| Calorie counter app | By FatSecret |
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Features
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| Clinical review |
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| Security and privacy | Does the app:
Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: |
| 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 |
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Calorie Counter app
Calorie Counter app
- An app aimed at anyone wanting to keep track of their food intake, physical activity and weight.
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 |
|---|---|
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✔ 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. |
✘ 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. |
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.
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
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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. |
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Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
