New research shows how tracking nutrition contributes to weight loss and overall health improvements.

NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2024 — MyFitnessPal, the leading global nutrition and food tracking app, today shared new preliminary data highlighting the crucial role of food tracking in successful weight loss.

The Science Behind Success

A preliminary MyFitnessPal data analysis by Dr. Zhaoping Li, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Clinical Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles, revealed that nearly 50% of daily app users achieved a 5% weight loss within four months. Premium users showed a slightly higher success rate (49.3%) compared to non-premium users (46.9%). The CDC indicates that a 5% weight reduction offers significant health benefits.

“Users who consistently logged food in MyFitnessPal and engaged frequently with the app were statistically more likely to meet their weight loss goal within four months,” stated Dr. Li.  “This emphasizes the importance of consistent food tracking for weight loss success.”

The Importance of Early Habits

Initial habits are key to long-term success. MyFitnessPal’s internal data shows that users logging food for at least four days in their first week were seven times more likely to achieve measurable weight loss progress than those who didn’t. This simple habit promotes mindful eating, improving understanding of how daily choices impact health.

MyFitnessPal’s Role in GLP-1 Weight Loss Programs

Food tracking’s benefits extend beyond individual use. Telehealth companies, such as Medmate in Australia, integrate MyFitnessPal into their weight management programs. Their pilot program, combining GLP-1 medication and MyFitnessPal Premium, yielded promising preliminary results:

• MyFitnessPal users were 32% more likely to adhere to GLP-1 treatment.
• At eight weeks, 37% of users remained in the program, compared to 28% of non-users.

“This highlights the importance of food tracking in improving adherence to complex medical treatments and promoting lasting behavior change,” said Dr. Ganesh Naidoo, MedMate’s Medical Director and CEO.

Why Tracking Makes a Difference

Initial findings demonstrate that nutrition tracking is a valuable tool for achieving and maintaining health goals. By raising awareness and encouraging small, consistent changes, MyFitnessPal helps users develop sustainable habits.

“Whether starting a new journey or using a medically-supported program, MyFitnessPal provides tools and insights for every step,” says Mike Fisher, MyFitnessPal CEO. “Even logging one meal can be a significant first step toward success.”

For more information on MyFitnessPal, visit  or download the app for free via the  or .

About MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal, founded in 2005, is the world’s leading nutrition and food tracking app. Its mission is to help people worldwide achieve health goals through better food choices by offering knowledge, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. Supporting nearly 1 million people annually in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals, and with over 250 million users across 120 countries, MyFitnessPal provides a comprehensive platform for food tracking, exercise logging, and weight monitoring. Featuring one of the world’s largest food databases (over 19 million foods), access to over 2,000 recipes, more than 40 workout routines, and over 40 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal empowers positive healthy change. The MyFitnessPal app is available on the and store. To learn more, visit or follow MyFitnessPal on , , , and .

SOURCE MyFitnessPal