Unhealthy app use and dietary restraint among young adults: The moderating role of body appreciation

Results indicate that dietary restraint was associated with one-third of young adults who use health and fitness apps. Unexpectedly, young adults with high body appreciation who actively engage with these apps report intentions to restrict food intake. It remains unclear whether app-related goal-setting features influence caloric restriction. Incorporating health warnings in apps and personalizing app interactions to discourage extreme goal setting may help protect those individuals at risk of developing eating disorders.