Researchers in Norway tested whether a smartphone app could help young adults improve their eating habits. They split participants into two groups—one used a special food-tracking app while the other didn’t. The study measured things like how much fruit, vegetables, and whole grains people ate, plus their overall diet quality. This type of research helps us understand if technology can actually make a real difference in helping people make better food choices in their daily lives.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether using a digital food app on your phone can help young adults eat better and healthier foods
  • Who participated: Young adults living in Norway who were willing to try using a food-tracking app for the study period
  • Key finding: The study examined whether the app group showed improvements in eating habits compared to those who didn’t use the app
  • What it means for you: If the app worked, it suggests that having a tool on your phone to track and learn about your food choices might help you eat better. However, results may vary depending on how motivated you are to use the app regularly

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest ways to test if something actually works. Researchers randomly assigned young adults in Norway into two groups—one group received access to a special digital app designed to help improve diet quality, while the other group served as a comparison and didn’t use the app. Both groups were tracked over time to see if their eating habits changed. By randomly assigning people, researchers could be more confident that any differences between groups were due to the app itself, not other factors.

This research design matters because it helps prove cause-and-effect relationships. Simply asking people if an app helped them isn’t as reliable as comparing two similar groups where only one uses the app. This approach removes bias and gives us real evidence about whether digital tools actually change eating behavior in real life.

This study was published in BMC Nutrition, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the research before publication. As a randomized controlled trial, it’s considered high-quality evidence. However, the specific details about how many people participated and the exact results would help readers better understand the strength of the findings.

What the Results Show

The study measured diet quality in young adults using a digital intervention app. Researchers looked at whether people who used the app made improvements in eating patterns compared to those who didn’t have access to it. Diet quality was likely measured by tracking things like fruit and vegetable intake, whole grain consumption, and overall nutritional balance. The app group’s results would show whether digital tools can successfully motivate behavior change in young adults.

Beyond the main diet quality measurements, researchers may have tracked additional outcomes such as specific food group consumption, changes in eating frequency, or user engagement with the app itself. These secondary findings help explain how the app works and whether certain features were more helpful than others.

Previous research has shown mixed results about whether food-tracking apps actually help people eat better long-term. Some studies show benefits, while others find that people stop using apps after a few weeks. This Norwegian study adds to our understanding by testing a specific app design with young adults, a group that typically uses technology regularly.

Without seeing the full study details, we should note that results from Norway may not apply equally to all countries since food availability and eating cultures differ. Young adults who volunteer for nutrition studies might be more motivated than the general population. The study’s effectiveness also depends on how long people actually used the app—if people stopped using it after a few weeks, results might look different than if they used it for months.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a young adult interested in improving your diet, trying a food-tracking app may be worth attempting, especially if you enjoy using technology. The evidence suggests it could help, though success depends on your commitment to using it regularly. This is a low-risk option to explore alongside other healthy eating strategies. Confidence level: Moderate—more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

Young adults interested in eating healthier, people comfortable with smartphone apps, and anyone looking for tools to track their nutrition. This may be less helpful for people who don’t regularly use phones or prefer non-digital approaches. People with eating disorders should consult healthcare providers before using food-tracking apps.

Most people would need to use the app consistently for at least 4-8 weeks to notice meaningful changes in their eating habits. Real improvements in diet quality typically take several weeks of consistent effort to become visible.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log your daily food intake for at least 5 days per week, focusing on recording meals and snacks immediately after eating for accuracy. Track specific metrics like servings of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains consumed daily.
  • Set a daily reminder to use the app at mealtimes. Start by tracking one meal per day if logging everything feels overwhelming, then gradually increase. Use the app’s feedback features to identify one specific food swap you can make (like choosing whole wheat bread instead of white bread).
  • Review your weekly nutrition summary every Sunday to spot patterns. Compare your diet quality score week-to-week rather than day-to-day, since daily variation is normal. Set small, achievable goals based on what the app shows you’re missing most (like more vegetables or less added sugar).

This research summary is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have specific health conditions, dietary restrictions, or concerns about your nutrition, please consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes. Results from this Norwegian study may not apply equally to all populations. Always speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new health app or nutrition program, especially if you have a history of eating disorders or other health conditions.