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]
Does macronutrient tracking cause disordered eating?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Although it is possible to use nutrition trackers without developing disordered eating behaviors, there is a positive correlation between nutrition tracking and eating pathology. Research indicates that the motivation behind using the tracker, rather than the act of tracking itself, is what connects it to eating disorders.