In this blog post, we’ll explore how wearable tech intersects with eating disorder symptoms, the risks for people struggling with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, and why tuning into your body — not just your data — is essential to long-term well-being.
Fitness trackers are part of a growing health trend known as wearable technology. Devices like Fitbits, Apple Watches, and smart rings track various health metrics and encourage users to hit daily goals. These gadgets are often seen as tools to support a “healthier” lifestyle.
However, for people struggling with eating disorders or vulnerable to disordered eating patterns, these devices can reinforce obsessive behavior, guilt, and over-control around food and exercise.
What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve a disordered relationship with food, body image, and exercise. The most common eating disorder types include:
Fitness trackers can unintentionally reinforce these behaviors. For instance, someone with anorexia may use their device to monitor every calorie burned and restrict food further. Those with bulimia or binge eating disorder may feel triggered by not meeting activity goals, leading to cycles of guilt and compensatory exercise.
Using wearable tech without mindfulness can lead to or worsen eating disorder symptoms, such as:
This rigid mindset can disconnect individuals from their body’s needs, reinforcing harmful beliefs tied to eating disorder behaviors.
Fitness trackers focus on data — but health is more than numbers. These devices can’t measure:
They also tend to frame each day as a reset — a chance to meet goals again. But for those in recovery or struggling with body image, this “start over” mentality can perpetuate feelings of failure and inadequacy.
One of the most effective ways to heal from eating disorders is learning to listen to your body again. This is something that external tracking devices can interfere with. This is where eating disorder treatment and intuitive approaches come in.
Your body has wisdom. It knows when it’s hungry, tired, energized, or in need of rest. Trusting these signals is a key part of eating disorder recovery.
Want to test what it feels like to disconnect from tracking? Here are two gentle ways to start:
These small steps can help rebuild connection with your body and reduce reliance on numbers.
In summary, while fitness trackers can be helpful tools, they’re not always suitable for everyone – especially those at risk for or recovering from an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. They cannot replace the deep understanding and connection you can build by listening to your body.
If you’re noticing signs of disordered eating or struggling with obsessive thoughts about food and exercise, know that support is available. At Sööma, our team of dietitians specializes in eating disorder treatment and helping individuals develop a more compassionate relationship with food, movement, and their bodies.
Written by
Registered Dietitian
