Open Health (Feb 2024)

From click to calories: Navigating the impact of food delivery apps on obesity

  • Willie Michael Mncedisi,
  • Maqbool Mudasir,
  • Qadir Afshana

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1515/ohe-2023-0022
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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The rise of food delivery apps has ushered in a new era in the way we consume meals, bringing both unprecedented convenience and concerns about their impact on obesity. These digital platforms, exemplified by industry giants like Uber Eats and DoorDash, have transformed the dining experience from a trip to the kitchen to a simple click on our smartphones. While the seamless accessibility to a diverse range of culinary options is undoubtedly a game-changer, it comes with a flip side. The ease of ordering restaurant-quality meals, fast food, or groceries through these apps may contribute to less health-conscious dietary choices. The convenience factor might inadvertently lead to an overreliance on high-calorie and less nutritious options, potentially exacerbating the obesity epidemic. As we navigate this digital culinary landscape, it becomes imperative to understand and address the implications of this technological shift on public health. Research and awareness campaigns are vital to comprehending the nuanced relationship between food delivery apps and obesity, ensuring that the ease of a click does not translate into a surge in calories. Balancing the advantages of convenience with the potential risks to our health is paramount as we strive for a harmonious coexistence with these technological innovations.

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