Researchers found that popular AI-powered calorie-tracking apps may significantly underestimate the calories in your meals. A recent study tested four of these apps by comparing their calorie and fat estimates against meals prepared in a controlled kitchen. The results showed that the apps were off by an average of 250 to 345 calories per meal, particularly struggling with high-fat ketogenic dishes.

This finding is important for anyone looking to manage their weight or improve their health through diet. If you rely on these apps to track your caloric intake, you might be consuming more calories than you think, especially if your meals are rich in fats. For people following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, the discrepancy could be even larger, as these apps tended to underestimate fat content by about 30 grams on average.

The study involved a rigorous testing process, using precisely measured meals to evaluate the accuracy of the apps. While the findings are promising, they are still preliminary and have not yet undergone full peer review. This means that while the results indicate a significant issue with calorie estimation, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand their implications fully. For now, users of photo-based calorie tracking apps should be cautious and consider supplementing their tracking with traditional methods for a more accurate picture of their dietary intake.

Source