A systematic search and review focusing on the influence of health-tracking technologies on eating habits and attitudes

A systematic search and review of studies of health-tracking technologies that included diet-related outcomes, in adult non-clinical populations, was conducted to produce an evidence-based response to the question, ‘What does the literature tell us about experiences of health-tracking technologies in relation to relationship with food and eating in non-clinical populations?’. Fifteen studies were included in the review and five recurring concepts were identified in relation to the experiences of health-tracking technology users; these were: 1-motivators and barriers to use, 2-process of logging food, 3-reification of data, 4-disordered eating and compulsive exercise and 5-goal achievement and positive self-appraisal. Self-monitoring of food intake impacts eating behaviour and attitudes towards eating, in terms of adoption of short-term healthy habits and the development of disordered eating habits. Although health-tracking apps/devices play a role in improving public health, there are populations for which dietary self-monitoring is associated with disordered eating and negative mental health outcomes.