It is possible to use nutrition trackers without developing disordered eating behaviors.[1] However, there is a positive correlation between nutrition tracking and eating pathology, and participants in some observational studies have reported that use of a nutrition tracker contributed to their eating disorder. Most research suggests that it’s the reason for using the tracker — not simply the tracking itself — that links nutrient tracking to eating pathologies.[2][3][4]
References
- ^Samantha L Hahn, Niko Kaciroti, Daniel Eisenberg, Heidi M Weeks, Katherine W Bauer, Kendrin R SonnevilleIntroducing Dietary Self-Monitoring to Undergraduate Women via a Calorie Counting App Has No Effect on Mental Health or Health Behaviors: Results From a Randomized Controlled TrialJ Acad Nutr Diet.(2021 Aug 19)
- ^Courtney C Simpson, Suzanne E MazzeoCalorie Counting and Fitness Tracking Technology: Associations With Eating Disorder SymptomatologyEat Behav.(2017 Aug)
- ^Levinson CA, Fewell L, Brosof LCMy Fitness Pal calorie tracker usage in the eating disorders.Eat Behav.(2017-Dec)
- ^Omiwole M, Richardson C, Huniewicz P, Dettmer E, Paslakis GReview of Mindfulness-Related Interventions to Modify Eating Behaviors in Adolescents.Nutrients.(2019-Dec-02)