30 Seconds SummaryDiet Tracking and Disordered Eating: Which Comes First?
- The study investigated the effects of diet tracking via MyFitnessPal on mental health and eating behaviors among 200 female college students without eating disorders, finding no significant negative impacts.
- This randomized controlled trial did not show improvements in physical activity and other health behaviors despite tracking dietary intake.
- Definitions of disordered eating vary; the article adopts a definition focused on pathological dietary behaviors driven by negative psychological symptoms related to body image.
- Cross-sectional studies suggest an association between diet tracking and higher prevalence of eating disorders, though causation is not established.
- The study emphasizes that diet tracking did not increase eating disorder symptoms or deleterious mental health effects in a controlled setting.
- It raises questions about the effectiveness of diet apps in improving health behaviors and the potential risks for individuals with a predisposition to eating disorders.
- Authors suggest a cautious approach when recommending diet tracking, especially for individuals with past disordered eating behaviors or other vulnerabilities.
- The study underscores the importance of flexible diet approaches rather than rigid dietary restraint to avoid psychological distress or disordered eating.
Stronger By Science
Eric Trexler
