MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

Study Finds Only 2 Out Of 348 Fitness And Health Apps Actually Work

Oh no - by Francesca Wallace
  • 31 Jan 2019
Study Finds Only 2 Out Of 348 Fitness And Health Apps Actually Work

It does seem too good to be true. You download an app which promises to transform your life; maybe it’s your eating habits, your exercise regime or your mental health. Two weeks later, you’ve forgotten it’s there and life goes on as usual.

Now, a new study has proven just that: most of the health and fitness apps we love to download aren’t actually impacting our lives.

The research, which was conducted by VicHealth and Deakin University, assessed 348 popular apps and found that just two received a four star rating — and none got as far as five stars.

“Our research showed unfortunately most apps aren't based on evidence and are unlikely to help people create long-term healthy habits,” VicHealth Principal Advisor Dr Lyn Roberts said.

"Apps that were rated highest included those that allow people to set goals, track their behaviour, rewarded positive behaviour and send notifications and prompts.”

So which of the hundreds of apps got the green light? Quit Genius, a quit smoking app, and Unwinding Anxiety were the two recommended by the researchers.

According to their research, over 30 per cent of Australians turn to apps to improve their wellness, with 42 per cent of the population trusting the information included in said apps. However, Roberts has a word of warning for those who want to rely on expensive apps.

"We know people are looking for a convenient fix when it comes to improving their health and wellbeing, and while some apps can be useful, most aren't going to do much to make you healthier," Dr Roberts said.

So, actually signing up for a gym is your best bet, ladies.

Below, celebrity fitness trainers share tips you'll actually be able to follow:

Francesca Wallace
Francesca Wallace
Francesca is a contributor to marie claire Australia. She can most likely be found eating a big bowl of fries (don’t forget the aioli!), watching something trashy on TV or spending all her money online shopping. She’s interviewed everyone from Nicole Kidman to Kendall Jenner but didn't get a single good photo.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

9 Common Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When They're Trying To Lose Weight

9 Common Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When They're Trying To Lose Weight

Up The Burn And Look Good Doing It With These Weights & Resistance Bands

Up The Burn And Look Good Doing It With These Weights & Resistance Bands

Stella Women: Leah Simmons on empowering women to improve their life

Stella Women: Leah Simmons on empowering women to improve their life

Your Non-Basic Guide To This Season’s Activewear Trends

Your Non-Basic Guide To This Season’s Activewear Trends

{headline}

{headline}

Elsa Pataky's Exact Diet And Exercise Routine

Elsa Pataky's Exact Diet And Exercise Routine

Victoria Beckham’s Daily Fitness Regime Is Actually Insane

Victoria Beckham’s Daily Fitness Regime Is Actually Insane

Taylor Swift's Exact Diet And Exercise Routine

Taylor Swift's Exact Diet And Exercise Routine

{headline}

{headline}

Meet The Healthy Red Wine That Could Help You Live Longer

Meet The Healthy Red Wine That Could Help You Live Longer

Victoria Beckham's Complete Diet And Exercise Routine

Victoria Beckham's Complete Diet And Exercise Routine

Keep It Cleaner Just Relaunched Their App And It's Genuinely Next-Level Excellent

Keep It Cleaner Just Relaunched Their App And It's Genuinely Next-Level Excellent

How Australia's Busiest A-listers Balance Health and Their Careers

How Australia's Busiest A-listers Balance Health and Their Careers

How Fitness Found It's Way Home

How Fitness Found It's Way Home

How To Fight The Flu, Naturally

How To Fight The Flu, Naturally

The Eating And Exercise Habits Margot Robbie Swears By

The Eating And Exercise Habits Margot Robbie Swears By

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire