as well as track hydration and check off your workouts on a calendar. You can check your notes at any time – you just need to have your phone with you! I know from my own experience that when we look at the steps taken so far, it is easier to stay on the way to the desired goal! ?

 

Bibliography:

Patel ML, Wakayama LN, Bennett GG. Self‐Monitoring via Digital Health in Weight Loss Interventions: A Systematic Review Among Adults with Overweight or Obesity. Obesity. 2021; 29(3): 478-499.