I joined Weight Watchers (best $150 I´ve ever spent). I´m 5´8" and was weighing 172 lbs. I lost 20 lbs over two months. 25 pounds total. You´ve got to watch what you are eating. I was a weekend hiker and every day dog walker. I agree, exercise is only a small part of losing weight. Do exercise because it makes you feel better.
2
I'm curious, do any of you look forward to working out, not as a chore but as a reward to give you a feeling of well-being? Or do you see exercise as something that must be done like paying taxes?
There are some forms of exercise I do not prefer such as running, hard on the joints or bowling, wasn't ever good at it. The point is what form of exercise really turns you on, makes you look forward to it, plan a time to enjoy it. That's what will make exercise be an experience that will motivate you to increase your bodies potential.
I found that weight training anaerobic gave me the impetus to increase my physical performance, to challenge myself (now withing reason) to gain strength.
Aerobically I use a bicycle and a Me-Mover which is similar to a stepping machine that takes you places, both require physical motion, one requires an increase in energy to propel it, the Me-Mover, more challenging than a stationary machine because it compels motivation, especially if you are on a trail on a windy day and you are on the last leg of a 20+ mile ride. You will complete the trip or stay where you are, compelling motivation.
If you put yourself in these circumstances, an electronic device may be superfluous.
There are some forms of exercise I do not prefer such as running, hard on the joints or bowling, wasn't ever good at it. The point is what form of exercise really turns you on, makes you look forward to it, plan a time to enjoy it. That's what will make exercise be an experience that will motivate you to increase your bodies potential.
I found that weight training anaerobic gave me the impetus to increase my physical performance, to challenge myself (now withing reason) to gain strength.
Aerobically I use a bicycle and a Me-Mover which is similar to a stepping machine that takes you places, both require physical motion, one requires an increase in energy to propel it, the Me-Mover, more challenging than a stationary machine because it compels motivation, especially if you are on a trail on a windy day and you are on the last leg of a 20+ mile ride. You will complete the trip or stay where you are, compelling motivation.
If you put yourself in these circumstances, an electronic device may be superfluous.
3
I love it and look forward to my gym/exercise time all day, as well as the way it makes me feel! This is exactly what I was thinking.... When it gets to moments before, I do have a bit of nervousness because I know there will be discomfort at some point, but when it happens I actually enjoy that kind of pain... I find the fitness trackers to simply help me more easily track/manage the tasks I already plan on performing. It's an organizational tool rather than a motivator, at least for me.
The more I read the research studies and the following comments I realize we are describing what works for us, may not work for others. These devices are designed to give us information on our bodies performance, but first, we must perform, that is the most important criteria.
To perform, you must have a desire, something must happen to motivate that desire, some reward. To many, the initial results are not desirable, some feel discomfort, not conducive to motivate desire, so they avoid future performance.
To those I say, you must invest the time for your rewards, there are many, too many to go into here.
I look forward to an emotional reward when I exercise, difficult to describe in words, something you must feel. It happens when your body is expending energy at or near its peak potential, your breathing becomes subdued, some call it the second wind, your body takes over, you're are along for the ride.
How I get there is a personal preference, mine is a Me-Mover, you can choose your own. I didn't make the jump to that experience the first day I rode the Me-Mover, I had to invest the time and energy to acclimate myself, it's that investment that pays great dividends, it's that investment that gives you the results only your body can communicate that emotional reward which I find difficult to describe.
To perform, you must have a desire, something must happen to motivate that desire, some reward. To many, the initial results are not desirable, some feel discomfort, not conducive to motivate desire, so they avoid future performance.
To those I say, you must invest the time for your rewards, there are many, too many to go into here.
I look forward to an emotional reward when I exercise, difficult to describe in words, something you must feel. It happens when your body is expending energy at or near its peak potential, your breathing becomes subdued, some call it the second wind, your body takes over, you're are along for the ride.
How I get there is a personal preference, mine is a Me-Mover, you can choose your own. I didn't make the jump to that experience the first day I rode the Me-Mover, I had to invest the time and energy to acclimate myself, it's that investment that pays great dividends, it's that investment that gives you the results only your body can communicate that emotional reward which I find difficult to describe.
Many studies on fitness and losing weight, yet we all know what to do, what not to do, but for many of us it's difficult, we're conditioned by habit, such as walking down the sugar isles when food shopping, we know why don't we?
The consumption of certain foods make us gain weight, the amount of food is important based on our calorie needs, calories in, calories out. But we are conditioned to maintain our lifestyle.
Change is difficult, change for many is non-sequitur, but change we must if we believe in the noble cause of enhancing our bodies with what is demanded, commonsense nutrition, along with the proper amount of physical motion.
Now comes devices to help us measure the bodies use of energy, time spent, etc. gadgets to interest us, to motivate us, makes you wonder how did early man ever survive without these measurements.
It's all about motivation, you either have it or not so much, you know. You either want to do what your body requires or make excuses. Find your motivation, search, if devices are needed, go for it, but use them.
I found various motivations, weight training, riding self-powered vehicles not too gimmicky, but motivational, both give satisfaction, both satisfy needs. For example, when I'm riding my Me-Mover to a turn around point, I must use my energy to get back home, my motivation. When I lift a weight, I must do reps, finish, then secure the weight, and repeat sets, my motivation.
Find yours, for your bodies sake.
The consumption of certain foods make us gain weight, the amount of food is important based on our calorie needs, calories in, calories out. But we are conditioned to maintain our lifestyle.
Change is difficult, change for many is non-sequitur, but change we must if we believe in the noble cause of enhancing our bodies with what is demanded, commonsense nutrition, along with the proper amount of physical motion.
Now comes devices to help us measure the bodies use of energy, time spent, etc. gadgets to interest us, to motivate us, makes you wonder how did early man ever survive without these measurements.
It's all about motivation, you either have it or not so much, you know. You either want to do what your body requires or make excuses. Find your motivation, search, if devices are needed, go for it, but use them.
I found various motivations, weight training, riding self-powered vehicles not too gimmicky, but motivational, both give satisfaction, both satisfy needs. For example, when I'm riding my Me-Mover to a turn around point, I must use my energy to get back home, my motivation. When I lift a weight, I must do reps, finish, then secure the weight, and repeat sets, my motivation.
Find yours, for your bodies sake.
Good job--you were able to find 2-3 studies (small sample sizes, older adults, younger adults, 1 large sample size) that supported what you wanted to report. there are also plenty of studies on pubmed that can report the other side of the coin--people are more active and lose weight using wearable devices. The truth is hard to find but it's not hard to report both sides of data. Also, studies show that diet is more important in losing weight but physical activity is more important than diet in maintaining weight loss. I'm a fan of NYT but as trained physical activity epidemiologist, I'm disappointed in this journalist. You basically found 2-3 (not that great) studies that supported your statement and can hide out in the title "don't seem" . Do better. We deserve better reporting than this!
5
Empirical evidence confiirms that fitness devices are useless in losing weight and possibly in becoming physically more active. In spite of this fact, companies like fitbit are selling hundreds of millions of dollars a year worth of useless gimmicks with sales constantly increasing. This is yet another example of our hype economy based on fads instead of real consumer benefits. As for me, I quit using my heart rate monitor when I realized it had a counter-productive effect on my cycling routine by creating a negative bio-feedback.
As mentioned by the author, the only natural way of losing weight is eating less and more healthy food, which is a lot more diffcult than strapping on a cool-looking gizmo.
www.fitandwise.com
As mentioned by the author, the only natural way of losing weight is eating less and more healthy food, which is a lot more diffcult than strapping on a cool-looking gizmo.
www.fitandwise.com
1
weight loss on it's own and for sake of checking scales is mindless
health improvement comes with muscle hardening, cardio exercise, healthy diet
weight loss comes as result of healthy and strong body and good habits
weight loss on it's own is like Photoshop
there is no gain without toil, sweat and it all takes time and prolonged effort
also it is for life, not getting trim for summer and special dress
nice sport cloths and wearable tech is not to help you, it is reward for the effort to sweeten the deal and give yourself some tangible well deserved rewards
health improvement comes with muscle hardening, cardio exercise, healthy diet
weight loss comes as result of healthy and strong body and good habits
weight loss on it's own is like Photoshop
there is no gain without toil, sweat and it all takes time and prolonged effort
also it is for life, not getting trim for summer and special dress
nice sport cloths and wearable tech is not to help you, it is reward for the effort to sweeten the deal and give yourself some tangible well deserved rewards
2
In an effort to impress my new Fitbit, I started walking to the grocery store every other day instead of driving there once or twice a week. Result? Not weight loss, but less gasoline used. Not a bad outcome!
I also got to know my neighbors' gardens and cats pretty well.
I also got to know my neighbors' gardens and cats pretty well.
6
Thanks for reiterating that exercise does not cause weight loss. This is a fact that people have great difficulty accepting. After years of losing weight through various methods, I've independently come to the same conclusion because I have never lost weight without modifying my diet. As a kid I was extremely active, walking a riding my bike everywhere and almost always outside - yet I still had a weight problem.
I now disconnect "exercise" and "eating" as two separate activities. I have learned to exercise for its own sake (for mental health, for physical health, for mood) and to eat healthy for its own sake (mental health, physical health, maybe longevity, weight control). If I go on a long hike, I may eat a big meal because I've burned a lot of calories, but I no longer think "I just burned 800 calories - I can eat whatever I want!" because that just isn't true and it leads to eating junk. (I wish it were true, I really do).
I now disconnect "exercise" and "eating" as two separate activities. I have learned to exercise for its own sake (for mental health, for physical health, for mood) and to eat healthy for its own sake (mental health, physical health, maybe longevity, weight control). If I go on a long hike, I may eat a big meal because I've burned a lot of calories, but I no longer think "I just burned 800 calories - I can eat whatever I want!" because that just isn't true and it leads to eating junk. (I wish it were true, I really do).
4
Nice summary of the IDEA trial. thank you. The belief system is great for selling wearable tech. Please keep reporting on the evidence. We are not all in the ShallowState
It's notable that the author says: Exercise is worthwhile for its own sake. If so, might not evolution have instilled intrinsic desire for it in us -- rather than having to depend on external incentives and gimmicks? It seems so. A recent review of 66 studies reflected a trend corroborating “…intrinsic motivation being more predictive of long-term exercise adherence.” (International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2012, Jun 22)
In most parts of the country (not New York City) it's considered weird to walk anywhere if you could drive. There's a social stigma to, say, walking home from the grocery store carrying your groceries. I think activity monitors are one tiny step toward re-training modern humans -- making ongoing daily-life activity acceptable and normal, as it used to be in past generations. Being chronically active induces hormonal changes that improve long-term health and prevent obesity, regardless of the number of calories burned.
5
I believe the headline should read "fitter" not "more fit". It is survival of the fittest not survival of the most fit. John is hairier than Bob not John is more hairy than Bob.
Why do people conflate personal and anecdotal experience as a proxy for a legitimate reliable evidence? Scientific studies have to meet lot of criteria to be included as an evidence such as, large random population, blind or double blind where neither the participants nor the testers know what the study is testing, is the difference significant, the duration of the study, and controlling for certain variables etc. It's a disservice to offer such information especially if you are trying to discredit the study.
2
Behavioral scientific studies actually don't have to meet any of the criteria you listed in order to be published. You just have to be very upfront about the limitations of your study when discussing the results.
1
Because most people don't understand research methods, research design, randomization, statistical analysis and blindness … because they are not researchers.
Looking at weight as a measure is so old school, was there an increase in lean muscle, a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in fat around the waist. Similar to using BMI as an indicator for obesity, taking one measure in isolation and making conclusions is poor science.
4
It doesn't make you more fit like a track star, but it does make you tracked.
I refuse to use a CreepBit, and you should too. Only you can make you walk.
I refuse to use a CreepBit, and you should too. Only you can make you walk.
So you refuse to use your cell phone too right?
Because that keeps you tracked too.
And if your answer is taking off the GPS, the cell phone company still knows where you are.
Because that keeps you tracked too.
And if your answer is taking off the GPS, the cell phone company still knows where you are.
1
I lost 14 lbs with my Fitbit and no, I do not work fo the company. I had intended to lose four lbs, but the Fitbit created a competition with myself to see if I could get my 10,000steps each day. It also helped me monitor my calories and be more careful about what I eat. These new behaviors became habits that continue today after six months. Total weight loss? 14 lbs.
1
I am in my early 70's. My adult children got me a Fitbit last year for Mothers' Day. I set a goal to lose 8 pounds by Sept. 15 and to log 10,000 steps a day. I also entered the food I ate with calories in the Fitbit app on my laptop. I do moderate exercise daily, rotating yoga, aerobics, and light weights. I didn't always meet the 10,000 goal. But I lost the weight. I think it was the combination of being more active and watching what I ate.
4
Several people in my outdoor group wear Fitbits, and everyone gets different amounts of steps taken and miles covered although we are all walking the same trails together.
3
The Fitbit is not exact, that's true. But I have lost fourteen lbs with mine and I know it was because it made me more conscious of what and how much I was eating without being neurotic about it and of course getting my 10,000 steps almost every day. My experience is that it doesn't need to be completely and exactly accurate.
So, what you're saying is that it had literally nothing to do with the Fitbit, and everything to do with you being more aware of your need to exercise and eat right. Which seems to be Aaron's point in the article. It's not the device, but the surrounding mental approach to your life. You could replace "10,000 steps" with "make sure I walk an hour each day" or "make sure I walk two miles each day", and you'd get a similar outcome if you actually committed to doing it.
2
Yes! I started wearing a fitbit and ended up gaining weight. When I realized I was casually walking a few miles a day it actually became a reason to eat more dessert and skip the gym.
4
Ii used an app that helped me track very single calorie that went in my mouth, named My Fitness Pay. I have lost 15 lbs in 8 weeks, just by being honest with myself by knowing how much I was shoving in my mouth.
It all boils down to calories in and calories out. End of story. Yes, being a little hungry is part of weight loss. No getting around it. But also, becoming aware of how much your really eating, helps to understand why one keeps putting on weight.
It all boils down to calories in and calories out. End of story. Yes, being a little hungry is part of weight loss. No getting around it. But also, becoming aware of how much your really eating, helps to understand why one keeps putting on weight.
4
Typo...App is called My Fitness Pal. Opps.
1
@Holly:
We are not checking accounts, neither are we toaster ovens. The body obeys the laws of physics, but physics alone does not tell us what is cause and effect. Different types and qualities of foods have different effects on hunger/satiety, fat storage, and metabolism, all _independent_ of calories.
"Calories in, calories out" is like saying a room becomes full when more people enter than leave. It's true in an obvious way, but explains nothing.
We are not checking accounts, neither are we toaster ovens. The body obeys the laws of physics, but physics alone does not tell us what is cause and effect. Different types and qualities of foods have different effects on hunger/satiety, fat storage, and metabolism, all _independent_ of calories.
"Calories in, calories out" is like saying a room becomes full when more people enter than leave. It's true in an obvious way, but explains nothing.
Actually, the science is pretty clear on this. Wearable Fitness Devices (WFDs) don't improve the MOTIVATION of the wearer, they simply facilitate data tracking. Creaters of WFDs often commit false advertising in this regard because they often claim that their devices DO significantly increase motivation. So for users who are already motivated, they can be a great tool to make performance tracking easier.
However, users of WFDs take caution. Even though WFDs don't increase motivation, they do have the potential to decrease motivation, which can be a problem for people who are already motivated. WFDs can shift the focus of the wearer and turn the intrinsic joy of exercising into an externally driven chore.
As a behavior change expert, I can tell you with confidence that the best way to ensure that exercise is sustained long-term is to make the activity/activities intrinsically rewarding. Carrots and sticks simply don't work LONG-TERM. Luckily, becoming more intrinsically motivated is a skill that can be learned. For more info on how to become intrinsically motivated, I can recommend learning more about Self-Determination Theory (by Ryan, PhD, and Deci, PhD) or, for popular science literature based on the same science, "Why We Do What We Do" (by Deci, PhD) or "No Sweat" (by Michelle Segar, PhD).
However, users of WFDs take caution. Even though WFDs don't increase motivation, they do have the potential to decrease motivation, which can be a problem for people who are already motivated. WFDs can shift the focus of the wearer and turn the intrinsic joy of exercising into an externally driven chore.
As a behavior change expert, I can tell you with confidence that the best way to ensure that exercise is sustained long-term is to make the activity/activities intrinsically rewarding. Carrots and sticks simply don't work LONG-TERM. Luckily, becoming more intrinsically motivated is a skill that can be learned. For more info on how to become intrinsically motivated, I can recommend learning more about Self-Determination Theory (by Ryan, PhD, and Deci, PhD) or, for popular science literature based on the same science, "Why We Do What We Do" (by Deci, PhD) or "No Sweat" (by Michelle Segar, PhD).
1
I disagree. I became motivated with the Fitbit ina way that I never was before. It helped me be more conscious of what I was eating and I noticed my body quickly respond to th healthier habits of more walking and no longer over eating.
1
You're right. I apologize, I should have been more clear. What I meant to say was that, "Wearable Fitness Devices don't improve the LONG-TERM motivation of the wearer..."
They can, and often do, indeed increase short-term motivation, but this is not the kind of motivation that lasts months or years.
They can, and often do, indeed increase short-term motivation, but this is not the kind of motivation that lasts months or years.
I started exercising over 50 years ago without any electronic devices, just me motivating me, so far it's worked. While it's true I sometimes use Endomondo, most of the time I'm device free. My motivation comes from what happens if I stop working out, not a good prospect. My other motivations come from the activity itself, the way exercise makes me feel. Lifting weights is a great way to feel younger, look younger too. Aerobic exercise just keeps giving, those endorphins are better than any electronic motivator, and pumping my legs on a Me-Mover at speed makes this 79-year-old feel better than getting pumped by reading numbers on a glorified wristwatch.
My experience is anecdotal -your results may vary.
I deconditioned considerably and put on weight during the onset phase of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease about 5 years back. I decided walking and slowly ramped cardio exercise would be the best course, so I started walking- rain or shine- starting at 1 mile a day and gradually increasing the amount over a month to 5 miles per day. At that point I joined my local YMCA and added cardio machine to my routine- easing them upward trying to avoid injury.
I purchased an Apple Watch and set the step goal to 10,000 Steps which usually means about 5-6 miles of walking a day. Sick or well, rain or shine, I have kept to my schedule from the outrageous humid heat of the summer to the cold rain of the sometimes winter. The indoor track at the Y allows me to walk even if there is severe weather going on outside.
It has been about 15 months since i first started- a little less for the watch. I am in better cardiovascular shape as to endurance but it has not impacted my weight very much. It did stem the slow march upward in weight but has not appreciably reduced it. The exercise has also improved my flexibility which is definitely a good thing.
I have no doubt that if I went all in like a gym rat I could drop significant weight, but a stubborn recurrent bout with tendenitis in my left elbow has reminded me of the limitations of age.
My weight is now stable and I am better conditioned. The Watch is not a cure- it is a tool. No short cuts.
I deconditioned considerably and put on weight during the onset phase of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease about 5 years back. I decided walking and slowly ramped cardio exercise would be the best course, so I started walking- rain or shine- starting at 1 mile a day and gradually increasing the amount over a month to 5 miles per day. At that point I joined my local YMCA and added cardio machine to my routine- easing them upward trying to avoid injury.
I purchased an Apple Watch and set the step goal to 10,000 Steps which usually means about 5-6 miles of walking a day. Sick or well, rain or shine, I have kept to my schedule from the outrageous humid heat of the summer to the cold rain of the sometimes winter. The indoor track at the Y allows me to walk even if there is severe weather going on outside.
It has been about 15 months since i first started- a little less for the watch. I am in better cardiovascular shape as to endurance but it has not impacted my weight very much. It did stem the slow march upward in weight but has not appreciably reduced it. The exercise has also improved my flexibility which is definitely a good thing.
I have no doubt that if I went all in like a gym rat I could drop significant weight, but a stubborn recurrent bout with tendenitis in my left elbow has reminded me of the limitations of age.
My weight is now stable and I am better conditioned. The Watch is not a cure- it is a tool. No short cuts.
3
I got a new job where I walk 8-10 miles a day. I lost 15 lbs in a month. I gave up going to the gym, a complete waste of time and money.
1
I briefly owned a Fitbit, and I hated it. There's something very sad to me about people walking around waiting for their wrist to vibrate, indicating that they've hit their magic 10,000 steps for the day. The whole time I wore it I felt like I was a slave to the Fitbit app.
Exercise is not just about physical health. Finding an activity that I am passionate about (running marathons) has enriched my life in ways my Fitbit never could. Even if you love your wearable, I encourage you to find ways to get your physical activity that you enjoy for their own sake.
Exercise is not just about physical health. Finding an activity that I am passionate about (running marathons) has enriched my life in ways my Fitbit never could. Even if you love your wearable, I encourage you to find ways to get your physical activity that you enjoy for their own sake.
2
My wrist (or in my case my waistband) does not vibrate. I didn't set it to do that. I check my count at the end of the day.
1
I see what you're saying, but people who might be inclined to run marathons are not the target audience of these devices. It's more for people who otherwise would never walk more than the 20 feet from their parking space to their office door. Once they discover that they're capable of, and maybe actually enjoy, being more active, they might "graduate" to doing physical activity for its own sake and not because the FitBit told them to.
1
The thing is that these smartwatches are made to help you track your physical activity. If developers created some coach apps for them that would really make you move it would be actually much more useful. I don't mean stuff like electric shocks but something that would make you have to move.
Unfortunately for some, the use of a wearable fitness divide does not cause one to be more disciplined or motivated.
When I retired I was seriously overweight due to years of sitting behind a desk, long hours and little physical activity. Having given up my mental work, I turned to the physical. I began to eat better and, after a year of going to the gym with no guidance, got a trainer who helped me focus on my goals of core strength and maintaining general flexibility notwithstanding my creaky knees. That all worked well and some years later, I am in excellent shape and 48 years after college graduation am about 15 pounds over my college weight (ok weight on the bmi sites that take into account age and body type). About 2 years ago my wife bought me the simplest fitbit. It never leaves my pocket. I am obsessed with getting at least 10,000 steps per day and most days the dog and I are well over that goal. I do believe that without the fitbit, I would be more sedentary and less fit.
6
Since when is the weight the best measure of fitness?
The article states that those people who used the wearable tech lost less weight. I don't discuss this. However, it's not because they didn't loose weight that they are not fitter. You can get fitter while gaining weight.
Don't forget the basics: muscles weight MORE than fat, yet takes up LESS room.
Everyone will agree with gaining weight while dropping pants size.
The article states that those people who used the wearable tech lost less weight. I don't discuss this. However, it's not because they didn't loose weight that they are not fitter. You can get fitter while gaining weight.
Don't forget the basics: muscles weight MORE than fat, yet takes up LESS room.
Everyone will agree with gaining weight while dropping pants size.
4
You cannot exercise your way out of a bad diet. It is "not doing" that works.
1
The last experiment he described was not a test of the effectiveness of activity trackers but a test of the effectiveness of a workout program when moderated by activity tracker use. I would be more interested in a study that tests the effectiveness of these trackers by comparing two largely sedentary groups.
1
I'm realizing now that I misspoke and it's not actually a test of the effect of the workout program, since everyone received the program. I have a feeling though that if there were four groups (workout program tracker, workout program alone, no workout program tracker, no workout program no tracker) the authors of the study would have found a moderating effect of wearing activity trackers on the outcome variables, meaning that activity tracker use may hurt you when you're part of a workout program but it might be helpful to you if you're generally sedentary. I see women at my work with trackers get up and walk around much more often than women (like me) who do not use trackers. The effect these devices seem to have on reducing sitting time alone has to have some health benefits (maybe more long term).
If you trying to decide between buy a bike or wearable. Get the bike. The people who get the most out of wearables are already in shape. I find the most important wearables are the ones that keep you alive. They tell you if your blood pressure is too high or some other life sustaining metric. There are very few of them.
NOW in defense of wearables, what I have found is their software/ios wear to be VERY helpful/important. I say this because some of the good software out there will tell you if you're not burning enough calories or not working out as hard as you should. Those ARE helpful and ironically they are usually the less popular items that have these metrics. Losing weight is about what you put in your body and its' not just calories. I lost 10 pounds in two weeks by simply removing fast foods and salty foods. I could still eat as much as I wanted as long as the calories were clean and I didn't eat huge right before I went to bed. Don't eat fast food, walk everywhere you can (if its' safe), bike everywhere you can, i.e. keep it moving' and you'll lose weight.
NOW in defense of wearables, what I have found is their software/ios wear to be VERY helpful/important. I say this because some of the good software out there will tell you if you're not burning enough calories or not working out as hard as you should. Those ARE helpful and ironically they are usually the less popular items that have these metrics. Losing weight is about what you put in your body and its' not just calories. I lost 10 pounds in two weeks by simply removing fast foods and salty foods. I could still eat as much as I wanted as long as the calories were clean and I didn't eat huge right before I went to bed. Don't eat fast food, walk everywhere you can (if its' safe), bike everywhere you can, i.e. keep it moving' and you'll lose weight.
1
Color me astonished. I think the gadgets cause a certain cohort - the gadget-obsessed - to believe they're going about their fitness routine in a more precise, modern, scientific (therefore beneficial) manner. But the fact is there's no substitute for simply doing the exercise.
3
Weighing in (no pun intended). Not gadget oriented nor phone obsessed nor does the FitBit I wear make me think my steps are more precise and scientific. I'm sure there are a number of people like you describe but I am not one of them. I simply use the device to measure how much I've walked within a day or a week.
1
This isn't a jaw dropping conclusion – fancy tools don't equate to fancy skills. Buying photoshop won't turn you into a graphic designer. Ableton Live doesn't automatically bestow someone with the gift of music. I'm not quite clear on the motivations of the author, but in this narrow view, I wholly agree with the hypothesis.
Bottom line, weight loss and fitness takes WORK! Anyone serious about self improvement and an internet connection has a massive wealth of knowledge at his or her disposal to explore and implement the right diet and exercise combination to impact their fitness, weight, and overall health. Tools like Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc can support your behavior but won't drive it – that's up to the user.
If you are indeed someone committed to changing your body composition and your behavior exemplifies this commitment, then the tools can serve useful in their utility, tracking, and cheerleading capabilities. Lastly, let's not forget about a great low tech tool: the humble tape measure.
Cheers.
Bottom line, weight loss and fitness takes WORK! Anyone serious about self improvement and an internet connection has a massive wealth of knowledge at his or her disposal to explore and implement the right diet and exercise combination to impact their fitness, weight, and overall health. Tools like Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc can support your behavior but won't drive it – that's up to the user.
If you are indeed someone committed to changing your body composition and your behavior exemplifies this commitment, then the tools can serve useful in their utility, tracking, and cheerleading capabilities. Lastly, let's not forget about a great low tech tool: the humble tape measure.
Cheers.
2
I think the current generation of wearable fitness items can be very useful tools in the quest to stay fit.
There are several pretty non-obtrusive devices like Fitbit, iPhones, Android phones and many more devices that are great for tracking things like steps in a day. There are many more features but so far I've stuck with the simple step count.
There are good calorie, fat... programs that are helpful for tracking food consumption. For people who want to lose weight these programs can be really helpful. It does take a dedicated effort and I found it took a little while to get good at entering accurate data about the food I consume. I've been using myfitnesspal.com with no complaints.
One thing that I think really helps is to have a coach or buddy who cares about your health and vice versa. For me knowing that someone will check what I've been eating and my exercise activity is really important.
I created a very easy to use iOS app called the "Feel Good Tracker". It's a simple journaling type program that is for tracking activities. It's not as complex as some of the other apps that I've seen.
Staying fit is not easy but I disagree with the author. I think that the digital tools can be excellent for improving and maintaining fitness.
There are several pretty non-obtrusive devices like Fitbit, iPhones, Android phones and many more devices that are great for tracking things like steps in a day. There are many more features but so far I've stuck with the simple step count.
There are good calorie, fat... programs that are helpful for tracking food consumption. For people who want to lose weight these programs can be really helpful. It does take a dedicated effort and I found it took a little while to get good at entering accurate data about the food I consume. I've been using myfitnesspal.com with no complaints.
One thing that I think really helps is to have a coach or buddy who cares about your health and vice versa. For me knowing that someone will check what I've been eating and my exercise activity is really important.
I created a very easy to use iOS app called the "Feel Good Tracker". It's a simple journaling type program that is for tracking activities. It's not as complex as some of the other apps that I've seen.
Staying fit is not easy but I disagree with the author. I think that the digital tools can be excellent for improving and maintaining fitness.
5
That's great that you've designed an app. Whether or not you disagree with the author, however, is immaterial; he is merely the messenger, the message being that science shows the wearable fitness trackers don't help people lose weight.
Tech without motivation, or a change plan, or better yet a behavioral strategy, is just newfangled bling. These devices have incredible potential, but until that potential is stepped by behavioral science, we should temper our expectations.
3
I'm 6'4" and weigh 197 pounds. But at one point in my life, I had a weight problem. Back in the day I moved to CA, bought a car and by the time I was 40 had seen my weight balloon from 190 to 240 pounds. Since I was tall and fairly well proportioned, it didn't show much. But one day my brother saw me with my muffin top hanging out and I was ashamed - embarrassed that I had let myself go so badly.
So I did something about it. I ate less, and exercised more. 4 to 6 times a week, 2 to 3 for cardio and 3 for lifting. And it worked! I got my weight down to 215 and kept it there until I decided to get it below my BMI weight, which I subsequently did. I've been around 195 to 202 ever since - the high number obtains when I'm lifting.
I'm 61 now, and don't plan to stop working out until my body breaks down from age.
The point is that it takes discipline to make something like this work. You have to give up eating and drinking stuff you like. I'm crazy about beer and pastry, but I cut both out until I'd gotten my weight down. I don't drink soda or eat junk food (small loss, since both taste pretty disgusting). I weigh myself every morning, and adjust what and how much I eat according to that morning's result. And unless I'm feeling bad - muscle pulls, bubonic plague or whatever - I get to the gym. For me, that's the only way to loss weight and keep it off.
But let me tell you one thing. If you want it enough, you can do it! I did.
So I did something about it. I ate less, and exercised more. 4 to 6 times a week, 2 to 3 for cardio and 3 for lifting. And it worked! I got my weight down to 215 and kept it there until I decided to get it below my BMI weight, which I subsequently did. I've been around 195 to 202 ever since - the high number obtains when I'm lifting.
I'm 61 now, and don't plan to stop working out until my body breaks down from age.
The point is that it takes discipline to make something like this work. You have to give up eating and drinking stuff you like. I'm crazy about beer and pastry, but I cut both out until I'd gotten my weight down. I don't drink soda or eat junk food (small loss, since both taste pretty disgusting). I weigh myself every morning, and adjust what and how much I eat according to that morning's result. And unless I'm feeling bad - muscle pulls, bubonic plague or whatever - I get to the gym. For me, that's the only way to loss weight and keep it off.
But let me tell you one thing. If you want it enough, you can do it! I did.
8
I think the Fitbit/Apple Watch will really make it's mark if they can put a device in your mouth to measure the calories you are eating during the day.
Maybe a small little electrical buzz on your wrist when you exceed your hourly calorie goal. And forget the 'banners' or 'awards', simply have a online competition with people on calories consumed. This way they can see in 'real time' when you sneak that second donut.
Maybe a small little electrical buzz on your wrist when you exceed your hourly calorie goal. And forget the 'banners' or 'awards', simply have a online competition with people on calories consumed. This way they can see in 'real time' when you sneak that second donut.
1
I got a jawbone, simple thingie that counts my steps and measures sleep (which I have too little of)
I have used it for 2 weeks, lost already 3 pounds (not much I know) but am already making 1 min of 5mph jog and 3 min of 2.5mph in 5 sets to amount 20 mins a day of excercise, and you know what? its the fittest Ive been in about 25 years.
I dont give full credit to the jawbone, its just a thingie that says "you excercised, you didnt, do more".
Its the push in oneself that makes me more fit, the need to actually do something for me, to prove myself and no one else that I can actually in a 10 week program that says I can run 20 minutes nonstop. I got it on facebook (in those 10 slides shared by any person any day) that made me feel "I CAN DO THIS" and better yet "I WILL DO THIS"
The jawbone, is just to remind me when I look back that my efforts were made, and I can achieve more, the jawbone wont make me fit, but it will remind me of the travel :) and I love gadgets :D
I have used it for 2 weeks, lost already 3 pounds (not much I know) but am already making 1 min of 5mph jog and 3 min of 2.5mph in 5 sets to amount 20 mins a day of excercise, and you know what? its the fittest Ive been in about 25 years.
I dont give full credit to the jawbone, its just a thingie that says "you excercised, you didnt, do more".
Its the push in oneself that makes me more fit, the need to actually do something for me, to prove myself and no one else that I can actually in a 10 week program that says I can run 20 minutes nonstop. I got it on facebook (in those 10 slides shared by any person any day) that made me feel "I CAN DO THIS" and better yet "I WILL DO THIS"
The jawbone, is just to remind me when I look back that my efforts were made, and I can achieve more, the jawbone wont make me fit, but it will remind me of the travel :) and I love gadgets :D
1
I got a Fit Bit Charge a little short of year ago and I've since lost 27 pounds. The watch allows me to know how many calories I burn each day and their web site allows me to track the calories I take in with considerable accuracy. The result is that each day I can adjust my caloric intake to keep losing at a steady, comfortable rate. I know other people who haven't succeeded in shedding weight they don't want, but it's a great tool if you have the will to use it.
4
I think it depends on the personality and goals of the individual. I've worn a UP band for the past couple of years, lost 45 lbs and maintained that loss. For me "what gets monitored gets managed". It helps me be accountable to myself for my activity, diet, and sleep. It grounds me to the reality that if I want to keep the weight off I need to move, eat well, sleep well, and track otherwise I easily slip back into old habits. The process of tracking is a commitment I make to myself. Did a lot of reading on diet and habits that reinforce why it works for me, maybe not for others.
3
For a long time I used a calorie tracker to log my daily intake. I came up with a target number of calories and tried hard to hit it. It did help me lose weight (although it was still hard to keep off!) but over time, I also encountered something I bet many people do when using fitness trackers: the concept of having done well enough for the day. So maybe it was okay to eat dessert after all because I was still 150 calories below the maximum, even if I didn't feel like eating dessert. So, basically, I had just found a new plateau. A tracker tracks but it doesn't actually lend motivation that isn't there.
1
Really simple Truth, You Can't out train a Bad Diet. Your fitness regime starts in the Kitchen. Follow the formula for how many calories a day you need for your height & weight to maintain that weight and then eat accordingly.
This is very frustrating "clickbait" Health journalism from the NYT. Take one or two small studies (which are usually VERY focused on one small question) and make broad generalizations about it. Ugh!
Of course buying any device or technology does not, in and of itself, make you more fit. Just ask anyone who has a bike in their garage - or a yoga mat in their closet - or a Nordic Track in their basement. The "usefulness" of any technology is dependent on HOW it is used. Just as buying a new computer does not make necessarily you more productive. To evaluate the benefit of fitness trackers scientifically the author would have to look at dozens of studies tracking variables of diet & exercise & behavior & technology. Reading the comments shows how many people have used a fitness tracker effectively to challenge themselves - to count intake/output of calories - and for some it is often used in social groups to open discussions about healthy eating and active living. I would hope the NYT could more broadly examine the question of how to best use technology - and avoid generalizing from a few limited studies.
Of course buying any device or technology does not, in and of itself, make you more fit. Just ask anyone who has a bike in their garage - or a yoga mat in their closet - or a Nordic Track in their basement. The "usefulness" of any technology is dependent on HOW it is used. Just as buying a new computer does not make necessarily you more productive. To evaluate the benefit of fitness trackers scientifically the author would have to look at dozens of studies tracking variables of diet & exercise & behavior & technology. Reading the comments shows how many people have used a fitness tracker effectively to challenge themselves - to count intake/output of calories - and for some it is often used in social groups to open discussions about healthy eating and active living. I would hope the NYT could more broadly examine the question of how to best use technology - and avoid generalizing from a few limited studies.
3
The thing these studies always leave out is the social aspects of these devices. the friendly competition is a huge motivating factor for me. I am much more active in weeks where I'm part of a challenge group than when I'm not.
4
It makes perfect sense that wearing a fitness tracker could actually be detrimental to losing weight. Here's why. Many of us, myself included, will "reward" ourselves if we achieve an exercise goal. I, for one, will run six miles and then consider it OK to overeat afterwards. Seeing stats on a fitness device can encourage one to do the same. I have an Apple Watch and enjoy tracking my activity but I can attest to the fact that the only way to lose weight is diet. Specifically a very low carb diet. Count on exercise to keep it off.
2
I find my Fitbit actually helps me not fall victim to the first hard-for-some-to-accept fact you mention, that diet, not weight loss is the key to weight loss.
I've lost 10 pounds in about 5 weeks by tracking my calories and creating enough of a calorie deficit (difference between how much I take in and burn off) to support loss. My Fitbit tells me I'm allowed to eat 300-500 calories each day, depending on how much extra I burn off through exercise. I exercise nearly every day.
The thing is, 300-500 calories is not that much. It's an extra small dessert or snack, ONLY on the days I've exercised. I've seen a lot of people fall into the trap of saying "I did an hour-long exercise class at the gym today. Eating out and ordering whatever I want shouldn't blow my diet." Then it's easy to consume 1,000-1,500 calories, depending on where you go, how large your portion is, whether you order an appetizer or dessert, etc.
I also like my Fitbit because it tracks my heart rate during exercise and gives me an idea if I'm meeting the American Heart Association's recommendations for moderate and vigorous exercise.
Bottom line, I don't credit my Fitbit for helping me lose weight besides that it syncs with my calorie-counting app. Weight loss really is all about diet.
I've lost 10 pounds in about 5 weeks by tracking my calories and creating enough of a calorie deficit (difference between how much I take in and burn off) to support loss. My Fitbit tells me I'm allowed to eat 300-500 calories each day, depending on how much extra I burn off through exercise. I exercise nearly every day.
The thing is, 300-500 calories is not that much. It's an extra small dessert or snack, ONLY on the days I've exercised. I've seen a lot of people fall into the trap of saying "I did an hour-long exercise class at the gym today. Eating out and ordering whatever I want shouldn't blow my diet." Then it's easy to consume 1,000-1,500 calories, depending on where you go, how large your portion is, whether you order an appetizer or dessert, etc.
I also like my Fitbit because it tracks my heart rate during exercise and gives me an idea if I'm meeting the American Heart Association's recommendations for moderate and vigorous exercise.
Bottom line, I don't credit my Fitbit for helping me lose weight besides that it syncs with my calorie-counting app. Weight loss really is all about diet.
2
Megan, Your plan is right on the money. Years ago I noticed I was getting too heavy and figured out that my morning and afternoon snacks came to about 400 calories a day. Using the standard of 3500 calories per pound, I calculated how long it would take to drop 20 pounds. Without consciously changing anything else, I hit the goal within a week or two of schedule.
As for the Fitbit, if it helps you stay on track, that's great, use it. When I was running my experiment pocket calculators were exotic, so I stuck with a pencil and a notepad.
As for the Fitbit, if it helps you stay on track, that's great, use it. When I was running my experiment pocket calculators were exotic, so I stuck with a pencil and a notepad.
What did we do before we had all this advice on how to live longer, stay healthier, shed pounds, and look better? Before ads told us how we should look, before unrealistically thin models were the norm (and still are)? All the "scientific" knowledge we have about what to do to stay healthy still seems to reduce itself to this: eat well, sleep well, take good care of yourself, and don't expect miracles.
I don't know what works for others but I do know how I got myself to the point of being comfortable swimming 2 continuous miles a day if there's time.
1. I started out small. I would do as many laps as I could without stopping. I'd rest. I'd start again. I'd do the same the next day and push it a bit past my comfort zone.
2. I set a minimum that was realistic, i.e. half a mile non stop. Then I'd increase it by a small number every other day or so.
3. I watched what other people did, Olympic swimmers and local lap swimmers.
4. I didn't compare myself to everyone else. I compared to what I'd done in previous weeks and if I was still progressing.
5. I never started with the idea of swimming two continuous miles. I did it because I liked swimming.
I did the same thing when I used to jog. Jog, walk, jog, walk, rest. I didn't lose weight but I did improve my fitness and my feelings of well being. I never used a wearable fitness device. I daydream, think of songs, do simple math.
I don't know what works for others but I do know how I got myself to the point of being comfortable swimming 2 continuous miles a day if there's time.
1. I started out small. I would do as many laps as I could without stopping. I'd rest. I'd start again. I'd do the same the next day and push it a bit past my comfort zone.
2. I set a minimum that was realistic, i.e. half a mile non stop. Then I'd increase it by a small number every other day or so.
3. I watched what other people did, Olympic swimmers and local lap swimmers.
4. I didn't compare myself to everyone else. I compared to what I'd done in previous weeks and if I was still progressing.
5. I never started with the idea of swimming two continuous miles. I did it because I liked swimming.
I did the same thing when I used to jog. Jog, walk, jog, walk, rest. I didn't lose weight but I did improve my fitness and my feelings of well being. I never used a wearable fitness device. I daydream, think of songs, do simple math.
4
In a very short space, you have described the road to fitness. Substitute running, walking, biking or whatever for swimming and this will work for anyone.
1
I have been wearing one for over 20 years. I am a firm believer in it as a motivator. I am 72 and wanted to lose 10 pounds. My diet is fruits and veggies with protein and grains. To get to my goal of losing 10 pounds I paid attention to my caloric intake and caloric burn. I lessen my intake and increased my exercise. Yes it worked. Lost 5 pounds in 10 days and will keep on going till I lose the other 5 pounds. I will continue this program once I am at my goal to keep me there.
1
This is a bit misleading - the title mentions 'fitness' but the article focuses on weight loss. While they're not mutually exclusive, they're, definitely not the same thing. It is absolutely possible to be more fit and weigh more than you did when you started though you are leaner and stronger. I do a agree though that wearable technology, and even being less sedentary does nothing if you're over-eating or eating a poorly balanced diet.
2
It depends on how overweight you are. If you are only trying to lose 10 or 15 pounds, I agree that weight probably doesn't matter if you are really boosting your fitness level and building lean body mass. And yes, there are athletes (and others) with lean body mass that technically makes them overweight, but they are outliers. Many people trying to lose weight are more worried about weight than fitness level, and many are doing so more for aesthetic than health reasons.
I disagree. I lost 90 lbs in 2004 and have kept every ounce of it off by balancing my food intake with my calorie burn. My tracker lets me know how I'm doing and helps me discipline my intake. Before trackers and apps for recording food I estimated it by hand.
2
"Weight loss" does not matter. A reduction in body fat is what matters. It is normal for people attempting to lose weight to actually gain muscle, which offsets the weight lost in fat. This is a good thing. They are healthier, and usually slimmer as well. This process is described clearly in the book "Fit or Fat" by Covert Bailey.
Studies that look at weight are looking at the wrong metric.
In the end, it's less about squeezing into a bikini and more about reducing risk of heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Focus on the goal and if a wearable device helps you get there, then wear one. If seeing your fitbit hit 10,000 causes you to stop walking for the day, then toss it out. But if seeing it a 9,900 causes you to get up and go take a walk, then wear it.
Personally, I've never used such a device and doubt I ever will.
My 7 keys to a long and happy life:
Eat fresh, healthy food, mostly vegetables and fruits, often raw
Take pleasure in daily exercise
Sleep well
Reduce emotional stress
Love your family and friends
Be kind to animals
Hope you don't get run over by a bus
Studies that look at weight are looking at the wrong metric.
In the end, it's less about squeezing into a bikini and more about reducing risk of heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Focus on the goal and if a wearable device helps you get there, then wear one. If seeing your fitbit hit 10,000 causes you to stop walking for the day, then toss it out. But if seeing it a 9,900 causes you to get up and go take a walk, then wear it.
Personally, I've never used such a device and doubt I ever will.
My 7 keys to a long and happy life:
Eat fresh, healthy food, mostly vegetables and fruits, often raw
Take pleasure in daily exercise
Sleep well
Reduce emotional stress
Love your family and friends
Be kind to animals
Hope you don't get run over by a bus
34
Meh. Worked for me. Granted, I didn't need to lose much, and the problem was in fact a drop in exercise. Exercise back up, pounds off.
2
This is like saying paint doesn't make someone a great artist. The fitness band can't do the work for you. There are plenty of people who use these devices as a tool to help them improve their fitness level and/or lose weight. Just because the majority doesn't have that level of dedication doesn't mean the devices aren't useful. Just like most people given a paintbrush, canvas, and paint, won't be able to turn out the next Mona Lisa.
3
I walk from my house to train station, from Penn station to Columbus circle, i drink wine, and I refrain from sugar but not sex... why would I need such a useless device? I and 54, why?
1
there is no magic panacea for weight loss--it is simply calories in, calories out.
1
That's it in a nutshell but I would slightly amend your statement to suggest that you should pay some attention to what the calories are made of. A 1 oz. bag of chips is 150 calories, you might do better if you had 150 calories worth of fruit. Also an exercise program would help direct those calories to building muscle and bone rather than fat.
1
@Alexandra Hill:
"Calories in, calories out" is like saying a room becomes full when more people enter than leave, or that the winning team is the team who scores more points. So it's true in an obvious way, but useless in the way of explanation.
Types and qualities of foods affect hunger/satiety, fat storage, and metabolic rate, all _independent_ of calories. Calorie reductionism leads us to an absurd place where 1,000 calories of cookies and soda is the same as 1,000 calories of salmon, veggies, and olive oil.
"Calories in, calories out" is like saying a room becomes full when more people enter than leave, or that the winning team is the team who scores more points. So it's true in an obvious way, but useless in the way of explanation.
Types and qualities of foods affect hunger/satiety, fat storage, and metabolic rate, all _independent_ of calories. Calorie reductionism leads us to an absurd place where 1,000 calories of cookies and soda is the same as 1,000 calories of salmon, veggies, and olive oil.
I believe that fit-bits can benefit us to a certain extent because like the article said people with these trackers aren't always fit. I also agree with the fact that getting 10,000 steps does nothing and why that number? I do believe in the aspect that it can help us getting into routines and have a goal. I also agree that exercise isn't the only thing, your diet has a huge part in the road to becoming more fit.
1
Indeed simply strapping on a tracker helps no one get fit or lose weight. I do find it to be a good reminder though of what I've done during the day (and what I haven't done). The nudge I think is good and does inspire me to do more: climb stairs and walk more
1
Scales don't help you lose weight but pretty nice to have to measure progress no?
3
As a three year Fitbit fan, there is one issue I haven't seen raised: if you eat how many calories Fitbit says you have burned, you may GAIN weight. Two separate issues - increased exercise for health and reduced calories for weight loss are involved. I combine Fitbit with Loseit, a calorie counting and nutrition app. To maintain my weight after a significant weight loss, I must stick below 1350 calories a day. Fitbit consistently tells me I've burned 1600 plus calories. I, too, am a part of the Weight Loss Registry and a long term maintainer. Weight loss and weight maintenance are very personal science experiments. Blind reliance on any device or food plan will bring great disappointment unless you do your own personal study of your own body and your own metabolism. That said, I love my Fitbit and find it a great motivational device!
2
The IDEA study suggests that these wearable devices do hurt. After all, people without the wearable device were much more successful in losing weight. Given the obesity rate in the US, that must have been a plus.
This just goes to demonstrate that some people can be sold anything if it tells them what they want to believe is true.
I am sure there is someone ready to market a Nose Monitor to remind people to breath at appropriate intervals.
I am sure there is someone ready to market a Nose Monitor to remind people to breath at appropriate intervals.
11
One of the funniest comments.
There are more "fitness" gimmicks, gadgets, gizmos and "miracle" supplements than ever. Are most people who use the foregoing products lighter and/or fitter than before the products were introduced? Quite the opposite!
The headline is about fitness, the article is about weight loss. They are two different things! You need a new headline.
Thanks for mentioning the 10,000 steps. Been wondering where that comes from and if it's research based.
Don't we have research that more exercise makes you hungrier? I've been loving the 10/20/30 aerobic exercise published here in the last year or so. Fun at 70 to run as fast as you can, but only for a few seconds. But gol' darn my fit bit lets me know I didn't get all 10,000 steps in most days, what with such a short work out. Pulse and BP have dropped though.
I do think the feedback from my device is fun and once in a while it does motivate me to give the dog an extra twenty minute walk/run at the end of the day. Good for both of us .
Don't we have research that more exercise makes you hungrier? I've been loving the 10/20/30 aerobic exercise published here in the last year or so. Fun at 70 to run as fast as you can, but only for a few seconds. But gol' darn my fit bit lets me know I didn't get all 10,000 steps in most days, what with such a short work out. Pulse and BP have dropped though.
I do think the feedback from my device is fun and once in a while it does motivate me to give the dog an extra twenty minute walk/run at the end of the day. Good for both of us .
1
Technology has come along way since that study was conducted. If your tracker and the corresponding phone app are good and easy to use, it's a lot different from logging into a laptop the way the people in the study you mention did.
More importantly, the apps that come with many of these fitness trackers now offer the other half of the weight loss equation: keeping track of what you eat. Writing down what you eat and the estimated calories is the most common aspect of successful weight loss programs according to many studies. Trust me, you have no idea how much you're eating until you write it down. And he it's sobering.
I think the reason the Fitbit helped me lose 24 pounds was mainly the usability of the app that went with it. It basically gives you a running tally of what you've eaten minus how much you've burned--- if you eat a bagel for breakfast you have a lot fewer calories left for your day unless you go work out or take a long walk. Many of these apps work like an automatic budgeting system. You really think carefully how you spend your last 300 calories.
Of course you have to be honest with it and actually login what you eat. As easy as they make it (most foods are pre-entered in there so that you can just start typing them) fessing up to every bit of work snacking you do, isn't.
More importantly, the apps that come with many of these fitness trackers now offer the other half of the weight loss equation: keeping track of what you eat. Writing down what you eat and the estimated calories is the most common aspect of successful weight loss programs according to many studies. Trust me, you have no idea how much you're eating until you write it down. And he it's sobering.
I think the reason the Fitbit helped me lose 24 pounds was mainly the usability of the app that went with it. It basically gives you a running tally of what you've eaten minus how much you've burned--- if you eat a bagel for breakfast you have a lot fewer calories left for your day unless you go work out or take a long walk. Many of these apps work like an automatic budgeting system. You really think carefully how you spend your last 300 calories.
Of course you have to be honest with it and actually login what you eat. As easy as they make it (most foods are pre-entered in there so that you can just start typing them) fessing up to every bit of work snacking you do, isn't.
1
I got a FitBit a little over 2 years ago. It lasted 23 months, I abused it, wearing it doing farm work, in the ocean, shower, etc. and it counted well over 15 million steps.
I wanted it to see what my activity level was, and it is higher than most, my weekly step count runs between 150,000-210,000. It was also nice to see a high "sleep efficiency". I'm pretty sure the high activity and sound sleep are correlated. I probably gained a bit of weight, since the high activity level would convince me I could eat a bit more, here & there.
I started to do the Whole 30 diet this year - in solidarity with some friends, I lasted about 18 days. I was losing weight, a lot of weight, and that hadn't been the purpose. I realized I needed more non-meat calories than this silly diet was going to give me, so I bailed on the diet. It was convenient to discard a few pounds so quickly, and it reminded me how calorie dense most refined carbs are.
I was able to get a new FitBit from the points my old FitBit earned me on an employer health motivation website. So, I still wear a FitBit. I'm not sure if I'll pay to buy a new one when the second one dies.
I wanted it to see what my activity level was, and it is higher than most, my weekly step count runs between 150,000-210,000. It was also nice to see a high "sleep efficiency". I'm pretty sure the high activity and sound sleep are correlated. I probably gained a bit of weight, since the high activity level would convince me I could eat a bit more, here & there.
I started to do the Whole 30 diet this year - in solidarity with some friends, I lasted about 18 days. I was losing weight, a lot of weight, and that hadn't been the purpose. I realized I needed more non-meat calories than this silly diet was going to give me, so I bailed on the diet. It was convenient to discard a few pounds so quickly, and it reminded me how calorie dense most refined carbs are.
I was able to get a new FitBit from the points my old FitBit earned me on an employer health motivation website. So, I still wear a FitBit. I'm not sure if I'll pay to buy a new one when the second one dies.
1
I think people who are motivated to increase the amount of exercize in their daily routines are perhaps more likely to acquire a wearable tech device. They aren't cheap so the simple act of buying one means something about motivation. Now not all suceed but I think there is some staying power.
I for one did realize as I approached 50 that I needed to get in better shape. I did get a fitbit. When I did I was winded after a 5 minute jog. 3 years later I will be doing my first half marathon next month. I don't think it is the fitbit but it did help keep me honest on what I was doing.
I for one did realize as I approached 50 that I needed to get in better shape. I did get a fitbit. When I did I was winded after a 5 minute jog. 3 years later I will be doing my first half marathon next month. I don't think it is the fitbit but it did help keep me honest on what I was doing.
1
I love my Fitbit for the added motivation to walk more, more and more. With a BMI of 19, I don't need to lose weight, but I do need to exercise. My dog and my fitbit get me moving.
The usefulness of a fitbit, and weight loss, are 2 separate issues.
The usefulness of a fitbit, and weight loss, are 2 separate issues.
2
easy to agree on the exercise and weight issues.... but the diary features for food and a reminder to exercise and track data on goals helps. could do it without but not a total waste either.
For many the diary and wrist "buddy" helping to record and keep track should not be easily dismissed. Most 12 step programs require some kind of accountability , and this is one form of that.
For many the diary and wrist "buddy" helping to record and keep track should not be easily dismissed. Most 12 step programs require some kind of accountability , and this is one form of that.
The comparison here is between intensive weight loss interventions with and without wearable devices. The relevant comparison to people deciding whether or not to purchase a FitBit is between a FibBit and nothing. The author doesn't cite any studies making such a comparison, so we still don't know whether a FitBit helps or not, in the absence of other interventions.
Either you're disciplined and motivated or not. No technology will replace the individual for optimum health and weight control. Ascribe to dietary guidelines and a fitness program that works for you .
When I first got my Fitbit I logged everything I ate and was able to see where extra calories were coming from. THat information helped a lot in cutting back on total calorie intake. After a few months, though, it was clear that I was entering the same data in every single day, so no new information was being provided, and I stopped logging my intake.
I started the 5:2 calorie restriction diet, and lost about 30 pounds. One of the key elements of that diet regimen is that, on unrestricted days you can eat what you want. (Behavioral studies have shown that participants in the intermittent restriction regimen tend to eat more on unrestricted days, but not enough to make up entirely for the decreased calories on restriction days.) Tracking was not really necessary, and I don't expect it will be unless I start gaining weight again (to see where the extra calories are coming from).
Then I started exercising every single day for 30-45 minutes, alternating weight training with aerobic activities. Again, tracking every single exercise minute seemed unnecessary. I still use the Fitbit program to log my weight every day.
As long as I keep up with the nearly daily exercise regimen, and I am at a weight I am happy with, I don't need the information supplied by all-encompassing data collection. If I start gaining weight again, that is a different story.
I started the 5:2 calorie restriction diet, and lost about 30 pounds. One of the key elements of that diet regimen is that, on unrestricted days you can eat what you want. (Behavioral studies have shown that participants in the intermittent restriction regimen tend to eat more on unrestricted days, but not enough to make up entirely for the decreased calories on restriction days.) Tracking was not really necessary, and I don't expect it will be unless I start gaining weight again (to see where the extra calories are coming from).
Then I started exercising every single day for 30-45 minutes, alternating weight training with aerobic activities. Again, tracking every single exercise minute seemed unnecessary. I still use the Fitbit program to log my weight every day.
As long as I keep up with the nearly daily exercise regimen, and I am at a weight I am happy with, I don't need the information supplied by all-encompassing data collection. If I start gaining weight again, that is a different story.
1
My fitbit helped me to lose 10 pounds because it showed me that I was burning fewer calories than I was eating. To lose weight, on some days I ate less, on others I exercised more. My goal was a caloric deficit of 300 calories per day, which enabled me to lose a pound every 12 days. Without the fitbit, I had no idea how many calories I was burning. For this reason alone it is essential for weight loss. Will it cause someone to lose weight without counting calories and a tremendous amount of discipline? Of course not.
@J.O'Kelly:
With the fitbit, you still have no idea how many calories you are burning. It's a very rough estimate, at best, and calories burned through exercise are trivial compared to resting metabolic rate.
With the fitbit, you still have no idea how many calories you are burning. It's a very rough estimate, at best, and calories burned through exercise are trivial compared to resting metabolic rate.
I have a very accurate idea. What the fitbit does not measure well, I enter manually. The proof is in the math. A pound of fat is 3500 calories. When the difference between calories eaten and the calories burned (as measured by the fitbit) was 7000 calories, the scale said I had lost 2 pounds . Never fails.
@J.O'Kelly:
The pound of fat equals 3500 calories thing never works in real life, because metabolic rate is variable, partitioning of materials between fat, muscle, and other tissues is variable, and all of these things are interdependent. Calorie contents of foods are quite variable, and those calorie counts are not as accurate or precise as we have been led to believe.
The measurements that you are claiming to make are very difficult to do in a controlled lab setting, where researchers monitor and record calories while subjects are kept in a metabolic ward for days or weeks at a time. Even under these controlled conditions, there is variability within and between individuals. It's just not plausible that you hit perfect accuracy at home.
The pound of fat equals 3500 calories thing never works in real life, because metabolic rate is variable, partitioning of materials between fat, muscle, and other tissues is variable, and all of these things are interdependent. Calorie contents of foods are quite variable, and those calorie counts are not as accurate or precise as we have been led to believe.
The measurements that you are claiming to make are very difficult to do in a controlled lab setting, where researchers monitor and record calories while subjects are kept in a metabolic ward for days or weeks at a time. Even under these controlled conditions, there is variability within and between individuals. It's just not plausible that you hit perfect accuracy at home.
My wife and I have wearables and, like some others who have commented, we have found them to promote friendly competition with each other and some of our friends. We also have a program at work that promotes healthy living and comes with incentives. I don't find this coercive in the least as someone else in the comments has. It's voluntary and saves us some money on health insurance premiums plus we earn points that can be used for gift cards, discounts or outright purchases.
As far as weight loss... no help there. I've been using a wearable for over a year and the weight loss didn't occur until I signed up for a program that gave me a calorie budget and easy way to track my caloric intake. I met my weight loss goal in 10 weeks and now am working on maintenance.
For me the benefit of the wearable tech is the feedback I get from tracking my activity. I have daily, weekly and monthly goals and the wearable tech gives me great visual feedback that helps motivate me. It's fun to see lots of green as I meet my goals.
Reduced blood sugar, a healthy BMI percentage, improving cardio endurance and recovery, better muscle tone... all these are the real benefits, but the tech is a fun motivator in addition to these real benefits.
As far as weight loss... no help there. I've been using a wearable for over a year and the weight loss didn't occur until I signed up for a program that gave me a calorie budget and easy way to track my caloric intake. I met my weight loss goal in 10 weeks and now am working on maintenance.
For me the benefit of the wearable tech is the feedback I get from tracking my activity. I have daily, weekly and monthly goals and the wearable tech gives me great visual feedback that helps motivate me. It's fun to see lots of green as I meet my goals.
Reduced blood sugar, a healthy BMI percentage, improving cardio endurance and recovery, better muscle tone... all these are the real benefits, but the tech is a fun motivator in addition to these real benefits.
7
I am essentially forced to wear one of these things in order to score enough points in my employer's worksite wellness program to earn a substantial financial benefit (decreased health insurance premium and increased employer contribution to my HSA). I view the whole program as intrusive and bordering on coercive, but I do it because we need the money. Now I have the pleasure of knowing that it's also pointless. I'd like to see more coverage of the questionable value (and ethics) of these programs in promoting employee health.
38
This is awful!
Yes, it's true, employers can be pretty clumsy about coaxing people to engage in healthful behaviors. And you're completely within your rights to oppose them "just because".
But their hope is that your engagement will lead you to adopt behaviors that are good for you. Sure their motive is selfish; there's a slim chance you being healthier will mean your employe is less at risk of having to spring for really expensive rescue treatment (alas, the data is not especially decisive on that point either).
But now your turn to think selfishly about it. Make this 'imposition' work for YOU. Adopting, or even merely inclining towards, habits you know are probably good for you, may be good for YOU. And good for your loved ones. And if it doesn't hurt too much, and saves you some money in the bargain, why not? Do it for yourself, and to heck with your employer's objectives.
But their hope is that your engagement will lead you to adopt behaviors that are good for you. Sure their motive is selfish; there's a slim chance you being healthier will mean your employe is less at risk of having to spring for really expensive rescue treatment (alas, the data is not especially decisive on that point either).
But now your turn to think selfishly about it. Make this 'imposition' work for YOU. Adopting, or even merely inclining towards, habits you know are probably good for you, may be good for YOU. And good for your loved ones. And if it doesn't hurt too much, and saves you some money in the bargain, why not? Do it for yourself, and to heck with your employer's objectives.
Clearly it is much easier to consume 500 calories than to burn it off, especially in our culture of abundant high caloric foods. However, in my experience and in a few studies, exercise does reduce appetite. I'm not sure if this is due to the motivation to live healthier, the effect of some biological phenomenon, or some other reason. Regardless, I have found that my diet is much "improved" by exercise. And by exercise, I mean running, cycling, swimming, etc... Not simply walking and moving one's arms vigorously.
8
@L. Eddy:
Exercise _increases_ appetite (in general). If you spent several hours running, cycling, doing yardwork, moving furniture, etc, in the morning -- how will this affect your hunger at dinner time?
Exercise _increases_ appetite (in general). If you spent several hours running, cycling, doing yardwork, moving furniture, etc, in the morning -- how will this affect your hunger at dinner time?
This matches my own personal experience as well as my professional experience with SCOTTeVEST. People have for years thought that wearables would be the future but my experience is quite the opposite and I say this owning a wearables company for over 16 years.
In sum, while the information from the sensors is interesting I do not believe it is life-changing for motivates people to change behavior in a significant long-term fashion.
In sum, while the information from the sensors is interesting I do not believe it is life-changing for motivates people to change behavior in a significant long-term fashion.
9
Fitness trackers can be a great motivator to move. my family, friends, and I, including my age 70 parents, compete with each other and cheer each other on. The social dimension has been a key to keeping us moving. the results? some of us are thinner, some of us aren't. our hearts are healthy and our spirits stay young.
9
Dr. Carroll is right, it is also my experience that after two weeks or so wearing a Fitbit or an iwatch, you figured pretty much out how many steps you are doing a day. By the way, if you have an iPhone, you don't need any additional device to get that information. However, that alone has its value. 30 years ago, I trained extensively on my bike with the first wireless heart beat transmitters which came on the market then. I stopped using them after a while, because I learned to figure out my heart rate as being below 120, between 120 and 140 and above 140 without the device. That's all what you need, and I would not been able to learn so much about my body without that little technical support.
6
It doesn't work for everyone, but the gift of a Fitbit for Christmas prodded me to pay attention to my weight, which in turn led to changes in diet and exercise, which in turn led to a 55 pound weight loss. For me, it's like having Jiminy Cricket on my wrist.
31
My experience and weight loss was almost identical. I got a Fitbit for Christmas 2015, lost 60 pounds by July and have only gained about 5 pounds back in the next 8 months.
1
That's 55lbs down in 14 months, not two, right?
1
I was at a breakfast time church event for teens with coffee and donuts that was opened by a portly standup comic wearing a FitBit...midway through his act he referred to his FitBit and explained that it told him how many paces he made to get his Krispy Kreme Donuts (very funny at the time); these wearable devices are just fads
4
Fitness devices (portable, wearable) = Capitalism at work.
Eat less, exercise; skip the devices.
Eat less, exercise; skip the devices.
7
I'm in my fifth year of successful weight loss (35 pounds) and maintenance. Completely agree about the data - it's diet that helps you lose weight. I'm in the weight National Weight Loss Registry study. Like most who successfully maintain, I exercise every day - just by walking. And first a pedometer, then a fitbit, now an Apple Watch help. It prods you. It keeps you from lying to yourself. As someone who (like most people who successfully maintain) logs every thing I put in my mouth, I love the fact that it allows me to eat a little more by recording calories. Didn't help me lose. Does help me keep moving and maintain. Consistent with the data.
9
With all due respect, your experience seems not to be consistent with the data presented. The data showed weight loss to be the same or less amongst those wearing the devices as among those not so decorated. Your individual experience may suggest that some individuals find the devices helpful, but the question quickly shifts to what characteristics you might share with others that help make the device(s) helpful to you, and hence possibly to them?
2
The commenter is only suggesting that the devices help motivate movement. They specifically say that their weight loss and maintenance is due to food journaling.
2
Just like a sample of one is a bad study, a conclusion based on one study is a bad conclusion.
6
The author doesn't present a conclusion based on one study. He actually cites three, but, more importantly, it's not up to the reviewer to show causality or demonstrate efficacy. He simply points out--quite rightly--that there's no meaningful evidence yet presented that wearable devices such as Fitbits and the like have a significant effect on either fitness or weight control, over a population. No study of behavioral interventions can ever account for motivations and effects within a given, specific individual, but large studies of the same can sometimes show us what persons with the characteristics of a given population are likely to do, experience, or achieve. That's what is done by those trying to find what works well--and what doesn't--for most people. Yeah, my grandfather lived well into his eighties despite eating bacon and eggs every day, a cholesterol of more than 400, and more. That doesn't mean that recommendations to reduce fats and meat in one's diet, and try to reduce one's cholesterol below Apple's stock price, aren't--in general--sound advice.
1
At least they don't take up as much space in the garage as the treadmills, stationary bikes and other useless junk when the excitement wears off.
19
If you want to use technology to lose weight get a food scale and count calories on MyFitnessPal. The rest is just modern snake oil.
10
As a type 2 diabetic, the most useful actions in controlling one's blood glucose: are Certified Diabetic Education classes (not covered by my health insurance); a glucose meter (covered) with test strips (not covered) for self testing to determine your individual reaction to things you eat and drink (reaction to various carbs does vary between diabetics); and a food scale that measures in tenths of grams to implement proper portion control (naturally not covered).
Those 3 actions are of more value to diabetics than all other activities.
Those 3 actions are of more value to diabetics than all other activities.
3
@Nick:
In the past, people maintained stable weights without using technology or counting calories. It's the nutritional quality of the food.
In the past, people maintained stable weights without using technology or counting calories. It's the nutritional quality of the food.
1
As a physician I have tried to impress this fact upon my patients for years. If you want to lose weight its 80% diet and 20% exercise. Its extremely difficult to make up for a poor diet with exercise. Just look at the calorie count the next time you work out. You may burn 300 calories 3 or 4 times a week which works out to 150 calories a day. A cookie or two and all that work is down the drain.
Its easy to see why people would prefer to focus on exercise. Exercise only requires an hour every other day. Diet is 24/7 will power.
That's not to say that exercise isn't important to overall health but when it comes to weight loss diet can't be an after thought. It has to be the primary tool.
Its easy to see why people would prefer to focus on exercise. Exercise only requires an hour every other day. Diet is 24/7 will power.
That's not to say that exercise isn't important to overall health but when it comes to weight loss diet can't be an after thought. It has to be the primary tool.
21
If you believe willpower is the key to diet, than I suggest you go back to school 'doctor'.
Also, it's spelled 'willpower'.
I disagree with the notion activity trackers are of no benefit. Since I started wearing my Fitbit my level of guilt has increased dramatically. Pretty sure there is a positive correlation there.
11
My partner loves her Fitbit, and it's directly helped her lose 13kg (29 pounds) so far.
The difference is she uses the device in conjunction with an app that lets her also capture what she eats during the day.
She sets a target calorie amount, and the app charts how close she is to that target, or if she's over. If she's over she can do more exercise to get it under. If she's under she can have a glass of wine or whatever. Maybe you have to be a certain type of personality, but she just loves nailing that target each day.
For me, I'm eating better and finding out a lot about calories. Almond flour's a killer. Who knew.
My partner says it's "just math". But it's only through consciously and painstakingly calculating the calorie content of everything she eats and drinks that it works. She puts in a lot of effort - way more than just strapping a rubber band to her wrist.
So look. I think it can be a great tool for measuring energy expended, but it's only useful for losing weight if you're also monitoring the other side of the equation, energy consumed. The Fitbit app and device allows you to measure both in real time, which is great. It's a great tool. But like anything, you've gotta want it.
The difference is she uses the device in conjunction with an app that lets her also capture what she eats during the day.
She sets a target calorie amount, and the app charts how close she is to that target, or if she's over. If she's over she can do more exercise to get it under. If she's under she can have a glass of wine or whatever. Maybe you have to be a certain type of personality, but she just loves nailing that target each day.
For me, I'm eating better and finding out a lot about calories. Almond flour's a killer. Who knew.
My partner says it's "just math". But it's only through consciously and painstakingly calculating the calorie content of everything she eats and drinks that it works. She puts in a lot of effort - way more than just strapping a rubber band to her wrist.
So look. I think it can be a great tool for measuring energy expended, but it's only useful for losing weight if you're also monitoring the other side of the equation, energy consumed. The Fitbit app and device allows you to measure both in real time, which is great. It's a great tool. But like anything, you've gotta want it.
10
We now have so much easy access to "nutritional information" that we are often totally confused, between the nebulous term "healthy" and low carb, low cal, high protein, gluten-free, what-have-you. Calories count, always did, always will. Almond flour has quite a few. That being said, we do need calories.
Some people develop an orthorexia, preoccupation with correct eating, and end up trying to living on lettuce only. Sigh.
We have lost touch with our internal satiety signals. That is the issue.
Some people develop an orthorexia, preoccupation with correct eating, and end up trying to living on lettuce only. Sigh.
We have lost touch with our internal satiety signals. That is the issue.
3
Agree. Maybe it's a case of consciously eating until we've trained our body to know what healthily full feels like. And maybe a low-level preoccupation with healthy eating is actually ok in the short term, if it doesn't interfere with the enjoyment of life, or food. Like a corrective brace. Made of practical dietary information, not the swirl of fads and latest trends. With the end goal being to tune back into those internal satiety signals.
2
@Dan:
Accurate calorie counts are difficult to do in a controlled lab setting, and almost impossible at home. Calories burned through exercise are trivial compared to resting metabolic rate.
Energy balance is supposed to be automatic and unconscious, like breathing or blood pressure. If we have to consciously balance energy, then something is already wrong.
Accurate calorie counts are difficult to do in a controlled lab setting, and almost impossible at home. Calories burned through exercise are trivial compared to resting metabolic rate.
Energy balance is supposed to be automatic and unconscious, like breathing or blood pressure. If we have to consciously balance energy, then something is already wrong.
For more than forty years, I've been charting my running and weight training with available technology. It's called pencil and paper. And the occasional staple to group a decade's worth of calories out.
Total cost: didn't move the needle.
Total cost: didn't move the needle.
7
Way too broad with the claim in the article. Crux of the argument is a single longitudinal study in one region implementing wearable fitness technology in its nascent stages. This study first had everyone (both control and experimental) go on a low calorie diet, get counseling sessions, and prescribed exercise. Then after 6 months, the wearable devices were introduced. This initial intervention is a form of negative pattern breaking that likely correlates heavily with the effect of wearable technology.
The statement should be wearable fitness devices *manufactured before or during 2010* did not generate a significant increase in activity or a significant increase in weight loss *in groups that were already on a low calorie diet, receiving group counseling, and with a prescribed exercise program.* This is a very weak statement in comparison to the article title. Prescribing an exercise program serves as a constraint on activity because when you have finished the listed activity you have "worked out for the day." It bounds how much work you do above by being a concrete accomplishable and could negate the positive effect of the biometric which works best unbounded. Not only that, it is likely that the recent iterations of these devices generate better results than what was available in 2010.
The statement should be wearable fitness devices *manufactured before or during 2010* did not generate a significant increase in activity or a significant increase in weight loss *in groups that were already on a low calorie diet, receiving group counseling, and with a prescribed exercise program.* This is a very weak statement in comparison to the article title. Prescribing an exercise program serves as a constraint on activity because when you have finished the listed activity you have "worked out for the day." It bounds how much work you do above by being a concrete accomplishable and could negate the positive effect of the biometric which works best unbounded. Not only that, it is likely that the recent iterations of these devices generate better results than what was available in 2010.
17
Exactly this! The devices used in this study (I believe the BodyMedia) are nothing like today's Fitbit or misfit or garmin. It was an armband and obviously never took off. Is not fair to extrapolate.
3
I am growing weary of the way we conduct these discussions. Perhaps Diet is somehow superior to Activity in the pantheon of Weight Loss, but the two are not unrelated except in discussions like this. Eat reasonably and be reasonably active. And the thing on your wrist...it affects neither and so is obviously inconsequential except to your neighbors who want to profit from your vulnerabilities.
5
The thing on your wrist only makes your wallet lose weight and slims your bank account.
1
The very screen that is propelling our sedintary ways cannot be trusted to mitigate them. It's like a bowl of salad surrounded my donuts. The salad might be a healthy choice but all the other food will crush its ultimate benefit.
Get rid of all screens and watch people get more active and thin naturally. But of course that is ridiculous. So accept the fact that the future body type for the average screenager will inevitably be larger than our pre screen ancestors.
And for those who really want to loose weight turn off your screens now ( after you have read this of course).
Get rid of all screens and watch people get more active and thin naturally. But of course that is ridiculous. So accept the fact that the future body type for the average screenager will inevitably be larger than our pre screen ancestors.
And for those who really want to loose weight turn off your screens now ( after you have read this of course).
4
Is there a recipe for that salad/ doughnut thing?
1
Interesting and I firmly believe that diet is the more important factor in weight loss having lost weight with no real extra exercise. That said, moving does help as long as you don't get tempted to eat an extra 500 calories because you walked for 30 minutes!
I wear a Nike Fuel band and swear that it keeps me moving. And for me maintaining an 85 lb weight loss for almost 4 years is very much dependent on keeping active. My fuel band really helps and I like seeing the charts and comparing how I do week to week, month to month, year to year.
I wear a Nike Fuel band and swear that it keeps me moving. And for me maintaining an 85 lb weight loss for almost 4 years is very much dependent on keeping active. My fuel band really helps and I like seeing the charts and comparing how I do week to week, month to month, year to year.
9
Well, I didn't really buy my Fitbit to lose weight, I bought it because I wanted to straighten out my sleep pattern, which had become truly bizarre, staying up late, and then dragging through the day. It was like sleep was a guilty pleasure. Fitbit is like a nice little mommy saying, "Go to bed! Take a nap!" and letting me know when I haven't slept enough, and when I have. I've been getting by on not enough sleep for a really long time, but the Fitbit is actually helping to straighten that out.
7
I see a lot of anecdotal evidence here, each person relating their personal fitness stories, Fitbit experiences yada yada- but it is mostly hogwash much like the testimony you see on magic supplements sold on TV or the internet.
Anecdotal evidence is not proof as any credentialed scientist will tell you. Glad it works for you as it were. Peer reviewed long term studies of large or various population groups is what must be done.
This recent study done on hunter gatherer groups in Africa will sink the burning calories myth. No Fitbits here.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-exercise-paradox/
Anecdotal evidence is not proof as any credentialed scientist will tell you. Glad it works for you as it were. Peer reviewed long term studies of large or various population groups is what must be done.
This recent study done on hunter gatherer groups in Africa will sink the burning calories myth. No Fitbits here.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-exercise-paradox/
5
This study used old, cumbersome technology that had poor compliance. Please don't use this study, for anything. Really, it's that bad. The interesting part of it, though, was that the entire group lost the majority of their weight the first 6 months with active intervention from outside, then were randomized to self monitoring or the unwieldy, unfriendly device. The difference at the end of 24 months was HOW MUCH THEY GAINED BACK after the initial 6 month intervention. I think the eye opener is after 2 years of restricted calories and exercise the group only lost between 10 - 15 lbs on average (192lbs average starting weight, 77% women, 18 -35 yo) and not dramatically improved biometric measurements either. HOW COMPLETELY PATHETIC!
4
My Fitbit has definitely motivated me to be more active more often. I'm a music and theatre critic and have a tendency to spend large blocks of time sitting at my computer. Fitbit reminds me to get up and walk around on a regular basis, so even on days when I don't make it to the gym, I still get in some exercise. So it's certainly worth it for me.
5
81 years old, just back from 30 days in So. California. averaged over 10,000 steps per day on my iPhone (up from an annual average 5,000) and did all my band resistance exercises. Ate my normal diet of protein, tons of fruit and veg, only whole grains plus a few extra restaurant meals and ice cream. Disappointed when stepped on scale after return last Thursday. Weight exactly the same as 30 days ago. Then took my hip and waist measurements, both less than 30 days ago. A little more muscle? Feel less fat on my belly. When I left 30 days ago, the maximum distance I could comfortably walk was 2 and 1/4 miles. Now increased to 3 miles. I just love counting toward my 10,000 step goal. Also sleep better. Little by little I'm getting stronger and slimmer which equals feeling younger. My physical therapist jokes that steps not recorded on a device don't count as exercise. Funny it feels that way. Only with the phone in my pocket counting my steps would I ever park at the far end of the lot at Whole Foods. Thanks for "listening".
49
I am not interested in weight loss because I do not have a weight problem. However, my Fibtbit Charge 2 really helped me step up my exercise. It reminds me every hour to move and I have an ambitious exercise goal each week that I try to meet. If it is any indication that it is working for me, my resting heart rate went from 61 to 53 after a few weeks of use. I am a 38-year-old female who would not describe herself as someone who is naturally drawn to exercise.
13
I believe most buyers, including me have bought these fitness trackers assuming we would be motivated to lose weight by tracking our everyday activity. But we soon realize that the devices are not really the motivator, but it is our own lifestyle and need and determination to maintain a healthy weight that propel us to increase activity levels and lose weight. The smartwatches and other fitness trackers are mere aids in our journey to achieve or maintain a healthy body and mind. Investing in good fitness equipment like a treadmill, may serve the purpose better.
3
Quoting Psalms: Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. I believe the psalmist referred to our awareness and contemplation of the steps, the trail, the road stretching before us. The sports watch impedes our ability to number our days and appreciate their qualities.
1
I have been using a cheaper version of a fitness band for 1 year and recently started using fitbit. The bands kept me active with reminders, challenges and a bit competition with others. However, it never caused any weight loss. About 2 months ago, I signed up an employer sponsored weight loss program called Omada which uses a combination of diet/healthy living classes, food, weight and step tracking to aim a long term 7% weight loss. That worked. So in my experience tracking devices can be helpful for weight loss with a combination of diet control.
2
Little off topic but: That is the best graphic I've ever seen for an article. Congratulations to the artist. No need to publish.
Thanks
Thanks
4
Eat like a lion and train like one. Youll do fine.
3
Lions sleep approximately 20 hours per day.
My FitBit helps to keep me, honest! Tells me how much I have walked, or not. Wearing it on my wrist, helps me to be intentional about moving more.
7
As you state; this is really hard to believe. Half the folks just added a monitor, received the same counseling, but lost half of the weight. It implies that actually seeing your activities means doing less of them or eat more. Right? That would mean that folks who see the amount of activities state: "Oh, look I have done so much already today therefor I do no more or deserve a treat!". Plausible? Yes but bizarre!
2
I was one of the people irked by his last article. Yes. Some people buy the bands thinking it will do the work on its own. But it is like checking in with a scale for weight loss. Making sure you do 10.000 steps is good health. It has gotten a lot of sedentary people moving.
5
Not so fast. If I wear a ten pound device, guess what happens when I take it off? I lose ten pounds! Doh.
4
I have been using a Fitbit the last 15 months. I walk 5-7 miles per day and don't come home until my wrist vibrates saying I hit my goal. I have lost 30 lbs but the goal was more to get my arthritic body moving and increase my quality of life. I am a very competitive person who likes seeing that string of days I have hit my goal so I am less likely to skip a day. Rather than looking for an excuse not to excercise, I am looking for ways to sneak in extra steps if I don't get my "real" walk.
31
I recently got a FitBit again (the Charge) with the explicit goal of losing weight. It was very a very helpful tool for me back in 2014, when I used the FitBit Force. However, the biggest reason I lost a lot of weight a couple years ago was not because of the prompts to move and hit 10,000 steps, but rather, because the app allowed me to track my diet and caloric intake. Actually, when I stopped counting calories, I was arguably even more active, yet my weight remained at around the same level.
Admittedly, there are plenty of other apps and methods (i.e., pen and paper) to track one's calories, but since I'm already comfortable with FitBit, I stick with what works for me. So, I agree with the author's ultimate conclusion that diet is the most vital input in weight loss, but wearable tech can definitely aide with that goal, though it should not be seen as a silver bullet.
Admittedly, there are plenty of other apps and methods (i.e., pen and paper) to track one's calories, but since I'm already comfortable with FitBit, I stick with what works for me. So, I agree with the author's ultimate conclusion that diet is the most vital input in weight loss, but wearable tech can definitely aide with that goal, though it should not be seen as a silver bullet.
6
I have to agree with LAB. My husband and I both purchased Garmin devices almost a year ago and have both benefitted tremendously. The devices are a constant source of inspiration and we really enjoy monitoring ourselves, whether we try to achieve PB's, try something new, or just make sure we move sufficiently during the day. The devices are also great fun. I think that Americans are shockingly sedentary so anything that will help them get moving is great. Monitoring activity adds awareness throughout the day, and in many people that is probably lacking, And my device has done just that for me, made me aware, and more responsible to myself resultantly!
8
Not the case for me! I began wearing a FitBit last spring and have lost ten pounds. Caveat: I was already a confirmed walker and had already lost 50-60 lbs over 10 yrs ago simply from walking and eating sensibly. The FitBit helped me to see how little I was walking on some days and encouraged me to walk further and up the ante on others.
These devices don't do the work for you! In my case I had this idea that I was "a walker" and walked "all the time" but I wasn't and the pounds were creeping back on. It's more information and some people are able to make good use of that.
These devices don't do the work for you! In my case I had this idea that I was "a walker" and walked "all the time" but I wasn't and the pounds were creeping back on. It's more information and some people are able to make good use of that.
10
Am I understanding the IDEA trial correctly that all participants were treated exactly the same except that half were given wearable tech devices after 6 months and those with the tech lost less weight? So the conclusion of the study is that wearing tech devices causes people to lose less weight? I'm assuming they were all on the same low calorie diet throughout the 2 year period. If so, then was the tech wearing group LESS physically active than the other group because they were wearing the devices? But if exercise doesn't contribute to weight loss as you state in the first paragraph, how can this be so? I'm confused as to why the tech group lost less weight and what that proves.
4
I am not the least bit surprised you received blowback for the article which showed that exercise is not the key to weight loss (and for which you will most likely get more for this article). Unfortunately stating the evidence is irrelevant to some people and the research shows people dig in their heals of their own opinions even more when faced with facts. That said, people who need to lose weight or have been told to exercise more by their physicians want to believe in some quick fix. Sorry folks, being healthy means YOU have to eat nutritious food and establish a regular exercise regimen. There are no shortcuts to good health.
4
Read the research report. It doesn't confirm a single you wrote.
1
while exercise may not lead to weight loss, that is different than leading to healthier outcomes. secondly, it is my opinion that people who train to fit bits etc... tend to overstate the benefits of their mundane activities. For instance, someone who runs a mile and then walks all day has physically taxed himself more than someone who tracks a mile or more of steps THROUGHOUT THE DAY. my experience is that people who use fitbits use them not to increase their activity, but to give them a measure to compete with other individuals.
I don't know about the others, but my FitBit Alta under-counts the steps I take by about 20%. I know this because I've counted my steps, too. It's pretty demoralizing to spend a whole day walking around with nothing to show for it but a number well below 10K.
I wore it night and day in January, but lately I've been forgetting to recharge it, or to wear it: Not "forgetting," mind you, just plain walking out the door without it in the morning. We all need motivators to keep on a fitness plan, and the FitBit doesn't provide enough gratification to keep me coming back.
I wore it night and day in January, but lately I've been forgetting to recharge it, or to wear it: Not "forgetting," mind you, just plain walking out the door without it in the morning. We all need motivators to keep on a fitness plan, and the FitBit doesn't provide enough gratification to keep me coming back.
Fitness and weight loss are not synonymous. The author is conflating the two. I have known very thin people who were not at all "fit." Moreover, as everyone knows, muscle weighs more than fat. Thanks, but I'll keep wearing my Fitbit. I enjoy competing with myself to stay active.
7
I did not get a Fitbit to loose weight. I got it to measure my level of activity. In that sense, it just showed what I knew, I need to walk more. But, after a couple years, I have stopped wearing it.
If I was an athlete, devices would be very useful. But, I am not.
The experience has lead me to other IOT devices like a scale that measures weight, fat, etc. This, I am sure, DOES help people loose weight, but of course, you can also just do it with any scale and a piece of paper you track your weight on.
Also, as I have aged, I want to know more about my cardiovascular health. Devices that do that, from a BP cuff to an Apple Watch, could be and are very helpful.
Wearables are not for everyone or even needed but, as we age or develop health issues (we ALL will one day!), then devices are handy to show you, in quantitative ways, what is happening and if your efforts to change that data are working.
If I was an athlete, devices would be very useful. But, I am not.
The experience has lead me to other IOT devices like a scale that measures weight, fat, etc. This, I am sure, DOES help people loose weight, but of course, you can also just do it with any scale and a piece of paper you track your weight on.
Also, as I have aged, I want to know more about my cardiovascular health. Devices that do that, from a BP cuff to an Apple Watch, could be and are very helpful.
Wearables are not for everyone or even needed but, as we age or develop health issues (we ALL will one day!), then devices are handy to show you, in quantitative ways, what is happening and if your efforts to change that data are working.
1
So - next thing you will be telling me is that purchasing a weight scale won't cause me to lose weight.
5
I take no issue with the idea that these devices don't make you lose weight. Only you can make you lose weight. No device (or nurse, dietician, or treadmill) can solve the problem of eating a plate of nachos at 2 a.m.
Rather than focus on weight, why not look at the complete picture? Resting heart rate, blood pressure, and max V02?
While important, weight loss is not the only component of fitness. If a gadget reminds you to move several times a day when otherwise you would be chained to your desk, where is the harm? I also believe any time you spend money on anything from a scale to a health club membership, you are making a commitment to your body and your health.
Tracking your steps, setting goals, sleep awareness, and calories burned won't guarantee a healthier body, but nothing will. Are you more likely to live a healthier lifestyle with a fitness band? I'd argue yes.
Rather than focus on weight, why not look at the complete picture? Resting heart rate, blood pressure, and max V02?
While important, weight loss is not the only component of fitness. If a gadget reminds you to move several times a day when otherwise you would be chained to your desk, where is the harm? I also believe any time you spend money on anything from a scale to a health club membership, you are making a commitment to your body and your health.
Tracking your steps, setting goals, sleep awareness, and calories burned won't guarantee a healthier body, but nothing will. Are you more likely to live a healthier lifestyle with a fitness band? I'd argue yes.
2
These wearable devices are sold to make money and the app developers money. That's it. You want to lose weight, modify your diet and exercise. It's that easy.
1
I activated the link for the Body Fit activity monitor but the company has been closed. It sounds like FitBit is not as accurate. Does anyone know of a really good activity monitor? And do these things also track calories taken in?
2
Hoping a fitness tracker could lead to weight loss is akin to expecting weight loss by staring at one's expanding girth in the mirror. Now maybe if one jumped up and down (long enough) in rage at the futility...
I am not sure why anyone would think that a fitness band should or would lead to weight loss. Fitness devices are about fitness -- which is related to, but not the same as, weight. I have been wearing a fitness band for a year and a half and found that it does get me up and walking more. I am overweight, but I am not trying to lose weight, just become more fit. Yes, I know, that's another concept people have a hard time accepting.
4
If you don't exercise, along with a reasonably healthy diet, it doesn't matter whether you're wearing a Fitbit or have some kind of workout machine that's gathering dust in corner. The latter does have other uses, such as a place to hang clothes.
I had surgery in December and decided to join weight watchers just to keep me in shape and lose 13 pounds that had accumulated in the last few years. I didn't want to gain weight for the 3 weeks I unable to lift weights, etc. My exercise included walking and following the WW program I lost 10 pounds. Proof enough for me that it's diet not exercise that helps with weight loss.
1
It's much easier to consume calories than to burn them. If I burn 250 calories in a 30-minute session on an exercise bike, I can immediately cancel it out with a nutrition shake. So monitoring activity without calorie consumption isn't likely be very effective unless you eat the same thing every day. I've found a calorie-tracking app (MFP) to be very helpful in achieving my weight goals. Anyone who consumes about 250 calories less (or more) than they burn every day will lose (or gain) about 0.5 pounds per week for as long as they want to.
2
On an episode of "30 Rock" a few years ago, Tina Fey's Liz Lemon says, "I'm going to the gym later, so I deserve a treat." This speaks volumes about the contribution of diet vs. exercise in weight loss.
My own position on this is that diet influences weight, exercise influences fitness (which includes, of course, muscle tone and mental fitness). There doesn't appear to be a downside to exercise, but exercise and crazy eating will not result in weight loss. Unfortunately, exercise makes many of us more hungry! (Can we not catch a break here?)
My Fitbit, I know, isn't going to help me lose weight. (Otherwise, wouldn't it be great if we could put on the device, park ourselves in front of the TV with a bowl of ice cream, and watch the scale go down?) What it does do is give me tiny rewards for doing the right thing. I go on the elliptical machine, and the Fitbit counts it. And it's tied to my food tracking app. It winds up being more of a cute little motivator (I got a bunch of fun colored bands for my new Fitbit) and I get up and move way more frequently. There is, also, a feeling of accomplishment when the thing buzzes when I've hit my step goal.
So yes, many of us don't need the fitness tracker to keep it all together. But for some of us (particularly those like me who fight the weight demon every single day) the constant positive feedback can help keep us on track.
My own position on this is that diet influences weight, exercise influences fitness (which includes, of course, muscle tone and mental fitness). There doesn't appear to be a downside to exercise, but exercise and crazy eating will not result in weight loss. Unfortunately, exercise makes many of us more hungry! (Can we not catch a break here?)
My Fitbit, I know, isn't going to help me lose weight. (Otherwise, wouldn't it be great if we could put on the device, park ourselves in front of the TV with a bowl of ice cream, and watch the scale go down?) What it does do is give me tiny rewards for doing the right thing. I go on the elliptical machine, and the Fitbit counts it. And it's tied to my food tracking app. It winds up being more of a cute little motivator (I got a bunch of fun colored bands for my new Fitbit) and I get up and move way more frequently. There is, also, a feeling of accomplishment when the thing buzzes when I've hit my step goal.
So yes, many of us don't need the fitness tracker to keep it all together. But for some of us (particularly those like me who fight the weight demon every single day) the constant positive feedback can help keep us on track.
14
The IDEA Trial has a few problems with it, particularly with the pace of technology these days. Notably, the technology used in 2010-2012 was primitive compared to what we have today. The activity "feedback" in the study was web-based, rather than the continuous real time feedback available on today's devices. The device used in the study was cumbersome and worn on the upper arm, not on the wrist like today's devices. It is somewhat premature to conclude that the wearables of 2017 do not contribute to fitness based on studies where the technology was of the same vintage as an iPhone 4.
6
Perhaps you already stated this but aren't the results due to selection bias? I haven't read the study but unless they randomly assign people with those devices and measure it against a control group or use some quasi-experimental design, it is likely the case that people who wear those devices are the type of people who lack the self-control necessary to lose weight compared to those who do not wear them and choose to lose weight. So it is not that the devices are causing people to lose weight less but rather the type of people who choose to wear those devices that is explaining the results. I'm happy to hear if that is not the case.
2
I rarely comment on anything I see on the internet, and don't doubt the article is true, but my experience is entirely different. I retired after 42+ years at a desk job and received a Fitbit as a retirement present (okay, so I worked for a cheap company ;-). I've been outside walking, exercising, landscaping, and generally being active for over a year. I've lost 10 pounds and most of my negative medical numbers (everything from blood pressure to blood sugar) have improved.
The only complaint I get from the medical community is from my dermatologist telling me to wear a larger hat and more sunscreen.
I don't end my day until I get in those (minimum) 10,000 steps and will walk early in the morning if I know my day will be taken up with sedentary activities.
The only complaint I get from the medical community is from my dermatologist telling me to wear a larger hat and more sunscreen.
I don't end my day until I get in those (minimum) 10,000 steps and will walk early in the morning if I know my day will be taken up with sedentary activities.
48
I hear others say the same about their walking regimen each day, they are devoted to doing their number of steps or perhaps a little more each outing. If these devices help track your goals then why not. Some use their Iphones to listen to streaming radio stations etc to keep boredom away while walking.
3
I was thinking that the company was not that cheap and it was a practical gift idea.
5
I find it very interesting that you credit your Fitbit with your active lifestyle rather than retirement. As an outsider, I would be much more inclined to guess retirement is the bigger factor.
My husband quit his desk job and began working from home. That was 7 years ago. He's run 360 or more days per year ever since. When he was working long hours away from home, he rarely exercised. At the time of the change, his only tech wearable was a stopwatch.
My husband quit his desk job and began working from home. That was 7 years ago. He's run 360 or more days per year ever since. When he was working long hours away from home, he rarely exercised. At the time of the change, his only tech wearable was a stopwatch.
Health, Mobility, and Longevity should be the goal, not weight loss. The diet industry has focused on weight loss so much everyone seems to equate health with weight. When looking at the primary goal, the electronic devices help many who need the motivation, the reminders to break sedentary lifestyle habits, and avoid putting on more fat weight.
Diet is a massive factor in terms of intake of sugar, fats, and salt when in excesses and portions have a direct correlation. You are what you eat applies when it comes to the ultimate goal for a poor diet will affect the health, mobility, and longevity of all. But the metric is not weight. Otherwise it would be easy to say someone weighing 250 lbs is half as healthy as someone weighing 125 lbs. That is just nonsense and we all know that. Why? Because there are so many more factors like types of food we eat, our intake versus our expenditure, our standing heart rate, our genetic makeup, or food intolerances, and now coming to be more known, the health of our gut.
Mobility and activity is a lesser aspect than diet, but it is still an important factor and anything that keeps oneself flexible, agile, and mobile will be a health benefit, it just doesn't translate to lower numbers on the scale.
Diet is a massive factor in terms of intake of sugar, fats, and salt when in excesses and portions have a direct correlation. You are what you eat applies when it comes to the ultimate goal for a poor diet will affect the health, mobility, and longevity of all. But the metric is not weight. Otherwise it would be easy to say someone weighing 250 lbs is half as healthy as someone weighing 125 lbs. That is just nonsense and we all know that. Why? Because there are so many more factors like types of food we eat, our intake versus our expenditure, our standing heart rate, our genetic makeup, or food intolerances, and now coming to be more known, the health of our gut.
Mobility and activity is a lesser aspect than diet, but it is still an important factor and anything that keeps oneself flexible, agile, and mobile will be a health benefit, it just doesn't translate to lower numbers on the scale.
12
Sorry, but anyone weighing 250, with very few exceptions, is not in good health, regardless of genetic makeup, gut health, etc., probably because they overeat.
Actually it depends on their height and fitness. I am overweight by about 35 pounds and have been for several years. I manage to run 20-25 miles a week, take 1-2 spin classes a week, Pilates, and lift weights 2x a week. My BP is 110/60 and my HR is 62. No diabetes etc. I'm just hungry if I eat less than 1550 calories per day and while I hate being overweight cause of vanity my health is just great. When someone comes up with a cure for hunger in light of healthy eating and lots of exercise I'll be first in line. AND no I haven't had a fast food meal in decades!!
2
Isn't the real comparative study to take a group that promise to lose weight/get fit, give half watches and the other half nothing except a pad of paper and pencil, then compare results over a year? Comparing people that get individualized instruction vs. a watch is not the reality of options for most people.
5
It really is diet, not exercise that determines your weight. Check out this month's Scientific American, in which anthropologists used deuterium tracer studies to precisely calculate caloric expenditure of hunter-gatherers in Tanzania. They followed tribal men through the savanna on an arduous tracking journey, only to find that they burned only 2600 calories a day! The scientists are now trying to figure out where these people save on calories. If these findings hold up, it lays the blame for obesity on too much food, rather than too little exercise, notwithstanding the many benefits that exercise confers.
15
@David Hurwitz:
Hunter-gatherers also ate very different types of foods, plus other lifestyle factors (activity, sleep, stress, sun exposure) were different. So "amount of food" is not the only variable in play.
Hunter-gatherers also ate very different types of foods, plus other lifestyle factors (activity, sleep, stress, sun exposure) were different. So "amount of food" is not the only variable in play.
What is surprising, however, is the low number of calories expended by contemporary hunter-gatherers who exercise a lot, an unexpected lack of variability. If this research holds up, then reducing calorie intake is far more important than increasing exercise, in the quest to lose weight. Historical data supports this: In England in WW II there were no obese people; by 1948 30 per cent of the population was obese. Unfortunately, war and famine are the best cures for obesity.
@David Hurwitz:
It's not about reducing calories, it's about reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates. Without sugar or refined carbs, the body is much more likely to balance energy using our natural hunger-satiety signals. And cutting sugar is much easier than war or famine.
It's not about reducing calories, it's about reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates. Without sugar or refined carbs, the body is much more likely to balance energy using our natural hunger-satiety signals. And cutting sugar is much easier than war or famine.
We Americans in particular are always looking for the miracle solution. The fast, easy way to lose weight. We are willing to spend money to get to those solutions. We are willing to pay anything for the "easy" solution. We are unwilling or uninterested in spending the time and making the difficult effort of long term sacrifice and habit changes that is required to lose weight.
9
Absolutely correct! Wouldn't I just love to find a device that would magically allow me to eat the blueberry pancakes with butter and maple syrup that I ate for breakfast this AM, and somehow still lose weight!
I'm 73 and still waiting for the "easy solution"!
I'm 73 and still waiting for the "easy solution"!
1
I disagree. I eat 4-6 cups veggies a day, no fast food, minimal carbs and exercise like a fiend (1/2 marathons, 40 mile bike rides, weights, etc.) and I'm starving most of the time.
It's likely correct that, on average, purchasing a fitness wearable won't "cause" weight loss. And it's likely correct that, on average, engaging in exercise won't "cause" weight loss.
But it may be worthwhile to research a specialized population -- the subset of people who decide to engage in fitness training on a serious basis and who also seek to manage their weight.
For this subset -- which includes all members of my family -- a fitness wearable or similar device is absolutely essential. We've done the baseline work so we know how many calories we use at rest (resting metabolic rate) and for exercise at each heart rate level. Using fitness wearables, heart rate monitors or if necessary estimates, we determine our calorie expenditure each day (RMR and exercise). We make sure that, on average, our calorie intake (eating) does not exceed our calorie burn, or adjust the ratio upward or downward to attain specific goals. That way we maintain our weight, body fat and BMI at the particular level we target.
Every elite athlete and hundreds of thousands (maybe even millions?) of serious athletes do this. It is absolutely possible and works with 100% certainty.
While this approach is not reflective of "average" exercise or exercise monitoring, it is absolutely within reach for anyone who can get the baseline work done, afford a fitness wearable, stay committed to regular exercise and manage food intake to match goals.
But it may be worthwhile to research a specialized population -- the subset of people who decide to engage in fitness training on a serious basis and who also seek to manage their weight.
For this subset -- which includes all members of my family -- a fitness wearable or similar device is absolutely essential. We've done the baseline work so we know how many calories we use at rest (resting metabolic rate) and for exercise at each heart rate level. Using fitness wearables, heart rate monitors or if necessary estimates, we determine our calorie expenditure each day (RMR and exercise). We make sure that, on average, our calorie intake (eating) does not exceed our calorie burn, or adjust the ratio upward or downward to attain specific goals. That way we maintain our weight, body fat and BMI at the particular level we target.
Every elite athlete and hundreds of thousands (maybe even millions?) of serious athletes do this. It is absolutely possible and works with 100% certainty.
While this approach is not reflective of "average" exercise or exercise monitoring, it is absolutely within reach for anyone who can get the baseline work done, afford a fitness wearable, stay committed to regular exercise and manage food intake to match goals.
22
This comment correctly points out that the correct approach to evaluating how useful an activity monitor will be is to determine whether you yourself fit into the population that will make good use of it. Evaluating the device based upon the entire population is not helpful.
12
While fitness watches aren't necessarily going to lead to increased fitness, I agree that GPS fitness devices have become an increasingly important accessory for competitive athletes. Having recently transitioned from a bike-specific GPS device to a GPS watch with 24/7 heart rate monitoring, this watch has motivated me to more carefully track all of my activities, including running, walking and hiking, leading to a more holistic approach to a fitness regimen. So my conclusion is that for me at least, a sport-specific fitness watch has promoted more cross-training.
9
While a fitness wearable may make tracking easier, I have managed to track my exercise, calorie intake, and metabolic changes (fewer base calories as I age, sadly) over the past four decades using a scale, paper fitness log, running watch, and watching my calorie intake. If a fitness device helps you, great - but only if your habits will improve by using it. Mine are pretty set in stone at this point, so I'll spend the money elsewhere.
1
Is the right comparison really between (1) people wearing the technology and (2) people not wearing the technology who have high-quality diet advice from professionals, and who have agreed to participate in a weight-loss regimen? That seems unrealistic, both in terms of commitment and cost-outlay. For the VAST majority of people, the choice is between continuing with no effective diet/exercise program, and strapping a relatively cheap device on their arm to keep them aware. I would be much more interested in seeing that comparison.
12
Someone forward this article to the health insurance companies please, and CC Aaron Carroll. Insurers see a future where wearables can raise or lower premiums (they call it cash rewards or cash back), and many have launched wearable benefits. I think now is the appropriate time to ask how much data is too much (to give up), before these voluntary benefit programs become more mandatory.
24
I agree with the thesis. Would be interested to see a similar review for sleep monitoring. I've found a low end fitness band does an excellent job of accurately tracking my sleep cycles. I've been able to use the data to change the habits I needed to add about 30 minutes to my average sleep time. I was glad for the help. I find keeping a health sleep pattern is as hard as controlling weight.
7
Health is not just about weight. This should be obvious, but apparently is not to Mr. Carroll, who nevertheless feels qualified to expound on health. Fitness is critical to health and wellness, eat right and stay active and you won't need the advice of these self styled experts.
8
Why so sarcastic. He is reporting on his use of the devices not against exercise and weight loss.
3
He is a pediatrician so qualified to expound on health since preventive care is a big part of pediatric practice.
2
I'm amazed! Wearing a doo-dad on your wrist doesn't do anything for your fitness or weight loss? Who would have thought all those commercials might be wrong?
All those devices do is keep track of your movements. If you are not moving, nothing much is happening to your body. The device can serve as a sort of conscience to help keep you motivated, but the same thing can be accomplished with a notepad and a pencil, at considerably less cost.
Years of experience (I just turned 70) have repeatedly proved that if you want to lose weight, eat less. Then exercise to direct the calories you do eat to the strengthening of muscle and bone, rather than to the growth of fat. If keeping a record of all this helps keep you on track, go for it.
All those devices do is keep track of your movements. If you are not moving, nothing much is happening to your body. The device can serve as a sort of conscience to help keep you motivated, but the same thing can be accomplished with a notepad and a pencil, at considerably less cost.
Years of experience (I just turned 70) have repeatedly proved that if you want to lose weight, eat less. Then exercise to direct the calories you do eat to the strengthening of muscle and bone, rather than to the growth of fat. If keeping a record of all this helps keep you on track, go for it.
21
Yup, you have to become a CICOpath (Calories-In, Calories-Out), if you want to lose weight (and keep it off) and redistribute the rest.
Record keeping? I found the best way is to keep the "fat/er/est" clothing and leave it hanging in the closet, as a reminder.
Record keeping? I found the best way is to keep the "fat/er/est" clothing and leave it hanging in the closet, as a reminder.
@JBHoren:
This is the least effective and the most obsessive and unpleasant way to do it. The body is not a toaster oven, and a century of obesity research has demonstrated that "calories in, calories out" is a fundamental misunderstanding of _why_ we gain or lose weight. Suggest a read of Gary Taubes, David Ludwig, and/or Jason Fung.
This is the least effective and the most obsessive and unpleasant way to do it. The body is not a toaster oven, and a century of obesity research has demonstrated that "calories in, calories out" is a fundamental misunderstanding of _why_ we gain or lose weight. Suggest a read of Gary Taubes, David Ludwig, and/or Jason Fung.
1
Developing and maintaining good fitness habits can best occur when an individual focuses on how exercise (and what they eat) makes them FEEL. Tech-based bracelet devices serve as a distraction from that mind/body experience, especially when their little lights go on and off during a Yoga class. It's just like having your iPhone on your mat when you're doing Downward Facing Dog.
8
The first step to losing weight, for most people is measurement. How active are you? How many calories do you consume? It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to figure this out.
It's possible the wearable tech makes people start counting the time they do low aerobic activity, like walking around, making them less likely to do a workout if they've been moderately active in the day. Without the step count, they don't consider the walking around the house to be exercise.
It's possible the wearable tech makes people start counting the time they do low aerobic activity, like walking around, making them less likely to do a workout if they've been moderately active in the day. Without the step count, they don't consider the walking around the house to be exercise.
3
The percentage of people who lose weight and don't regain it is pretty small, see Gina Kolata's book. The longer the study goes, the fewer people maintain their weigh tloss, regardless of what they did to lose weight.
3
Fitness devices may not help you lose weight etc, but they spark ideas over time as to finding what may get someone onto some type of regimen that is good for you. Fitness is a big tent journey and along the way individuals find what motivates them. In the case of a Fitbit, it could provide some stats as to what you are accomplishing, perhaps unknowingly and spark redirecting efforts in that direction to make simple changes to benefit you. Later other components such as nutrition and food ingredients and even reviving medical checks periodically get you further along in the quest to be healthier even if it's a 10% difference, it a gain in the right direction!
4
They don't seem to hurt? these devices cost real money and impair your ability to lose weight compared to not using them !
so what is the point?
so what is the point?
4
The headline is misleading: the article is about weight loss, not fitness.
29
Weight loss is a poor measure of fitness or success of anything. What is meant is to lose fat. Exercise if done right may well lead to weight gain, that is more muscle mass.
These gadgets are very useful for tracking heart rate between sets of heavy lifting to know when to go again.
The optical pulse tracing approach is too unreliable for that, though. A combination of watch with a chest strap monitor works very well.
These gadgets are very useful for tracking heart rate between sets of heavy lifting to know when to go again.
The optical pulse tracing approach is too unreliable for that, though. A combination of watch with a chest strap monitor works very well.
6
The author's use of a wearable seems to match fairly well the popular idea of what a wearable would do: a bit of reminding and inspiring. It may be that support groups and meetings with nurses accomplish the same thing, and are perhaps even better. That very expensive intervention may be so successful that a wearable only interferes by telling a person they've "done enough." But most people don't have access to all those interventions.
If we want to know if a wearable is better than nothing - which is the real choice for the millions of Americans who want to be more fit/loose weight - we need to do that actual study. Round up people who make a new year's resolution and hand out wearables to half.
If we want to know if a wearable is better than nothing - which is the real choice for the millions of Americans who want to be more fit/loose weight - we need to do that actual study. Round up people who make a new year's resolution and hand out wearables to half.
8
We're told repeatedly that Americans should be more active. Surely objectively measuring that activity is desirable.
Dr. Carroll, I'm not wearing my Fitbit to lose weight, merely to experience needed positive reinforcement when it assures me that I've walked my 60 minutes each day.
It's not a panacea, it's an accelerometer.
Dr. Carroll, I'm not wearing my Fitbit to lose weight, merely to experience needed positive reinforcement when it assures me that I've walked my 60 minutes each day.
It's not a panacea, it's an accelerometer.
62
What would happen if you didn't have a device to tell you to stop walking after you hit sixty minutes?
One needs motivation and/or determination until movement becomes a way of life, i.e., habit. There are, I think two important factors:
1) Regardless of what the "experts" say, any exercise or food program must be doable for the individual for the long term. That means it must not require time that is not available, must not be weather dependent, and cannot cost more than is easily affordable. An individual will also not continue long-term on something he/she 'hates' doing. So, for instance, while I both walk and swim, walking (fast paced) has long been my primary - it's free, easily done even when I'm away from home, and, generally adaptable to all weather (in bad weather I swim - other times swimming is an added activity).
2) Good movement habits begin in childhood so helping their children grow up healthy might be a good motivator for many parents. I grew up in a family of walkers. In the 1950s when many folks went for a "Sunday drive" my family was out walking for two hours in some forest preserve or park or woods. We also walked places to which many other (though not all) kids were driven. To this day, we are all walkers.
1) Regardless of what the "experts" say, any exercise or food program must be doable for the individual for the long term. That means it must not require time that is not available, must not be weather dependent, and cannot cost more than is easily affordable. An individual will also not continue long-term on something he/she 'hates' doing. So, for instance, while I both walk and swim, walking (fast paced) has long been my primary - it's free, easily done even when I'm away from home, and, generally adaptable to all weather (in bad weather I swim - other times swimming is an added activity).
2) Good movement habits begin in childhood so helping their children grow up healthy might be a good motivator for many parents. I grew up in a family of walkers. In the 1950s when many folks went for a "Sunday drive" my family was out walking for two hours in some forest preserve or park or woods. We also walked places to which many other (though not all) kids were driven. To this day, we are all walkers.
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I understand exercise is not the way to lose weight and measurement does not by itself yield results (though it is generally a positive factor). But, details matter when looking at studies. The IDEA study was well-done, but one significant flaw was the actual device they used in the trial. They used a Bodymedia Fit, which is a clinically certified device, but it is large, clunky, ugly, physically intrusive (strapped to the upper arm), and difficult to use (required physically plugging into the computer to see the data). As a result many participants simply did not wear it that much, or look at the data. (I wore one for 5 years so am very familiar). Today's devices are "frictionless"- strap on and see how you are doing with no further actions. It allows knowing how you are doing in the moment. For motivation and awareness, it's night and day. So be careful about drawing sweeping conclusions from one study. Measurement and feedback do not guarantee results, but have been shown in many different circumstances in many different fields to increase the odds of success.
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I used the BodyMedia Fit as a part of a weight loss program spanning several years and it was very helpful to tracking calories in and out. I then switched to a FitBit for the reasons you stated (large, clunky, ugly, etc.) but the FitBit is nowhere near as accurate. It tells me I burn many more calories than I actually do, resulting in my remaining calories to eat far exceeding what I should be eating. Once I realized that, I began to use FitBit only in the way described in this article, and not as a component of a weight-loss (or even weight-maintenance) program.
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When the pioneers of the Internet created comment boards, they were hoping for comments like these. Thank you, Nan Shellabarger and Robin, for being so informative. I understand the state of the science and its practical implications more clearly thanks to your observations.
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I also found a big change between the Bodymedia Fit and the Fitbit- but my estimate of total calories burned went way DOWN when I moved to Fitbit. I never paid much attention to the absolute number anyway, just focusing on trends and changes.
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Second note... I find wearable fitness devices to be much like dating websites/apps. They merely make it easier and more conventiont to do something you already have a habit of doing. If you suck at dating, Tinder won't make you better at it. If you are inactive, a fitbit won't make you all the sudden very regimented and good at making time to work out. If you already do, it will just make it less of a hassle to take care of the things you already do (tracking your exercise, daily activity, heart rate, etc). Additionally, a gym membership doesn't make you fitter, but it does make it easier for fitness minded folks who already exercise to do so.