The first Fitbit hit the market in 2007. Over the last decade, many people have worn Fitbits and other wearable technology to lose weight. Unfortunately, research has consistently shown this technology isn't as useful as the manufacturers suggested.
Does Wearable Technology Actually Help With Weight Loss?
Earlier this year, Engadget's editors conducted an experiment. They used wearable devices and fitness apps to lose weight.
The results were pretty mixed. Nicole Lee, one of the senior editors, actually gained three pounds while doing the challenge. She said that she doesn't blame the technology itself.
However, more recent research indicates that the benefits of wearable devices and other weight loss technology are mediocre at best. In September, a new study from the University of Pennsylvania was conducted, which suggested that weight loss technology doesn't help very much.
According to NPR, 470 people participated in the six month study. The participants were divided into two groups. One group used a wearable fitness device for the duration of the study. The other group manually recorded their weight, but didn't use any technology.
Dr. Mitesh Patel, the lead author of the study, said that the sample group didn't lose much more weight than the other group. "There aren't many — if any — long-term studies of wearable tech."
Patel stated that there may still be some benefits of wearable technology. However, the participants need to be highly dedicated to losing weight. Otherwise, the benefits are minimal.
Of course, the study received a lot of flak from Fitbit, Jawbone and other companies that were featured in it. They emphasized that the study showed there were benefits of it.
"The results of the study do not suggest that wearable devices should not be used for positive weight loss outcomes," a spokesperson from Jawbone told the Daily Mail. "In fact, the study demonstrated positive weight loss in both groups. Wearable tech helps to bridge the gap between patients who have access to rather intensive weight loss treatments and the very many who don't."
Willpower Remains a Key to Losing Weight
Over the last couple of years, people have wondered whether wearable technology really helps facilitate weight loss. Engadget's competition shed some light on it earlier this year, but we now have some more conclusive evidence.
Wearable technology can contribute to weight loss. However, it is important for people to have a clear weight loss plan and follow it consistently. Technology can't make up for:
- A poor diet plan. People that don't cut their calorie intake enough won't be able to lose weight. People that follow starvation diets, such as the VLCD (or 500 calorie diet) will also have trouble losing weight.
- It's important to set rigorous exercise goals. Many people are too leisurely when setting their Fitbits. You need to be as active as possible to actually lose weight.
- You need to be consistent. Most diets fail, because people fail to follow through with them. Set realistic goals and gradually work harder towards meeting them.
Fortunately, there are a lot of great tools to help you get started. You can use weight loss supplements and hire a personal trainer for assistance.
It's still worth investing in a Fitbit or Jawbone. You just have to make sure you have an actual weight loss plan too.