Technical devices for weight loss

While it is easy to call yourself an active person, sometimes, the reality is quite different. Activity trackers help you become aware of and understand just how active you are. They encourage healthier habits which may contribute to weight loss.

Jawbone UP: A combination of a wristband activity tracker and app, this integrated system tracks your activity, sleep, mood, food and drink intake.

• Main advantages: slim and discreet wristband which records activity; the app highlights activity patterns, provides tips for improvement, sets goals and celebrates achievements. You can connect with other users to share your progress or celebrate theirs; you can also sync the “UP” app with MyFitnessPal, which allows you to combine your activity level with your calorie intake. By monitoring your activity, sleep and diet, the Jawbone UP system makes you more self aware and enables you to make smarter decisions for a healthier lifestyle.
• Drawback: must have the USB connector to upload data onto your smartphone.

Fitbit: The Fitbitactivity trackeris available as a wristband or clip on device.

• Main advantages: the device wirelessly syncs up with your smartphone and the Fitbit app. It tracks your activity as well as monitoring how long and how well you sleep; you can monitor friends’ progress and celebrate achievements; you can log your meals and see your progress toward your weight loss goal. It can also link with MyFitnessPal and your daily calorie goal will be adjusted to take into account your activity level recorded on your Fitbit.

Withings Pulse O₂: This wristband or clip on activity tracker monitors your movements and calories burnt throughout the day.

• Main advantages: You can track your heart rate, blood oxygen level and sleep cycle; all data is automatically synced to your smartphone via Bluetooth and uploaded to the Health Mate app which shows your progress. It also links up to MyFitnessPal, so that your calorie intake/allowance can be adjusted according to how active you have been.

If you would like further advice, or to make an appointment with a dietitian in your area, click here 

Created by Julie Tynan and Paula Mee, Members of the Weight Management Interest Group, February 2015 Review date: February 2017

© 2016 Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute, INDI. All rights reserved. May be reproduced in its entirety provided the source is acknowledged. This information is not meant to replace advice from your medical doctor or individual counselling with a dietitian.  It is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

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