Abstract
Little is known about how much smartphone apps for weight control adhere to evidence-informed practices. The aim of this study
was to review and summarize the content of available weight control apps. Information on content, user rating, and price was
extracted from iTunes on September 25, 2009. Apps (n = 204) were coded for adherence to 13 evidence-informed practices for weight control. Latent class analysis was used to identify
subgroups of apps based on endorsement practices. Only a small percentage of apps had five or more of the 13 practices (15%).
Latent class analysis revealed three main types of apps: diet, physical activity, and weight journals (19%); dietary advice
and journals (34%); and weight trackers (46%). User ratings were not associated with apps from these three classes. Many apps
have insufficient evidence-informed content. Research is needed that seeks to develop, improve, and evaluate these apps.
was to review and summarize the content of available weight control apps. Information on content, user rating, and price was
extracted from iTunes on September 25, 2009. Apps (n = 204) were coded for adherence to 13 evidence-informed practices for weight control. Latent class analysis was used to identify
subgroups of apps based on endorsement practices. Only a small percentage of apps had five or more of the 13 practices (15%).
Latent class analysis revealed three main types of apps: diet, physical activity, and weight journals (19%); dietary advice
and journals (34%); and weight trackers (46%). User ratings were not associated with apps from these three classes. Many apps
have insufficient evidence-informed content. Research is needed that seeks to develop, improve, and evaluate these apps.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s13142-011-0076-5
- Authors
- Emily R Breton, The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC, USA
- Bernard F Fuemmeler, Department of Community and Family Medicine and Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University Medical Center, Box 104006, Rm. 633, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Lorien C Abroms, The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC, USA
- Journal Translational Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1613-9860
- Print ISSN 1869-6716