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Effects Of The Fitbit Fitness Band Essay

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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

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