Healthy Kids | Weight-loss app sparks concern

Developed by Weight Watchers, the Kurbo app is aimed at children aged between eight and 17, and will soon be launched globally.

Dietician Dianne Wintle is in two minds about the proposed app.

"I'm not surprised Weight Watchers would be looking into something like this," she said.

"I don't think there's any bad intent on their behalf, childhood obesity is a problem and we're all searching for a way to combat that.

"[This approach] probably won't work out well for them, at least my hope is that it will disappear quickly enough."

What the app may lack in addressing the nuanced complexities of pediatric obesity however, Ms Wintle believes it opens up a valuable conversation.

"It gives us an opportunity to start talking about it, and what some alternative ways might be to promote a healthy lifestyle in young people," she said.

"If you're aware of what you're eating and how it's been made, then it's not necessary to be focusing on your weight, especially for children.

"The emphasis has to be on eating healthy, getting enough vegetables, fruit, whole grains, dairy and lean protein cooked [preferably] at home. Fresh is best."

Ms Wintle hopes the app might actually set the groundwork for more technological harnessing in the conversation about childhood health.

"What would be a better thing to do is to get [online] influencers on board with promoting eating and living healthy," she said.

"I've found when an influencer is talking about a fad diet it gets enormous coverage, but when a dietitian says something, not many people hear it."

On a practical level though, Ms Wintle advocates getting off screens and into the kitchen.

"If food is fun, they'll want to eat it. Get the kids into the kitchen and it doesn't end up being some horrible chore for one person," she said.

"That does have to be factored into the time constraints. Doing things with kids takes longer, but it sets them up for life."