Use of Smartphone App Fooducate to Promote Weight Loss & Dietary Changes

C. Zirrith, M. Bowman, E. Cieslewicz, A. Demage, MS, RDN, LD

Aramark Distance Learning Dietetic Internship
ABSTRACT

METHODOLOGY

DISCUSSION

With the increasing popularity of technology and smartphones there is a potential new
resource for weight loss. A smartphone app that provides the necessary resources for
weight loss can be a convenient and enjoyable method. To increase knowledge on this
topic a specific smartphone app was chosen to evaluate its resources and determine if
the app promotes weight loss and encourages healthy lifestyle choices that correspond
with the 2015 Dietary Guidelines. The researchers assessed the use of smartphone app,
Fooducate, for self-monitoring dietary intake amongst healthy adults (25-64 years) with a
BMI of 25 or greater. Participants completed a FFQ pre-experimental trial, mid trial, and
post trial. A sample of 6 participants were chosen through a convenience sample to track
their dietary intake on smartphone app Fooducate for a four week trial. Dietary tracking
and weight loss were compared. An average of 4.075 pounds and 0.6 kg/M2 BMI was
lost among participants. An average increase in fruits and vegetable intake was
observed. Limitations to the study include a small participation rate with <70%
participation as well as using a convenience sample which could bring biased results.
Fooducate is an acceptable and feasible method of self-monitoring dietary log that can
promote weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices in accordance with the 2015 Dietary
Guidelines. A longer experimental trial with a greater sample size would be beneficial to
see the effects the app has on its users over a longer period of time within a larger
subject group.

A cohort study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the smartphone application Fooducate regarding weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices. Participants of
the study included overweight individuals with a BMI of at least 25 kg/M2 who are otherwise healthy. Any participants who were pregnant or trying to become pregnant
or had comorbidities or any medical condition in which weight loss could be dangerous were excluded. Each participant must have a smartphone and access to a
weight scale. Participants must also be physically able to grocery shop. Participants were initially given paperwork to sign at the pre-trial meeting and received training
on how to download and use the Fooducate application. After the initial meeting, two check-ins were held with participants throughout the study. A list of objectives
achieved at each meeting with participants is given below.

INTRODUCTION
The popularity of mobile smartphones and applications have created new methods to
connect, communicate, and deliver information to its users at the tip of their finger. Health
and fitness smartphone apps are growing substantially in popularity. It is important to
assure that such apps are appropriate for use as well as to determine if the use of apps
is efficient in assisting users to lose weight and make healthier lifestyle choices. Current
and future registered dietitians have the responsibility to keep current with these trends
Studying the different characteristics that apps possess that motivate people to follow
through with lifestyle changes as opposed to other conventional methods is also
essential. One in particular, Fooducate, is intended to aid its users in losing weight and
keeping the weight off by not just dieting but changing the way one eats.
The app includes daily tips from Fooducate to help make healthier food
choices and exercise suggestions.
The app also allows users to connect with each other by posting their own tips
and success stories, as well as their own recipes for meals and snacks.
It is anticipated that each participant will have the opportunity to use each feature of the
app to determine ways to change unhealthy eating and exercise habits, resulting in
weight loss.

RESULTS

Initial

Mid-Point

Final

Obtain anthropometric measurements

Discuss weight loss goals

Sign consent form

Complete tutorial of Fooducate app

Complete NHANES Food Frequency

Questionnaire

App instructions given

Address questions/concerns

Does the use of Fooducate, a free downloadable smartphone app for monitoring food
intake and exercise, provide the user with ample resources to modify their lifestyle to
meet the 2015 dietary guidelines criteria and ultimately promote weight loss?

Obtain dietary changes

This chart clearly showcases the decrease in average BMI that occurred
throughout the study

For Future Research

Prolonged study would allow effectiveness to be determined more
accurately to see if participants stick with the app
Use a randomized trial rather than convenience sample
Increase sample size so that the results may be generalized to population

CONCLUSION

Average overall weight loss: -4.075 lbs

Average overall decrease in BMI: -0.6 kg/M ( 28.8 kg/m2 28.2 kg/m2)
Average overall increase in fruit and vegetable intake: +1.5 cups/day

RESEARCH QUESTION

Data reported from participants were compared to pre-study anthropometrics, FFQs, and the 2015 Dietary Guidelines.

With increasing technology, it is important for RDs to stay up to date on current

weight loss apps
These apps can be used as a tool to assist clients or patients with weight loss
BMIs & FFQs were used to determine the effectiveness of one app in
particular, Fooducate
Limitations
Small sample size
Convenience sample
Short time frame
Relies on participant to be truthful

Study showed that Fooducate used over a one month period may result in
weight loss and dietary changes in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines
Despite small sample size, all participants had positive results at the
conclusion of the study
This study is just a small snapshot of the possibilities of healthy lifestyle
changes influenced by the use of phone apps
Future studies will delve further into the validity of these results and help
determine whether or not apps should remain a trend in nutrition

Subject
Initials

Initial
average
daily intake

Half way
average
daily intake

Ending
average
daily intake

PT

2 cups

2-3 cups

3-4 cups

MP

1 cup

1-2 cups

2 cups

CONTACT INFORMATION

AC

2 cups

3 cups

4 cups

For additional information, please contact:

JB

1-2 cups

2-3 cups

2-4 cups

Average # of
cups

1.63 cups

2.38 cups

3.13 cups

Zirrith-Chelsea @Aramark.com
Bowman-Mackenzie@Aramark.com
Ciewlewicz- Elise@Aramark.com

This table presents each participants daily vegetable

intake as it changes over the duration of the study

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