MyFitnessPal, the leading global nutrition and food tracking app, is launching FadLab, an interactive experience that exposes the risks of unusual and harmful fad diets. By showcasing extreme weight-loss trends—ranging from single-food diets to restrictive macronutrient plans—FadLab aims to spark conversations about sustainable, healthy habits. With a lighthearted approach, MyFitnessPal highlights the nation’s fixation on quick fixes while promoting realistic, long-term progress in nutrition and wellness.
The need for a realistic approach to weight loss is evident. A recent MyFitnessPal survey1 revealed that 81% of respondents who had dieted unsuccessfully in the past attributed their failure to the diet being too restrictive. Despite this, many seem tempted to turn to extreme measures: 58% of respondents said they would consider eliminating an entire food group for 30 days if it guaranteed a 10-15 lb weight loss, and 28% even admitted they would eat a single food for 30 days straight2.
“The New Year often brings a surge of interest in extreme diets and quick-fix weight loss solutions, but these approaches can be misleading and unsustainable,” stated Melissa Jaeger, RD, Head of Nutrition for MyFitnessPal. “Through the FadLab, we bring to life the pitfalls of fad dieting, while empowering individuals to focus on sustainable, realistic progress. By tracking your food with MyFitnessPal, members can take small, manageable steps toward their goals. It’s about progress over perfection––a concept we’re sharing with all of our members this year.”
On display January 29 and January 30 at The Austin Motel in Downtown Austin, Texas from 10-6 pm, the FadLab underscores what a person’s realistic path to progress might look like, and how tracking food and nutrition can empower them to reach their health goals. And there’s data to back that up: MyFitnessPal data shows that MyFitnessPal members who log their food for just four days within their first week are seven times more likely to make measurable progress toward their weight loss goals than those who don’t.
“Since 2005, MyFitnessPal has seen Americans strive for healthier lives, often falling into the trap of quick fixes that rarely deliver sustainable results. Rather than a continued emphasis on fad diets, we need to shift our mindset to sustainable progress,” says Mike Fisher, MyFitnessPal Chief Executive Officer. “MyFitnessPal empowers users to take meaningful steps toward their goals by helping them understand their food choices. Tools like our barcode scanner, meal scan, and voice log make this process intuitive and accessible, reinforcing our commitment to helping people achieve real results—one step at a time.”
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.