MINNEAPOLIS – Do fitness trackers really help you lose weight? With so many options from FitBit to Garmin to Apple or Amazon wearables, wearing a pedometer and heart monitor on our wrists has never been more popular. And, as a recent study from the University of Minnesota shows, these digital devices could be worth the money for people trying to shed a few pounds.
Around 2.5 billion adults worldwide are overweight or obese – with a BMI of at least 25 or 30. This increases the risk of a number of diseases that are responsible for 70% of deaths and 85% of health care costs in the US alone every year . Britain is known as the “Fat Man of Europe” with nearly two-thirds of adults being overweight or obese. More than a third are not getting the minimum recommended amount of exercise – 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. They are least likely to meet those who are overweight or obese, researchers say.
Therefore, investing in a fitness tracker could be exactly what the doctor ordered for weight loss.
“Portable fitness trackers are a convenient option for people who are overweight or obese and have weight-related illnesses. They allow users to stop and track physical activity and provide a constant reminder to get up and move – which promotes self-monitoring and self-regulation, ”says correspondent author Dr. Zan Gao in a statement from the South West News Service.
According to their research, fitness trackers help obese people lose pounds and reduce the risk of deadly diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. This is the first study to show that FitBit and other over-the-counter devices motivate those at risk to achieve their exercise goals.
Analysis of 2,268 people shows that losing just a few pounds can make a big difference. “It is clinically significant in that only a modest 5-10% reduction in body weight will reduce the health effects associated with related diseases,” says Dr. Gao.
The study used Data from 31 previous clinical studies. It specifically addresses the effects of fitness trackers on overweight and obese participants with related health conditions. These included various cancers, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
The gadgets included Fitbit, SenseWear bracelet, Jawbone, Polar Smartwatches, Samsung Charm, FitMeter and Withings Pulse – as well as wearable motion sensors. They were worn from four weeks to a year, with volunteers having to set and achieve goals. These were based on daily steps or achieving at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity – usually brisk walking.
All of the devices helped users lose weight and lower their BMI. Interventions of at least 12 weeks appeared to produce the best results.
Pedometers and accelerometers resulted in the greatest weight loss averaging 9 pounds 11 ounces. The commercial fitness trackers alone produced an average loss of 6 pounds. Both types resulted in an average BMI decrease of about 2. However, the counter and accelerometer achieved the largest average BMI decrease of 3.4 when combined with components such as advice or dietary changes.
“Research-quality pedometers and accelerometers are not open to the public,” adds Dr. Gao added. He advises doctors and other health practitioners to recommend that overweight and obese patients use fitness trackers as part of their treatment.
The results are in the. released British Sports Medicine Journal.
SWNS author Mark Waghorn contributed to this report.
