Is Your Fitness Tracker Fueling Disordered Eating? What Young Adults Need to Know

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"A new study reveals the potential dark side of monitoring eating and activity, especially among young adults. Are tracking apps doing more harm than good?"

In today's world, fitness trackers and food monitoring apps are everywhere. They promise to help us achieve our health goals by providing detailed insights into our activity levels and dietary habits. While these tools can be incredibly useful for some, a growing body of research is uncovering a potential downside, particularly for young adults.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders sheds light on the complex relationship between the use of these monitoring tools and disordered eating patterns, compulsive exercise, and overall wellbeing in young adults. The researchers aimed to explore whether using these apps and devices might inadvertently contribute to unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns.

This article breaks down the key findings of the study, explores the potential risks associated with tracking apps, and offers guidance on how to use these tools in a healthy and balanced way. We'll delve into who might be most vulnerable and what motivations could signal a higher risk of developing disordered eating habits.

The Link Between Monitoring and Disordered Eating: Key Research Findings

Fitness tracker reflecting a distorted body image.

The study, conducted with 352 young adults, revealed some concerning trends. Participants who used activity and food intake monitoring tools reported significantly higher scores on measures of compulsive exercise and eating psychopathology compared to those who didn't use such tools. This suggests a potential association between tracking behaviors and unhealthy attitudes towards eating and exercise.

Here's a closer look at the specific findings:

Higher Scores: Users of monitoring tools had elevated scores on the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET) and the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), indicating a greater tendency towards compulsive exercise and disordered eating patterns.
Frequency Matters: The more frequently participants used activity monitoring tools, the higher their scores on both the CET and EDE-Q. This suggests a dose-response relationship, where increased tracking is associated with increased risk.
Motivation is Key: Participants who used monitoring tools primarily to manage their weight and shape exhibited higher levels of eating and compulsive exercise psychopathology than those who used the tools to improve their health and fitness.

The study highlights that those who are primarily focused on weight and shape when using these tools may be more vulnerable to developing unhealthy obsessions and behaviors. It's important to understand why you're using these apps and devices and to be mindful of your motivations.

Using Monitoring Tools Responsibly: Tips for a Healthy Relationship with Tracking

The findings of this study don't mean you should ditch your fitness tracker altogether. Instead, it's a call for greater awareness and mindful use. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy relationship with these tools:

<ul><li>Focus on Overall Wellbeing: Shift your focus from just weight and shape to overall health and wellbeing. Use the tools to track progress towards fitness goals, healthy eating habits, and improved energy levels.</li><li>Be Mindful of Your Motivations: Ask yourself why you're using these apps. If you find yourself becoming overly focused on numbers and restrictions, take a break.</li><li>Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness. Don't let the app dictate what or how much you should eat.</li><li>Seek Support: If you're struggling with disordered eating thoughts or behaviors, reach out to a healthcare professional or therapist.</li></ul>

Ultimately, the key is to use these tools as a means to support your health journey, not as a source of stress and anxiety. By understanding the potential risks and adopting a mindful approach, you can harness the power of technology to achieve your health goals without compromising your wellbeing.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/eat.22966, Alternate LINK

Title: Monitoring Eating And Activity: Links With Disordered Eating, Compulsive Exercise, And General Wellbeing Among Young Adults

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: International Journal of Eating Disorders

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Carolyn R. Plateau, Sarah Bone, Emily Lanning, Caroline Meyer

Published: 2018-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What did the study investigate?

The study examined the connection between using fitness trackers and diet apps with disordered eating behaviors, especially among young adults. These tools, while intended to improve health, can sometimes lead to negative outcomes. The focus was on understanding how tracking activity and food intake might be linked to unhealthy attitudes towards eating and exercise, rather than improving overall health. The study's key finding revealed a correlation between tracking and disordered eating and compulsive exercise, suggesting that the use of these tools could inadvertently contribute to unhealthy behaviors.

What were the main findings of the study?

The study, conducted with 352 young adults, found that individuals who used activity and food intake monitoring tools showed higher scores on tests measuring compulsive exercise and eating psychopathology. The Compulsive Exercise Test (CET) and the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) were used to assess these behaviors. Higher scores on these tests indicated a greater tendency toward compulsive exercise and disordered eating patterns. The research suggests a potential association between tracking behaviors and unhealthy attitudes towards eating and exercise. The frequency of monitoring also played a role, as more frequent use of activity monitoring tools correlated with higher scores on both the CET and EDE-Q. Moreover, the motivation behind using these tools significantly impacted the results; those focused on weight and shape exhibited higher levels of eating and compulsive exercise psychopathology.

What are the potential risks associated with using fitness trackers and diet apps?

The use of fitness trackers and diet apps can present risks for young adults. One key risk involves the potential development of disordered eating patterns and compulsive exercise. The study found that those who used these tools, particularly for weight and shape management, were more susceptible to these unhealthy behaviors. Excessive focus on numbers, such as steps taken or calories consumed, can lead to obsessions and anxiety. This can create a negative relationship with food and exercise, where these activities are driven by a desire to meet specific metrics rather than overall health and wellbeing. The use of fitness trackers and diet apps may be associated with compulsive exercise, eating psychopathology, and unhealthy attitudes toward food and activity.

Does the study suggest that people should stop using fitness trackers and diet apps?

The findings of the study do not necessarily suggest that you should immediately stop using your fitness tracker or diet apps. Instead, the research highlights the importance of mindful usage and awareness. It's crucial to understand your motivations for using these tools. If your primary goal is weight and shape management, it's essential to reassess this focus and ensure that your approach to these tools supports overall health and wellbeing. Consider using these apps to enhance health and fitness. Be aware of your mental and emotional responses to the data. If the tracking leads to stress, anxiety, or obsessive thoughts, you should reevaluate your approach and consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance.

What steps can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with using fitness trackers and diet apps?

The study did not cover specific solutions to avoid the negative implications of using fitness trackers and diet apps. However, the findings encourage greater awareness and mindful use. The key takeaway is the importance of understanding your motivations for using such tools. Prioritizing overall health, fitness, and mental well-being over weight and shape is essential. Consider using the tools for general fitness improvements. Be aware of your mental and emotional responses to the data. You could also seek advice from healthcare professionals or registered dietitians. They can offer personalized guidance to foster a balanced and healthy relationship with these technologies.