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Calorie Counter app

An app aimed at anyone wanting to keep track of their food intake, physical activity and weight.

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Calorie counter app	By FatSecret
	Features Calorie counter with food database. Weight tracking. Free recipes. Online social networking.
Clinical review	Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy	Does the app: Collect medical information? Yes Require a login? Yes Have password protection? Yes Have a privacy policy? Yes Require internet access to use? Yes Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost	Free (option to upgrade to Premium with in-app purchase, which include meal plans, custom meals and water tracker)
How to get the app	(external link) (external link) (external link)

This app uses a food intake and physical activity log to help you manage your weight. The app also includes a body weight tracker and a variety of quick and easy recipes. For a more detailed description of the app, go to the app website(external link), Google Play(external link) App store(external link) and, for a detailed review, see reviews below.

PROS	CONS
✔ The graphs clearly show the user's progress against goals. ✔ The database includes New Zealand foods, brands, restaurants and recipes. ✔ Connects to other devices to track movement. ✔ Customises to your goals. ✔ Provides a breakdown of macros and nutrients in your diary log. ✔ User friendly.	✘ There is no interpretation of nutrition quality or the amount of physical activity achieved. ✘ The app is not very intuitive, having lots of repetition, and could lead to user fatigue and boredom. ✘ You must upgrade to Premium to access meal plans. ✘ Requires time and dedication. ✘ No details provided of other more healthy food choices. ✘ Macronutrient and nutrient details likely need further interpretation and advice from a health professional.

PROS

CONS

✔ The graphs clearly show the user's progress against goals.

✔ The database includes New Zealand foods, brands, restaurants and recipes.

✔ Connects to other devices to track movement.

✔ Customises to your goals.

✔ Provides a breakdown of macros and nutrients in your diary log.

✔ User friendly.

✘ There is no interpretation of nutrition quality or the amount of physical activity achieved.

✘ The app is not very intuitive, having lots of repetition, and could lead to user fatigue and boredom.

✘ You must upgrade to Premium to access meal plans.

✘ Requires time and dedication.

✘ No details provided of other more healthy food choices.

✘ Macronutrient and nutrient details likely need further interpretation and advice from a health professional.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Dr Alice Miller, FRNZCGP, Locum GP, Wellington Region
Date of review: February 2021
Version: 8.15
Platform: Apple
Comment: A useful food, exercise and weight tracker, which uses calorie counting and syncs with health app and activity trackers such as FitBit. The app calculates your calorie needs based on your personal data and maps your calorie intake from foods against this. Helpful for people wanting to lose weight through diet and exercise change who have a high level of motivation and time to spend logging diary entries. The app can be a good way to assess your current eating and look for ways to improve, which can be discussed with a dietitian or health professional. Provides optional access to an online peer support community and challenges. Peer support and recipe ideas/plans may make lifestyle changes easier.
New Zealand relevance: Yes, there is a good database of New Zealand foods and new foods can be added or scanned in that are not found.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Dietitian App Review Working Group, Auckland DHB
Date of review: July 2015
Comment: A good self-monitoring tool for motivated people wanting assistance with weight management. Would be most effective for people who have some knowledge of healthy eating (as you need to interpret your own results and possibly make changes to food intake and/or physical activity) OR when working alongside a dietitian/nutritionist.
New Zealand relevance: The database includes New Zealand foods, brands, restaurants and recipes.

Nutrition apps
Healthy eating
Food groups
NZ Health App Library
Consumer guide: how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide: how to choose a health app
Security and privacy of health apps

References

The following references relate to articles about apps for weight loss.

Chen J, Cade JE, Allman-Farinelli M. The Most Popular Smartphone Apps for Weight Loss: A Quality Assessment(external link). JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2015 Dec 16;3(4):e104. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.4334.
Coughlin SS, Whitehead M, Sheats JQ. Smartphone Applications for Promoting Healthy Diet and Nutrition(external link): A Literature Review. Jacobs J Food Nutr. 2015;2(3):021
Flores Mateo G, Granado-Font E, Ferré-Grau C, Montaña-Carreras X. Mobile Phone Apps to Promote Weight Loss and Increase Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(external link). J Med Internet Res. 2015 Nov 10;17(11):e253. doi: 10.2196/jmir.4836.
Hingle M, Patrick H. There Are Thousands of Apps for That: Navigating Mobile Technology for Nutrition Education and Behavior(external link). J Nutr Educ Behav. 2016 Mar;48(3):213-218

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Calorie Counter app