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Web Apps Fat-Off: Day 6
In my Web Apps Fat-Off, I am testing 4 new web apps that provide services to help you lose weight. So far I am very impressed overall. But as I was on the treadmill today, one thought hit me. And that thought is what I want to discuss in today's post.
Is anyone checking the content and suggestions to make sure they are approved by a doctor/trainer/nutritionist?
Traineo has a legal disclaimer:
traineo.com has been developed to build an online community to help our users reach improve their fitness, reach their weight loss goals and lead a healthy lifestyle. The authors of this web site are providing information for educational purposes only. The information provided within this website and from our services is not intended to be a diagnosis or prescription. Before beginning any diet or fitness program please consult a physician. Discontinue any exercise that causes you pain or severe discomfort and consult a medical expert. The authors of this web site, and all its content, cannot guarantee any exercise, health, weight loss or fitness results or improvements to the users of traineo.com.
Gimme20 has a legal disclaimer:
Gimme20.com is a health and fitness community that provides collaborative tools and support for achieving a healthy body and mind. The authors of this web site are providing information for educational purposes only. The information provided within this website is not intended to be a diagnosis or prescription, or considered a substitute for professional advice. Before beginning any fitness program please consult your family doctor or physician. If you experience any pain or discomfort while exercising, discontinue your workout and consult a medical expert. The authors of this web site, and all its content, cannot guarantee any exercise, health, weight loss or weight gain or fitness results or improvements to the users of Gimme20.com.
Skinnyr and RunFatBoy do not have any legal disclaimers. I don't think Skinnyr needs one as they only provide an online scale. But RunFatBoy really should consider adding one.
Traineo, Gimme20 and RunFatBoy all make suggestions either themselves or by having the community members provide suggestions on what to eat or what workout to complete.
I think for these apps to succeed and build TRUST with their members, having a doctor and nutritionist on board would be very wise. I would love to see a stamp that says this workout was approved by Dr. Soandso. And this meal plan was approved by Nutritionist Soandsoso. Then I think people would feel even more comfortable using these web apps over the long run. And even more importantly, these people can write blog entries that really hit home about topics relating to the sites. For example, obesity, or reduced sex drive or diabetes. It would be great to see a "Doc's Corner" or something. Maybe he/she could even take one member each week and provide an hour of consultation. Just some thoughts that I think will help these apps (and others in the space) to build trust with their members and provide an even more valuable service.
Hi Allen, hope all is well.
I have one other, major, issue with these sites in general. Infact, with the entire industry, online or off. This issue is completely and utterly summarised within the title of one of the very sites you are testing – Skinnyr.
Eating disorders are serious, mental problems and it seems that the general population ignore or do not realise the situation. The industry also does the same, but then for different reasons – those that suffer, make them more money. More suffering, more Porsche’s.
I’ve had enough of these things touch my life to realise that there is so much that needs to be done in concern with mental health.
Sorry to distract from the post – but couldn’t find a more appropriate place. Best of luck, and I hope you enjoy the process :)
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I’ve seen that claim more than once, and I’d like to officially state that Skinnyr doesn’t support eating disorders. However, I have a stance on it that I would like to think is hard to argue with it.
I believe that people should be responsible for their actions. It’s the entire basis of my political stance (hence my registration as a libertarian). Given that’s how I believe life should be, I don’t really consider things like eating disorders as part of my agenda.
If somebody has an eating disorder, it’s unfortunate. But, as you said, it’s a mental illness. If someone has a deeply rooted fear of the color green, I’m not going to change anything just to accomodate that person, and I feel the same way about pretty much everything.
If it offends people, that’s fine by me. People have a right to be offended, and it doesn’t break any law to offend somebody.
btw, I’m not lashing out or anything, I realize this post seems like an overreaction to what you were saying, but this is the post I’m referring to when I said I’ve had this said to me before. They came right out and said Skinnyr is pro-anorexia.
It all started with me wanting to keep tabs on my weight. That’s what it’s for. I make no legal guarantees and accept no responsibility for others’ mental disorders.
Jimmy,
Many thanks for the reply – much appreciated. I would just like to clear up that I may have come across too critical of your site. I most certainly did not mean to personally attack either yourself or the site.
My comments were just how I initially responded to the title of the site. I mean no offense, and do applaud you for your efforts on the site – it IS important that people because more fit and healthy in general. It just seemed to me the title suggested more than being “a bit more healthy and fit”.
Not to seem big-headed, but I have been in the Marketing sector for many years now. Part of my day-to-day tasks often include looking at initial responses to words, images etc.. . I guess I jumped into “work mode” whilst mixing with personal pet-peaves. I apologise if I came across too critical, and wish you all the best for the future!
Thanks Matt.
I dont think you were too critical, I’m just trying to set it straight for the other people who think Skinnyr is “pro-ana”. I also don’t want people to think Skinnyr is more than it is. It exists solely for people who want to track their weight and nothing more. It doesn’t even have to be for people on a diet. If someone is trying to gain weight, or just wants to be conscious of where their weight is in comparison to the past, then Skinnyr works for that. That’s about it… I have to run. :)