Mobile applications for weight-loss in the Spanish-speaking market: Usability and engagement

Abstract

Mobile applications for weight-loss can be an ally in clinical practice for the treatment of overweight and obesity. This has led to focus efforts on the development of this type of app. Moreover, the topic has attracted the interest of the scientific community with respect to design and usability. Nevertheless, despite the growing quantity of research there has not as yet been a focus on weight-loss applications in the Spanish-speaking market. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the quality and usability of the most popular weight-loss apps in this kind of market. To do so, we have taken into account engagement, functionality, aesthetics, quality of information, and weight-loss strategies employed. Our analysis found that the use of apps is concentrated in a low number, and whilst they are rated positively by users, they lack scientific backing.