Fitness trackers are not only commonly used by health conscious individuals but also by overweight and obese people. The widespread use of this wearable technology is largely due to its features that provide users valuable information about their weight loss progress. Manufacturers predict that the demand for these types of gadgets will continue to rise worldwide. In fact, at the end of 2016, the estimated sale for smart watches and activity trackers will reach up to 10 million. But a recent study may affect its popularity and may shun people to use the gadget to aid them in their weight loss regimen.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburg conducted a 2-year study about the benefits or effects of fitness trackers on weight loss. Their study revealed that these gadgets may not provide the positive weight loss benefits that the users expect. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared the effectiveness of a wearable technology weight loss intervention with standard weight loss strategies. It aims to determine which approach would result in greater weight loss.

Lower Weight Loss Rate for Fitness Tracker Users

The results, which were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), showed that participants who were given fitness trackers have lower weight loss results as compared to those who continued with their dieting and regular exercise. Volunteers who wore the fitness trackers only lost about 8lb or 3.6kg while those in the standard behavioral intervention group lost an average of 13lb or 5.9kg. The latter group also recorded a greater amount of lost body fat.

All the participants followed a low-calorie diet, an exercise plan, and given regular group counseling sessions. The weight loss progress of each participant was recorded every six month.

The lead researcher, Dr John Jakicic, told the media that the result could be due to the tendency of people to use these gadgets for a while but then lose interest with time as the gadget wears off. They suggest that devices that monitor and provide feedback on physical activity may not offer an advantage over standard behavioral weight loss approaches.

However, the findings are not conclusive since there are other factors that may have affected the weight loss results. Some of the factors seen by the experts are the age and gender of the participants. Most of the volunteers were young adults and composed mainly of women. They also noted that the wearable technology was only introduced to the group after the sixth month of the study. So these factors may have affected or changed the results of the study.

Is It Time to Dump Your Fitness Tracker?

With its great features and other valuable functions, a fitness tracker will serve as your guide to achieving your dream body. But again, do not just rely on this gadget. It is still best to seek professional help to guide you in every stage of your weight loss regimen. You have to follow a carefully planned weight loss program, which may include low calorie diet, regular exercise, and taking medications for obesity. If you will add weight loss medications, always consult your doctor. A health care professional knows the type of drug that will best suit your condition. He or she may prescribe metabolism boosters, fat burners, appetite suppressants, or combo-drugs to ensure excellent results. Just don’t forget to ask your doctor about Phentermine. Millions have already benefited from this anti-obesity drug even before the proliferation of the much-hyped fitness trackers.