Can Your Smartphone Replace Your Dietitian?
Smartphone App vs Dietitian
Find out if nutrition apps can really provide the same level of support, motivation and personalised guidance as a real-life dietitian.
When it comes to our diets, we want quick, easy, and convenient solutions. Thanks to the rise of smartphone technology, we have access to numerous apps promising to guide us on our health journey with just a few taps on the screen. But can these apps really replace the knowledge, expertise, and support of a dietitian? In this blog, we take a closer look at nutrition apps and explore whether they can provide the same level of motivation and personalised support as a real-life dietitian.
Motivation and accountability
When it comes to making lifestyle changes, motivation and support are essential. While health apps may provide some level of motivation in the form of pop-ups or daily goals, they do not provide much accountability. It's far too easy to dismiss these pop-ups or simply ignore them if you're not in the right mood. A real-life dietitian, on the other hand, can offer you motivation, personalised guidance, and support, adapting to each individual’s unique needs and goals. A dietitian can help you overcome challenges and barriers and provide consistent motivation to keep you on the right track.
Personalisation and Personal Support
Every individual's journey to better nutrition and health is unique and therefore requires personalised guidance and support. Although some nutrition apps may have features to personalise food recommendations, most rely on pre-set algorithms, which may not fully capture the nuances of an individual's dietary needs. Furthermore, apps are not equipped to provide the level of personal support that a dietitian can offer. A dietitian can tailor their approach to each client’s unique goals and challenges, providing the personalised support and engagement needed for you to achieve lasting results.
Apps Estimate the Calories Needed to Lose Weight
The apps make an estimate of calories burned based on a user’s BMI and reported physical activity without much considering other variables that change daily. Almost every nutrition app includes some kind of calorie-counting option. But there is no real way of knowing how accurate the calculations are or if they are genuinely tailored to your body's requirements. And if your goal is to lose weight, simply counting calories may not be enough to achieve long-term success.
See previous articles on calorie counting:
Progression and Changing Needs
As you progress in your journey to better nutrition and health, your needs and challenges evolve. This is where nutrition apps may fall short. Apps struggle to adapt to changing needs to help overcome challenges and barriers. App users may find themselves outgrowing the app's recommendations or feeling stuck in a rut. A dietitian, on the other hand, can adapt to their client's changing needs and goals, providing ongoing personalised support and guidance.
Final Thoughts
While nutrition apps can supplement the work of a dietitian, they can’t replace the individualised guidance, support, and motivation that a nutrition specialist can provide. A professional can provide the individualised care required to truly help individuals achieve their goals. So, if you’re looking for lasting results in your health and wellness journey, it’s worth considering working with a dietitian because your health is worth the investment!
Disclaimer: This content is provided solely for information and education and is not intended to be personal dietary or medical advice. If you have any questions, you should consult a registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read.
