Status of online diet management program users in Japan during the 2020 Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Abstract

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to drastic changes in people's lifestyles, including teleworking and restrictions on socializing. In the context of observing social distancing for preventing infection, the need to maintain fitness and health has attracted particular attention. We aimed to determine the relationship between the increase in the number of active users of online diet management applications and COVID-19 infection rates in Japan. A total of 1.5 million rows of log data was analyzed. The active number of users of online diet management applications increased with increase in the number of COVID-19 infections. The active user number in Kanagawa Prefecture, where the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Japan, was particularly high. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the user number in prefectures under a state of emergency when compared to that in prefectures not under a state of emergency. The social anxiety caused by COVID-19 is expected to increase the demand for online health management applications further. The use of such programs can aid in achieving social distancing while enabling users to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Relationship between critical care nutrition and post-intensive care syndrome in surviving ventilated patients with COVID-19: a multicenter prospective observational study

“…The relationship between malnutrition/obesity and mental illness and that between vitamin/trace elements and cognitive dysfunction may be affected by the critical care nutrition practice of underfeeding. ( 37 , 38 ) As a diet management program would be effective for appetite loss as long-term sequelae of COVID-19, ( 39 ) such interventions may be able to support PICS including mental and cognitive problems.…”

Impact of an online nutrition management application service on glycaemic management in individuals with diabetes: A propensity‐score‐matched retrospective cohort study

“…In Japan, efforts have been directed towards the development of healthcare app services designed to augment home cooking practices 12,13 Traditional Japanese cuisine, which is celebrated for its cultural diversity, is a staple in household diets across Japan 14,15 . To facilitate traditional Japanese home cooking, multiple healthcare services have been developed to aid domestic cooking and meal planning 12,13 . Among these, the ‘Oishi Kenko’ app stands out as a tool that encourages the preparation of Japanese home‐cooked meals, aiming to streamline the process of crafting both delicious and nutritious dishes 12,13 .…”

“…14,15 To facilitate traditional Japanese home cooking, multiple healthcare services have been developed to aid domestic cooking and meal planning. 12,13 Among these, the 'Oishi Kenko' app stands out as a tool that encourages the preparation of Japanese home-cooked meals, aiming to streamline the process of crafting both delicious and nutritious dishes. 12,13 This app addresses common domestic culinary challenges, such as meal planning with available ingredients, reducing preparation time, and budgeting, while simultaneously promoting a balanced diet.…”

Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Tend to Select Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Calorie Food Menus at Home on Diet Application

“…Japanese families enjoy diverse, colorful, and flavorful Japanese foods at home that include a variety of seasonal ingredients, and each ingredient is prepared and served in the most appropriate way. Various online nutrition management application services are widely available and guide users in the selection of ingredients and optimal cooking methods for each ingredient [ 11 , 12 ]. The “Oishi Kenko” application is one such online nutrition management application that aims to enable households to prepare healthy and tasty meals at home [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Various online nutrition management application services are widely available and guide users in the selection of ingredients and optimal cooking methods for each ingredient [ 11 , 12 ]. The “Oishi Kenko” application is one such online nutrition management application that aims to enable households to prepare healthy and tasty meals at home [ 11 , 12 ]. In meal selection in daily life, users are also asked to consider factors such as whether they want to use the ingredients they have at home, whether they want to carry out few cooking processes, and whether their want to keep the food costs low.…”