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Fitness apps holding people accountable and aiding in weight loss

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - For years, cell phones have been used to keep tabs on other people. Now, some people are using them to keep tabs on themselves.

"I had never paid any attention to nutritional information. I had no idea. If I was hungry, I would eat until I was full and so I never even tried before and it was very surprising to find out what had a lot of calories, what didn't have a lot of calories," said James Slater who has lost 26 pounds with the help of cell phone applications.

After learning about the app My Fitness Pal in February, Slater has not gone a day without using it. Within the first two weeks of logging his calories he realized the habits he had weren't the ones he should continue having which motivated him to continue using the app.

"There have been a lot of days where I have been grossly over my limit, a few days where I have been able to meet or beat the limit, but I have managed to do it every day," Slater said

His dedication and disciple have helped him drop 26 pounds.

Success, Dietitian Lauren Manusakis says is not uncommon. Studies have shown people who write down their calories, whether electronically or on paper, lose more weight than people who do not keep track of what they eat.

"When you are writing it down, chances are you won't put as much food in your mouth because you have to write it down and you'll see 'Oh my gosh, I ate that much today'," Manusakis said. That can promote a change in habit that's good for the entire family.

"We are at a point where we are trying to work more exercise into the program. Obviously, we try to make that fun for everyone, involve the children and go for walks or bike rides or whatever. It affects everyone," Slater said.

If you're using an app, Manusakis says it shouldn't take the place of seeing your doctors regularly. She says they're great tools, but they shouldn't be your primary source of information just like WebMD isn't the doctor's office.