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Self-tracking via remote measurement technology mirrors illness stage in individuals with or at risk of eating disorders, supporting recovery among those further from illness but risking reinforcement of compulsive patterns among those with residual or emerging symptoms.

In a qualitative interview study of 14 participants with lived experience or at risk of eating disorders, self-tracking via smartphones and wearables (Fitbits) was found to mirror illness stage. Those further from recovery benefited from healthy routine formation, while those with residual or emerging symptoms experienced reinforcement of compulsive patterns.

Last updated: Jul 15, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Perspectives on Remote Monitoring via Smartphones and Wearables Among Individuals With Lived Experience or at Risk of Eating Disorders ("This Could Go Very, Very Wrong"): Qualitative Interview Study.

observational

Kuehne C, Yim SH, İnce B, Fordham E, Matcham F, Simblett S, White KM, Folarin A, Sharpe H, Schmidt U · JMIR formative research (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 2 years (parent study)
Intervention: Remote measurement technology (smartphone app engagement and Fitbit wearables) used in a 2-year digital health study tracking depression outcomes
Outcome: Impact on eating, exercise, and weight-related behaviors and attitudes; emotional strain; healthy vs. obsessive patterns
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 14 individuals with a history of comorbid eating disorder or at-risk age (18-30 years) with subclinical ED symptoms, former participants of a depression tracking study

Result:

PubMed: 42441950DOI: 10.2196/86382

Mechanism Graph

Self-tracking via RMT increases awareness of health data
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Awareness leads to cognitive processing of behaviors
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Cognition triggers action (e.g., diet or exercise changes)
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Result: healthy routines or obsessive patterns depending on emotional state, ED presentation, and recovery stage

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=14) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Findings are exploratory and not evidence of RMT safety or acceptability in broader ED cohorts
  • ⚠Participants were drawn from a depression study, potentially introducing selection bias

Frequently Asked Questions

Does remote monitoring always harm individuals with eating disorders?▼

No, the study found that effects depend on recovery stage: it can support recovery in those further from illness but risk reinforcing compulsive patterns in those with residual or emerging symptoms.

What type of remote measurement technology was used?▼

Smartphone app engagement and Fitbit wearables were used to track sleep, activity, and stress over a 2-year period.

How many participants were in this study?▼

14 semistructured interviews were conducted with former participants of a depression tracking study.

What recommendations did participants make for future studies?▼

Participants stressed balancing autonomy with safeguards for vulnerable individuals, including careful selection of wearables, data access control, and researcher communication.

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References

  1. 1.Kuehne C, Yim SH, İnce B, Fordham E, Matcham F, Simblett S, White KM, Folarin A, Sharpe H, Schmidt U. "Perspectives on Remote Monitoring via Smartphones and Wearables Among Individuals With Lived Experience or at Risk of Eating Disorders ("This Could Go Very, Very Wrong"): Qualitative Interview Study.." JMIR formative research, 2026. PMID: 42441950 DOI: 10.2196/86382
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.