How fitness trackers and digital tools help us lose weight
Science says you're more likely to be successful when trying to lose weight if you track your progress


By Matt Evans
Fitness tracking has never been easier, or more popular. Monitoring how many steps you've taken, how many calories you've burned, and how well you slept used to require several specialist pieces of equipment. Now, all you need is one of the best fitness tracker or best fitness watch entries to do it all. But is there any real benefit to logging all this info?
Well, yes, as it turns out. A recent study from Stanford University School of Medicine analysed 39 studies across the last ten years to examine the effectiveness of different digital monitoring weight management toolsets.
The study's authors wrote: "Adults with overweight or obesity should be encouraged to self- monitor frequently in order to promote weight loss. Through regular self- monitoring, individuals can gain increased awareness about their eating and exercise behaviors, which allows them to track progress over time and compare that progress with prespecified goals."
It was found 74% of studies which encouraged its participants to self-monitor with digital tools resulted in a positive weight loss outcome. That's pretty cool – you might be nearly three-quarters as likely to stick to your goals by keeping an eye on your fitness tracker.
There's loads of deals around if you're looking to pick one up on the cheap side: We've got plenty of information on the best Fitbit deals and Fitbit Sense deals, while if you're more into running, these Garmin Watch deals might be more suited for you.
Garmin specialise in watches for long-distance runners, cyclists, swimmers and adventurers, so if GPS is on your radar, you might be more comfortable with one of these. They contain all the bells and whistles of a standard smartwatch too, with calorie counting, messaging and allowing you to take and receive calls.
Moving away from the digital tools, pen and paper is also a great way to track your weight loss progress. In particular, some studies have found taking 15 minutes each day to fill in a food diary can potentially double your weight loss progress. While this can be done via a spreadsheet, there's nothing stopping you opting for a proper notebook and pen.
-
-
How to use Strava - plus is the fitness app any good?
Wondering how to use Strava? Allow us to break down the activity tracking and analysis app for you...
By Howard Calvert •
-
This man was bullied for being fat in high school, so he spent years getting ripped
Weight loss Queensland's Anthony Bayer overcame food addiction and a sedentary lifestyle to turn his health around
By Matt Evans •
-
Jaybird Vista vs Beats Powerbeats Pro: Which workout earphones are worth your money?
Versus We compare two top-rated earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro and Jaybird Vista, to see which is most worthy of a spot in your gym bag
By Lee Bell •
-
Fitbit Versa deals: Great offers on Fitbit's top multi-model smartwatch range
Deals Get Fitbit Versa 3, Versa 2 and Versa Lite – the ultimate fitness watch for style and features - at the best price
By Rob Clymo •
-
Best workout earbuds: Top beats to soundtrack your runs & gym sessions
Buying Guide Give your workout a better soundtrack with our best workout earbuds to soundtrack your sweat session
By Lee Bell •
-
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 deal: Save $$ on our award-winning fitness watch
Deal This Best Buy deal shaves $50 off the price of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2, a Fit&Well award winner
By Matt Evans •
-
Best treadmill: The top indoor running machines for home gyms
Buying guide Our list of the best treadmills for you, from beginners to seasoned runners
By Lee Bell •
-
Best rowing machine: Top rowers to burn fat and tone your whole body
Buying Guide The best rowing machine offers both cardio and a full body workout, all in one machine
By Chris Smith •
-
Why it's 100% worth starting exercise and a healthy diet in middle age
Fitness It's never too late to get into a new routine of diet and exercise: it could help you live longer, even starting in middle-age
By Matt Evans •
-
Rowing machine vs ellipticals: What's the best exercise machine to lose weight?
Versus
By Howard Calvert •