The Fitbit ‘fitness delusion’

TURNING to wearable tech such as Fitbit might convince us we’re getting in shape but users could end up taking even less exercise. Unless set strict targets – such as 10,000 steps a day – the activity trackers are unlikely to make any difference, a study found. In the trial, 322 people, who were not set any fitness goals, were assessed after six months wearing the bracelets, the British Journal of Sports Medicine reported. But while 57 per cent believed they had increased activity levels, their devices showed a ‘downward trend’ from the overall group average of 500 steps an hour.

Dr Luke Burchill, of Oregon Health and Science University which carried out the study, said: ‘To make trackers effective, users need to set a specific goal and stick with it.’