New study finds popular fitness apps may actually demotivate users

  

Source: NewAtlas 

Title: New study finds popular fitness apps may actually demotivate users 

Date: November 19, 2025 

Author: Maryna Holovnova 

Link: https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/popular-fitness-apps-may-demotivate-users/

 

Five W’s 

Who: Researchers at University College London (UCL) and Loughborough University.   

What: A study showing that some popular fitness apps can cause demotivation and disappointment instead of helping.   

Where: The study analyzed social media posts (on platform X).   

When: The article was published November 19, 2025.   

Why: The researchers wanted to understand how using fitness apps affects people’s motivation.   

 

Summary 

The research looked at 60,000 public posts on X about five of the most used fitness apps, MyFitnessPal, Strava, WW, and more. It found many negative comments from users who felt pressured, disappointed, or unmotivated when using the apps. People complained about unrealistic goals, such as very low recommended calories per day, or constant reminders to log their food, and feeling like they “failed” when they didn’t follow the app’s instructions. Because of this, some users end up giving up on their fitness goals and start to dislike the process instead of enjoying it. 

 

My Opinion 

In my opinion, this news is interesting, but it’s important to remember that the study only focused on the negative side. The article points out that “this study analyzed only negative posts, so there is currently no scientifically proven data on how people benefit from using fitness apps.” The results don’t show the full picture. Not everyone feels pressured or unmotivated. For example, I know someone who actually feels more encouraged when she uses apps like MyFitnessPal or Strava. She likes seeing her progress and she says that without these apps, she would have no idea how to keep track of her calories. That’s why I think the study’s findings are real, but they don’t apply to everyone. Overall, this news is a good reminder for people that if an app is making them feel pressured or stressed, it might be better to avoid it. But at the same time, I think everyone should try the app for themselves, because some people actually feel more motivated when they use it.