P609 - COMPULSIVE TRACKING AND CALORIC RESTRICTION: A CASE OF TECH-DRIVEN MALNUTRITION

P609

COMPULSIVE TRACKING AND CALORIC RESTRICTION: A CASE OF TECH-DRIVEN MALNUTRITION

M. Kollerova^1,*, J. Vejmelka², K. H. Pham¹, M. Machava², P. Minarik³, P. Kohout²

¹Nutrition and Dietetics Center, ²Department of Internal Medicine 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University and TUH, Thomayer University Hospital, ³Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Eating Disorders, Psychiatric Clinic of the 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

Rationale: Wearable technologies are increasingly used in personalized health strategies. In the Czech Republic, 49% of the population uses such devices—among the highest in the EU. Smartwatches and tracking apps are often advised to promote physical activity (PA) and improve diet through self-monitoring. While tracking can boost motivation, evidence shows potential adverse effects, especially in sensitive individuals (e.g., elevated EDE-Q scores). Obsessive calorie tracking, compulsive exercise, and body image issues have been linked to overreliance on wearable data. The unofficial term techorexia describes disordered pattern rooted in tech-driven self-monitoring. This case presents a 47-year-old man whose smartwatch use led to restrictive eating, excessive exercise, and hospitalization for hypoglycemic coma—highlighting the risks of data fixation without psychological context.

Methods: An interdisciplinary team coordinated the care. REE was measured via indirect calorimetry, and body composition tracked using a medical-grade BIA analyzer (mBCA seca). Early in care, the patient was advised to stop using his smartwatch and food-tracking app. Nutritional intervention included reduced-protein ONS to address fat and energy deficits while minimizing fat-related anxiety.

Results: Over 10 months, anxiety-driven eating behaviors decreased, PA was reduced, and dietary intake improved. Weight increased from 39.45 kg (BMI 14.65) to 50.16 kg (BMI 18.53), with balanced gains in body composition.

Conclusion: This case underscores the risks of obsessive self-monitoring via wearables and the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Healthcare providers should carefully assess the impact of tracking tools and adapt recommendations to individual needs.

References: Anderberg, I., Kemps, E.,&Prichard, I. (2024). The link between the use of diet and fitness monitoring apps, body image, and disordered eating symptomatology: A systematic review. Body Image, 52, 10183

Disclosure of Interest: None declared