Calorie tracking application use and disordered eating attitudes among young adults: A qualitative exploration of psychological experiences

Background: Calorie-tracking applications are widely promoted as health-supportive tools for dietary regulation and self-monitoring. However, their psychological impact among individuals with elevated disordered eating attitudes remains insufficiently explored.
Objective: This study aimed to qualitatively examine the emotional, cognitive, and self-perceptual experiences associated with calorie-tracking application use among young adults with elevated disordered eating symptomatology.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was employed. A total of 200 young adults aged 18–30 years were screened using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0). Participants demonstrating elevated disordered eating attitudes were purposively selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework.
Results: Five major themes emerged: (1) app as an external authority, (2) emotional impact of calorie numbers, (3) identity tied to discipline and control, (4) harsh self-labelling and inner criticism, and (5) normalisation of distress. Participants frequently described calorie tracking as psychologically controlling, with calorie targets strongly influencing guilt, anxiety, self-worth, and identity.
Conclusion: For psychologically vulnerable individuals, calorie-tracking applications may reinforce maladaptive cognitive patterns, externalise dietary control, and intensify disordered eating attitudes. These findings highlight the need for psychologically sensitive clinical recommendations and ethical app design.