The rise of fitness tracking technology has revolutionized personal health management, but it has also raised concerns about its impact on mental well-being. Eating disorder charity BEAT warns that the features of these devices can lead to obsessive behaviors, particularly among individuals with a history of eating disorders. This warning resonates deeply with Cara Lisette, a 34-year-old community mental health nurse from Southampton, who has experienced the detrimental effects of such technology firsthand.
Lisette's struggle with an eating disorder began at the age of 15 and lasted for 16 years. After being discharged from treatment in 2021, she turned to fitness tracking apps as part of her recovery process. However, rather than aiding her journey, these apps complicated it. “If there was a day when I did less steps than the day before, then I just felt really terrible about myself,” Lisette shared. She wishes she had stopped using the device sooner, realizing that the fixation on fitness data exacerbated her struggles.
According to a YouGov poll, more than a third of people in the UK own and use a wearable device, indicating a widespread reliance on fitness tracking. However, BEAT spokesperson Alex Jones cautions that such tools can often exacerbate obsessive tendencies. “People can quite often get sucked into calorie counting and setting themselves very stringent targets anyway, so fitness trackers can feed into the same mindset,” Jones explained.
Lisette’s experience is a stark reminder for others who may be battling similar challenges. Now in a stable place, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing when fitness tracking becomes unhealthy. “If you are someone who has tendencies towards not exercising very healthily, then you’re kind of always competing with what you did yesterday,” Lisette noted. The long-term retention of fitness data on devices can lead to an unhealthy obsession with performance metrics.
Jones echoes this sentiment, advising those who may feel overwhelmed by fitness targets to seek support. “If you are starting to struggle or becoming obsessively attached to fitness targets, then look for information or speak to your GP,” he said. His insights reflect a growing concern among mental health professionals about the intersection of technology and mental well-being.
Lisette currently works as a community mental health nurse across Hampshire, where she utilizes her experience to support others facing similar battles. “I’m the best I’ve been since I was 12 and I’m really in a good place,” she stated proudly. Her journey illustrates that recovery is possible and that sharing one’s story can be instrumental in helping others.
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