Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over! In the digital era we live in, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool capable of transforming many aspects of our daily lives. Its use allows tasks such as image generation, providing programming code, delivering information, or streamlining processes. Another example is helping us with weight loss.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising our digital lives
One of the fields where AI is leaving a significant mark is weight loss and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. As obesity and related health problems continue to affect a large proportion of the global population, AI has emerged as an invaluable ally in the fight against excess weight. One of AI’s main strengths in this context is its ability to analyse large volumes of data and generate personalised recommendations based on identified patterns.
Currently, 40% of the world’s population is overweight or obese, a condition that can significantly increase mortality and lead to comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. Individuals with this condition often look for simple and affordable solutions. A simple and highly useful resource can be AI.
The impact of AI on weight loss
AI algorithms can process information about eating habits, exercise history, medical background, and other relevant factors to provide specific and realistic strategies to achieve weight-loss goals. In addition, AI can continuously learn and adapt as more information is collected, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of recommendations over time.
Data and personalised recommendations for weight loss
Another standout aspect of AI in the field of weight loss is its ability to monitor and provide real-time feedback. Through the use of sensors and tracking technology, connected devices can collect data on physical activity, sleep patterns, stress levels, and other relevant indicators. These data are then analysed by intelligent algorithms that provide valuable insights to adjust and optimise each person’s weight-loss routine.
So, can I lose weight using AI? Today, we all know the intelligence called ChatGPT, but how can I lose weight with ChatGPT?
How to lose weight with ChatGPT and AI
It is possible to ask AI to provide nutritional guidelines and weekly menus with a specific goal in mind, meaning that in just one minute it can deliver a set of recommendations. Thanks to its ability to process data and streamline processes, AI can be especially useful for health professionals, such as dietitians, to organise and speed up the process of creating dietary plans.
The importance of professional supervision when using AI
The problem with using AI without the supervision of a healthcare professional lies in the well-known “black box” issue. This “black box” is where the intelligence makes decisions, and the user can never truly know how it reached a specific conclusion. Depending on the sources from which the data are drawn, the results may be more or less reliable, and therefore more or less useful. Even with AI, healthcare professionals will always play a fundamental role in supporting individuals with their diet and nutritional intake. However, if AI can automate processes such as data processing, it will allow more time for meaningful interaction between professionals and their patients.
With the appropriate controls in place, technology like this could have the potential to strengthen the way healthcare professionals provide advice and guidance to improve health.
Some studies have shown that combining professional support with AI leads to greater adherence to treatment and that after 12 months, 40% of individuals aiming to lose weight achieved a 5% weight loss, a level considered significant for observing health improvements.
AI and a healthier lifestyle
While AI has proven to be a powerful resource for those seeking to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle, it also raises ethical questions and challenges related to data privacy and security, due to the repositories where data are stored. It is important to address these concerns to ensure that the technology is used responsibly and transparently, for the benefit of users and without the risk of information being leaked to third parties. Beyond these concerns, proper use of technology by the right professional can significantly improve the effectiveness of health interventions, including weight loss.
References
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Zhou X, Chen L, Liu HX. Applications of Machine Learning Models to Predict and Prevent Obesity: A Mini-Review. Front Nutr. 2022 Jul 5;9:933130. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.933130.
Hinchliffe N, Capehorn MS, Bewick M, Feenie J. The Potential Role of Digital Health in Obesity Care. Adv Ther. 2022 Oct;39(10):4397-4412. doi: 10.1007/s12325-022-02265-4.
Chew HSJ, Lim SL, Kim G, Kayambu G, So BYJ, Shabbir A, Gao Y. Essential elements of weight loss apps for a multi-ethnic population with high BMI: a qualitative study with practical recommendations. Transl Behav Med. 2023 Apr 3;13(3):140-148. doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibac090.
Forman EM, Berry MP, Butryn ML, Hagerman CJ, Huang Z, Juarascio AS, LaFata EM, Ontañón S, Tilford JM, Zhang F. Using artificial intelligence to optimise delivery of weight loss treatment: Protocol for an efficacy and cost-effectiveness trial. Contemp Clin Trials. 2023 Jan;124:107029. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.107029.
