In today’s world, it’s easy to feel the pressure to be healthy or look a certain way. With the rise of weight loss apps, some children and teens are turning to their phones.
Weight loss apps are designed to help users track their calorie intake, exercise routines and weight. These apps often include features that allow users to log meals, set fitness goals and monitor their progress. Some popular weight loss apps include MyFitnessPal, Lose It! and Noom.
As a parent, you may wonder if these apps are a good choice for your child and if they’re safe for their mental and physical health.
James Evans, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with Banner – University Medicine, has worked with many children and families around issues of weight management and eating disorders. He offers valuable insight into how weight loss apps can impact kids and how to support your child in developing healthy habits without focusing on weight.
The risks of weight loss apps for kids
There are some risks to using weight loss apps, especially for children. Here are some important things to think about:
1. Unhealthy relationships with food and body image
Weight loss apps can make children focus too much on their weight and what they eat. They may start obsessing over counting calories or tracking every meal, which can lead to an unhealthy way of thinking about food and their bodies. Instead of seeing food as fuel for their bodies, they may see it as something to control or avoid.
“At this stage of development, children shouldn’t be focusing on weight loss or calorie counting,” Dr. Evans said. “Instead, they should be learning about healthy habits that support their growth and well-being.”
2. Risk of disordered eating
One of the biggest dangers of weight loss apps is that they can lead to eating disorders. Apps that track calories or weight may make kids fixate on food. Without guidance, this can turn into dangerous eating behaviors. Kids might start hiding their eating habits or avoiding meals altogether.
“Calorie counting apps, in particular, can trigger obsessive behaviors around food that lead to eating disorders,” Dr. Evans said. “An eating disorder is a disorder of secrets. These apps can become another place for kids to hide risky behaviors related to food, body or weight.”
3. Inaccurate information
Many weight loss apps are designed for adults, not children. This means the advice and recommendations may not be right for kids. Children need different nutrition than adults and these apps might not provide the right information.
“Some of these apps may give incorrect or not evidence-based information,” Dr. Evans said. “Without proper supervision, children may be exposed to misinformation that could have a negative impact on their well-being.”
Are there any benefits to weight loss apps for kids?
While weight loss apps come with risks, they can also be helpful in some cases. Dr. Evans points out that they may be useful for older kids and teens, especially when they focus on health instead of weight loss.
Some apps help kids track how much water they drink or set fitness goals. Others track how much energy they have or how well they sleep. When used correctly, these apps can help kids make better choices about their health and promote a positive relationship with their body.
“In our adolescent bariatric surgery population, these apps can be a tremendous resource for helping kids and families gain nutritional knowledge and stay accountable with goal setting,” Dr. Evans said. “They can be especially useful for kids with conditions like diabetes, where managing nutrition is important.”
How parents can ensure the safe use of weight loss apps
If you decide to let your child use a weight loss app, it’s important to make sure they’re using it safely. Dr. Evans shared some tips to help keep your child safe while using these apps:
1. Work with a professional
“Any journey towards weight loss with a child should always include professional guidance,” Dr. Evans said.
If your child is trying to improve their health or lose weight, work with a pediatrician, dietitian or psychologist. They can ensure that your child’s needs are being met.
2. Monitor the app
Monitor your child's use of the app. Dr. Evans suggests using apps that allow you to control some of the features.
“Make sure the application has parental controls,” Dr. Evans said. “This can protect your child from getting too focused on things like weight loss or calorie counting. The app must also comply with privacy laws and avoid data exploitation.”
3. Focus on non-scale goals
Encourage your child to set health goals, not weight goals. They could focus on things like getting stronger, sleeping better or having more energy.
4. Encourage healthy habits
There are other ways to help your child develop healthy habits outside of apps.
“Focus on family activities, like going for walks together, meal planning or cooking healthy meals as a family,” Dr. Evans said. “You can also encourage physical activity without making it all about losing weight.”
Should I be concerned about childhood obesity?
One-third of US children and adolescents are either overweight or obese. Obesity is a big issue facing kids today. However, one of the biggest issues is mental health concerns like depression. This is often related to self-esteem and body image issues.
If you are worried about your child’s growth and development, speak to your child’s health care provider, dietitian or psychologist.
Takeaway
Weight loss apps can be helpful tools but they also carry risks, especially for younger children. It’s important to ensure your child uses these apps safely and responsibly. Always seek professional help from their provider, a dietitian or a psychologist and monitor how your child uses the app.
Your child’s health is more than just a number on a scale. Encourage your child to focus on how they feel, how much energy they have and how strong they are. You can help them develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies by supporting them in building healthy habits.
