Well-being apps: do we need them to tell us to eat vegetables?

Wellbeing apps are a step in the right direction. They encourage us to move more, eat better and maybe even incorporate five minutes of meditation. And yes, I admit – it feels strangely satisfying to collect those 40 points after a workout.

But let’s stop and think about it. Prevention is not exactly groundbreaking. The basics have been clear for decades:

• Eat nutritious food.
• Get enough sleep.
• Stay active.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
• Prioritize emotional well-being.
• Establish meaningful social contacts.

So do we really need an app to remind us of what we already know? Or is the real challenge that these “basics” are harder to achieve than we would like to admit?

Healthy habits

Most wellbeing apps rely on small incentives: points, discounts or a shiny badge for 10,000 steps. That’s nice, of course. But is it enough to really make a difference?

In fact, small rewards do not lead to lasting change. Several studies have shed light on the behavioral aspects of maintaining healthy habits. Simply put, healthy living is not easy.

A reminder of the harmful effects of smoking will not immediately make a smoker quit. A push notification prompting you to meditate won’t alleviate the stress of working two jobs or eliminate worry about next month’s bills. And no app, no matter how well designed, can cure the loneliness that some people face. Not even with reminders to call a friend.

Wellbeing is not a transaction. It’s not about points or rewards. It’s a new way of thinking about living a richer, more fulfilling life. And that takes more than a well-intentioned app.

The bigger picture: what prevention really means

Many insurers claim that there is no business case for prevention – perhaps because they see it as nothing more than getting someone to be mindful. But prevention can and should go deeper.

Let’s take losing weight as an example – a standard resolution at the beginning of the year. What would an overweight person need to do to improve their health?

The power of education

First, we need to explain the basics: Why is it important to maintain a healthy weight? And what does “healthy” even mean? For many, these answers are not as obvious as they seem.

Research shows that simplifying and clarifying health-related information increases the likelihood of behavior change. Clear, actionable information helps individuals understand how their lifestyle choices determine their future.

In a way, research shows what we intuitively know – we are the architects of our lives.

An example of holistic care

My mother has been overweight since her 20s and has long since given up hope. She seems to find it easier to manage her diabetes symptoms with medication than to reduce her weight – especially as diets alone never seemed to work.

But what if she had access to a team of professionals who could help her make sustainable choices in all areas of her life?

Sleep: the cornerstone of health

Something as simple as putting your cell phone away an hour before bed and establishing a relaxation routine could make a big difference.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who craves a pie, double cheeseburger and fries after a bad night. With Coke Zero, of course.

Research by Matthew Walker at UC Berkeley shows that Mirela doesn’t lack willpower when it comes to junk food choices – sleep plays a fundamental role in overall health. A good night’s rest improves everything from mental health and cognitive function to physical recovery.

Nevertheless, many people lack the means or the knowledge to take advantage of the benefits of sleep.

Nutrition beyond buzzwords

A healthy life should not be impossible. Telling people to “eat less and move more” only scratches the surface. A long-term study conducted in collaboration with Harvard Medical School has more than 275,000 participants and shows the link between diet and chronic disease.

Personalization is key. Not everyone has the same preferences – some people thrive on a plant-based diet, while others love their steaks.

For me, a “never again fries” rule would make everyone my mortal enemy. Instead, we should focus on a balanced diet, not a perfect diet.

Technology as a tool, not a crutch

A continuous glucose monitor is a powerful device for people with diabetes. It tracks fluctuations and alerts patients when levels rise or fall dangerously. A study published in 2022 on Oxford Academics shows that using technology to provide real-time insights can improve both engagement and outcomes.

Imagine a doctor using this data to adjust medication and provide personalized feedback.

Technology can bridge the gaps between professional consultations. Imagine an AI-powered tool that gently reminds and encourages patients to stay on track, complementing the work of human professionals.

Mental health is important

For many, food is not only fuel, but also a coping mechanism. Overeating can leave emotional scars that are not easy to heal. Research from Harvard Medical School shows the profound effects of emotional triggers on eating behavior. You may have noticed that I am very interested in research from famous universities.

Would you like to find out more? Excessive sugar consumption affects our brain more than expected.

Building a community

Add in community support, and suddenly you have the foundation for a powerful holistic health program. A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that social networks can be used to promote weight loss.

The World Health Organization’s study on community engagement clearly shows that communities enable behavior change and better health and well-being for their members.

Together we are always stronger than alone – in life and in health, in difficult moments when our resilience is put to the test.

A scalable model

The model outlined above can be applied to different medical conditions. It is scalable as long as you bring in the right experts. People can sign up to holistic platforms and pay a fee that covers the cost of the platform and the experts. The more members we attract, the lower the costs.

Do you still think there is no use case for prevention? Instead of spending millions on hospital bills, how about we incentivize and help people live better?

There is too much at stake to think small

This is not only a missed opportunity for innovation, but also a moral obligation.

Let’s be honest: an app won’t stop anyone from eating an extra piece of cake or skipping their workout. However, a holistic system that supports, educates and incentivizes people could.

The future of prevention does not lie in more apps. It lies in the creation of ecosystems that make well-being the norm and not the exception. And it’s not a question of if, but when.

So do we need apps that tell us to eat vegetables? Maybe we do.

But that is not enough. We need to rethink prevention and make it effective.

Insurance is not about policies or platforms. It’s about people – it always has been and always will be.

Mirela Dimofte

Read also: Medical advances in 2025: impact on health insurance