GPT-4 as a Virtual Fitness Coach: An Evaluation of Its Effectiveness in Providing Weight Loss and Fitness Guidance (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED Background: With obesity posing an increasing public health challenge, the demand for personalized weight loss and fitness solutions has intensified. Given advancements in artificial intelligence, like GPT-4, this study evaluates its effectiveness as a virtual fitness coach for creating personalized plans. Method: We selected a 24-year-old female from Chongqing, China, providing detailed personal information. Using this, both GPT-4 and three local professional coaches formulated 16-week fitness plans. Senior health science experts evaluated these plans across four dimensions: personalization, effectiveness, comprehensiveness, and safety. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for analysis. Results: GPT-4 excelled in personalization (M=12.80, SD=0.84) compared to coaches (M=11.53, SD=0.46). However, coaches slightly outperformed in effectiveness (GPT-4: M=12.60; Coaches: M=12.80), safety (GPT-4: M=12.20; Coaches: M=12.33), and comprehensiveness (GPT-4: M=12.00; Coaches: M=12.13), with no significant differences (P > .05). These findings highlight comparable performance but suggest potential for GPT-4 in personalized exercise prescriptions. Conclusions: GPT-4 shows promise as a virtual fitness coach for personalized weight loss and fitness guidance. Yet, due to technological constraints, it cannot fully replace human coaches. Future research should explore enhancing AI models' applicability in sports and their collaboration with coaches for optimal personalized fitness solutions.