In her blog post “It Happened to Me: My Fitbit Reignited My Eating Disorder”, Martin (2015) discussed how the features of a fitness band led to an eating disorder relapse. Eating disorders are characterized by pervasive fear of gaining weight and altered perception of body image (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Eating disorders may also be associated with restrictive eating and compensatory behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Martin (2015) argued that the conditioning effects of the Fitbit fitness band had a negative impact on her life and that other individuals with similar symptoms may be harmed but using the devices. In the current paper, the present author will provide a summary of the content as well as a personal reflection and reaction to the blog post. Martin (2015) described the Fitbit as a helpful tool when she first started to use it. The fitness band recorded daily activity, sleeping patterns, and set daily goals. Although Martin (2015) initially considered the device a positive addition to her life, she stated that it took less than a week for her to become addicted to the Fitbit. Her history of eating disorders throughout high school and college made her susceptible to the return of several symptoms, including: an intense fear of gaining weight; obsessive calorie counting; feeling guilty after eating; and compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, and restricting calorie intake (Martin, 2015). Martin (2015) argued
It is important to distinguish between normal eating and the behaviors that typify eating disorders or disordered eating. Even among those attempting to lose weight or maintain a lower percentage of body fat, normal eating is “flexible and not obsessive.” (Dunford and Doyle 455). Although athletes have a stricter nutrition plan versus the general population, their eating should actively support training through moderate levels of restraint yet should still allow for healthy eating patterns such as eating when hungry, not feeling the need to punish oneself after an indulgence through excessive caloric restriction or exercise, and the ability to participate in social events. Dunford and Doyle term this as “discipline, not…obsession” (456). While the eating disorders of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating all have clear-cut clinical definitions, disordered eating is a more nebulous term that can define a wider array of
First, psychological consequences of being overweight or obese eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia and anorexia. In “Bare Bones” (310), Emily Wierenga tells a powerful story of a 12-year-old girl named Carolyn who suffers from anorexia based on her fear of becoming fat. Wierenga’s purpose is to inform the psychological aspects that obesity evokes on one’s body. Anorexia may begin with a desire to diet to lose a few pounds, it also can be a fear of being overweight, but it occurs when the person becomes overly involved in the diet and limits food more than is healthy. In addition, being overweight also causes depression. Many times, people who suffer from obesity often feel they have a low quality of life. Obesity can cause poor self-image, low self-esteem, and social isolation, all known contributors to depression. People experiencing depression overeat or make poor food choices and avoid exercising. Depressed people experience decreased levels of the serotonin have a tendency toward obesity they tend to self-medicate by overeating and restore their normal serotonin levels. Also, obesity also causes lowered self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, most obese individuals feel ‘ugly’ or unattractive. This greatly affects their confidence to interact with people. Psychological issues play significant roles in both the development and consequences of
It can be assumed from these literature that these interventions are significantly effective. There is limited availability of research involving the use of smartphones and Fitbits in conjunction with the self-monitoring, goal setting, and feedback. More research on this subject is needed - specifically, including a larger participant pool with a wider age range would strengthen findings of the results. This would help with demonstration our group’s hypothesis of our study and the literature reviewed in this
Andria has struggled with eating disorders for many years throughout her lifetime. She has been able to overcome them through the help of a therapist. When she received her Fitbit Flex, she began to experience complications that relate to her health and exercise once again. She felt unsatisfied with herself if she did not exercise enough. Andria rearranged her daily schedule in order to take more exercise classes. She skipped meals so she had time to exercise. If Andria did not reach her goals on her Fitbit Flex, she felt guilty and purged out of distress (Martin, 2015). The small device held so much power over her that it was unhealthy. The Fitbit Flex is a band worn around the wrist, and the device notifies its users of when exercise and diet goals are attained by buzzing and lighting up (Martin, 2015). Andria became addicted to the Fitbit Flex because of its positive reinforcement when she would reach her goals. It records all food intake, as well as every move she makes. Andria became obsessed with the device and being fit that she began to walk down unwanted territory. The Fitbit Flex caused her eating
Let face it, everybody wishes they could be healthier. Whether it by exercising more, making better decisions about what we eat, or a combination of both. There are many ways for a college student to stay healthy. However, what I lack is the control needed in keeping up with these life changing habits.
My computing innovation represented by my computational artifact is Fitbit. Fitbit was created in San Francisco, California by a group of inventors with knowledge in technology (1). Fitbit is a device that is worn, usually on the wrist, that collects data that includes the amount of calories you burn, steps climbed, distance traveled, etc (4). With the data that is collected there is an app that stores it. The Fitbit app keeps all of the data collected by the hardware and compiles it into graphs and charts so it is convenient to view the collected data (1).
For the very first time in my life, I had executed a series of behavior changes in order to lose fifteen pounds by this semester. I am pleased and more than grateful to see that my customized plan is successful, and took effect in different aspects of my well-being. “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become”, I believe this quote by Carl Jung encapsulated why my health improvement plan would work – determination incorporated into a personalized plan. Hereinafter, I would like to discuss in details what and why had my behavior changes improved both my short-term and long-term health.
In “It Happened to me: My Fitbit Reignited My Eating Disorder,” Andria Martin recounts her experience with the wireless fitness wristband known as the Fitbit Flex. Andria received the wristband as a gift from her company’s holiday party. Initially, Andria was thrilled to have such a great device to help her stay on top of her fitness goals. She described how the various simple rewards the wristband provided encouraged her to reach her goals. Quickly Andria reported her excitement turned into an obsession. She was
Fitbit is a great wearable device that helps people maintain their health, and it works great as a fitness tracker. “Perhaps you have an autoimmune disease and have been required by your doctor to increase your level of fitness for health reasons. Thankfully, Fitbit is here to help you stay fit and help you with exercise” (5). Before Fitbit, you had to put big wires on your wrist and then exercise to be able to monitor your heart rate or to know how many calories you burnt during the day or work out. But now the monitoring occurs with a small wearable wrist device.
The stock market is an ever changing, popular way for many Americans to invest their money somewhere other than a bank. The reason behind that is because the interest banks pay you for your money is incredibly low. Stocks, on the other hand, give an investor a chance to make a better return on their money. At a higher risk of course. Some may think buying stocks are like pulling the lever on a slot machine, putting your money in randomly and hoping for the best. That is not so, yes there is no guarantee of a return when buying stocks but there are many ratios that a potential investor can use to better their odds on making a profit.
Picture this in you head, a wristband any color from blue to yellow and wearing it wherever you go to benefit the body. Well that time is now, because in the early 2016 Oral Roberts University made it a requirement for all freshmen’s to wear Fitbit to help maintain health fitness and personal information. The university concludes it’s a physical education course that will notify what kind of activity the students will be doing in and out of the campus. By doing so, most undergrads are tracked by how much they eat, sleep, and walk over 10,000 steps. Thanks to this technology, more and more people are participating in this program to exercise right and being well fit. Some viewers believe that wearing the Fitbit is a significant thing to the campus, but there is a huge disadvantage of what it can do.
Identifying and evaluating the market would be the best course of action for Fitbit. A global presence is a terrific opportunity. Data surrounding markets which have the capability to leverage the tool would be important. Third world countries may benefit from the product, but not have the electronic capability to support and/or use Fitbit. In addition, the culture and social dynamics of the market would play a factor into how Fitbit is received and would be adopted. A health conscious country similar to the United States dynamics would be ideal. Or segments such as Hong Kong and parts of China may prove as ideal locations, due to the forward thinking
In America, the words “beautiful”, “fit”, and “thin” are often used to describe someone that has the ideal “perfect” body, everyone’s perception of it can vary and about half of the population has the body that many people adore or aim to have. However, not everyone has or can achieve the ideal body type, some people will go to extreme measures to either gain or lose weight just to feel accepted in today’s society. These dangerous actions can result in a person developing an eating disorder that can alter their lives both physically and mentally. “An eating disorder is an illness that can be defined as having irregular or abnormal eating habits while being concerned about body weight or shape”
The product I have chosen for this discussion is the Fitbit. I chose this product for a few reasons. The first being I see many people using this device. The second reason is because it claims that by using this product you will take steps to get healthy your way. Now the main claim from the website is “Fitbit tracks every part of your day—including activity, exercise, food, weight, and sleep—to help you find your fit, stay motivated, and see how small steps make a big impact.” (Why FitBit) I see where this product could be beneficial and spark a change in people’s life if used correctly. Since it tracks many things, a persistent person could use that information to tweak workouts or meals. They’d be reminded of how much activity they were engaging in and would be able to see the change.
Australian’s international trade activities are regulated by TRIPS and WTO settlements. Intellectual property is an integral part of global trade which is paid enough attention by the Australian government. In 2009-10, value of intellectual property reached $170 billion. Therefore, FitBit as an innovative product and its crucial technology will be well protected by the local government.