A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education Department of Health and Physical Activity has concluded that activity trackers may hinder weight loss.
The 24-month trial placed participants on a lowcalorie diet, coupled with prescribed exercise. Half the group also received regular group counselling sessions on nutrition throughout the trial and half the group were given less frequent counselling and an activity tracker to wear. The study participants who weren’t wearing activity trackers lost almost twice the amount of weight than those who were, which indicates that knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating habits could be more effective than simply monitoring exercise levels.