--- title: "Apps for wt mgmt: theory-based content analysis. | Sutter Health" description: "Study goal was to evaluate diet/nutrition and anthropometric tracking apps based on incorporation of features consistent with theories of behavior change." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/theory-based-content-analysis-of-apps-for-wt-mgmt-1055312668" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Research](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research) / 3. [Research publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications) / 4. Apps for wt mgmt: theory-based content analysis. # Mobile applications for weight management: theory-based content analysis. Azar KM, Lesser LI, Laing BY, Stephens J, Aurora MS, Burke LE, & Palaniappan LP. _Am J Prev Med. 45(5):583-9. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2013.07.005._ 2013-11-01 ## Abstract #### BACKGROUND: The use of smartphone applications (apps) to assist with weight management is increasingly prevalent, but the quality of these apps is not well characterized. #### PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to evaluate diet/nutrition and anthropometric tracking apps based on incorporation of features consistent with theories of behavior change. #### METHODS: A comparative, descriptive assessment was conducted of the top-rated free apps in the Health and Fitness category available in the iTunes App Store. Health and Fitness apps (N=200) were evaluated using predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria and categorized based on commonality in functionality, features, and developer description. Four researchers then evaluated the two most popular apps in each category using two instruments: one based on traditional behavioral theory (score range: 0-100) and the other on the Fogg Behavioral Model (score range: 0-6). Data collection and analysis occurred in November 2012. #### RESULTS: Eligible apps (n=23) were divided into five categories: (1) diet tracking; (2) healthy cooking; (3) weight/anthropometric tracking; (4) grocery decision making; and (5) restaurant decision making. The mean behavioral theory score was 8.1 (SD=4.2); the mean persuasive technology score was 1.9 (SD=1.7). The top-rated app on both scales was Lose It! by Fitnow Inc. #### CONCLUSIONS: All apps received low overall scores for inclusion of behavioral theory-based strategies. [PubMed abstract](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24139771) ![Kristen M J Azar, RN, MSN, MPH](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/rFmyR1kiX8JzE5-XNwup0gVC1GRaVTlH7oSDlG0Tr5A/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=188,height=250,quality=100) Kristen M J Azar, RN, MSN, MPH Principal investigator [View profile](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/investigators/kristen-m-j-azar-rn-msn-mph-1049680985) ## Research topics - [Food and Nutrition](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?query=%22%5C%22Food+and+Nutrition%5C%22%22) - [Obesity](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?query=%22%5C%22Obesity%5C%22%22) - [Prevention and Health Maintenance](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?query=%22%5C%22Prevention+and+Health+Maintenance%5C%22%22) ## Related publications [View all publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?verticalKey=research_publication) - Publication ### [Alternatives to monetary incentives for employee weight loss.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/non-monetary-incentives-for-employee-wt-loss-1055312646) Lesser LI, Puhl RM. Am J Prev Med. 46(4):429-31. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2013.11.017. 2014 Apr 01 - Publication ### [Obesity prevention at the point of purchase.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/obesity-prevention-at-point-of-purchase-1055312473) Cohen DA, Lesser LI. Obes Rev. doi: 10.1111/obr.12387. \[Epub ahead of print\] 2016 Feb 22 - Publication ### [Diabetes prevention and weight loss with a fully automated behavioral intervention by email, web, and mobile phone: a randomized controlled trial among persons with prediabetes.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/diabetes-prev-wt-loss-automated-beh-intervention-1055312953) Block G, Azar KM, Romanelli RJ, Block TJ, Hopkins D, Carpenter HA, Dolginsky MS, Hudes ML, Palaniappan LP, Block CH. J Med Internet Res. 17(10):e240. doi: 10.2196/jmir.4897. 2015 Oct 23 - Publication ### [Early weight loss and treatment response: data from a lifestyle change program in clinical practice.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/early-wt-loss-and-tx-response-in-lifestyle-change-program-1055312721) Romanelli RJ, Sudat S, Huang Q, Pressman AR, Azar K. Am J Prev Med. pii: S0749-3797(19)30421-0. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.09.014. \[Epub ahead of print\] 2019 Dec 20 - Publication ### [A Latino Patient-Centered, Evidence-Based Approach to Diabetes Prevention.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/latino-pt-centered-evidence-based-approach-to-dm-prevention-1055312326) Rosas LG, Lv N, Lewis MA, Venditti EM, Zavella P, Luna V, Ma J. J Am Board Fam Med. 31(3):364-374. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2018.03.170280. 2018 May 01 [View all publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?verticalKey=research_publication) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/theory-based-content-analysis-of-apps-for-wt-mgmt-1055312668#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Research publications","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Apps for wt mgmt: theory-based content analysis."}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/theory-based-content-analysis-of-apps-for-wt-mgmt-1055312668#medicalscholarlyarticle","name":"Mobile applications for weight management: theory-based content analysis.","headline":"Apps for wt mgmt: theory-based content analysis.","abstract":"BACKGROUND: The use of smartphone applications (apps) to assist with weight management is increasingly prevalent, but the quality of these apps is not well characterized. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to evaluate diet/nutrition and anthropometric tracking apps based on incorporation of features consistent with theories of behavior change. METHODS: A comparative, descriptive assessment was conducted of the top-rated free apps in the Health and Fitness category available in the iTunes App Store. Health and Fitness apps (N=200) were evaluated using predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria and categorized based on commonality in functionality, features, and developer description. Four researchers then evaluated the two most popular apps in each category using two instruments: one based on traditional behavioral theory (score range: 0-100) and the other on the Fogg Behavioral Model (score range: 0-6). Data collection and analysis occurred in November 2012. RESULTS: Eligible apps (n=23) were divided into five categories: (1) diet tracking; (2) healthy cooking; (3) weight/anthropometric tracking; (4) grocery decision making; and (5) restaurant decision making. The mean behavioral theory score was 8.1 (SD=4.2); the mean persuasive technology score was 1.9 (SD=1.7). The top-rated app on both scales was Lose It! by Fitnow Inc. 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