Which apps are right for you?
Mobile apps are tools that can help us make informed decisions about our health. Many of us have used one of the hundreds of health and wellbeing apps available in online app stores. But how effective are these apps?
We looked at over 300 healthy living apps available for Apple® and Android™ devices between July and October 2018. Selected apps were reviewed to see if they were likely to help users change their behaviour and achieve a healthier lifestyle. As well as reviewing the potential effectiveness of apps, we have rated them out of 5. Read more about how apps were selected, reviewed and rated.
Please note regardless of the ratings obtained by each app using the research rating scales, VicHealth does not endorse any specific app.
Apps and coronavirus
Read our Be Healthy blog for information about using healthy living apps during coronavirus.
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Disclaimer:
Please note that the apps were reviewed, assessed and rated by experts on behalf of VicHealth using the MARS (Mobile App Rating Scale), developed by the Queensland University of Technology and the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre (Stoyanov et al. 2015) and the App Behavior Change Scale (ABACUS), developed by McKay and colleagues at Deakin University (McKay et al. 2019).
While care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and quality of the ratings, VicHealth makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, quality, reliability or suitability of the ratings or apps for any purpose. All users, especially those with special health care and/or wellbeing requirements, should assess the accuracy and relevance of this information for their personal circumstances as the ratings do not take into account your health condition(s), objectives or needs. The app ratings should be used as a guide only and neither the ratings nor the apps themselves should be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. VicHealth does not recommend or endorse the purchase or download of the rated apps and ratings are subject to change.
VicHealth does not warrant that the apps are free from viruses or defects which may corrupt or damage property.
VicHealth is not liable for any loss or damage you suffer arising out of the use of or reliance on the app ratings or any other information provided as part of the review of healthy living apps, except that which cannot be excluded by law. VicHealth recommends that you consult your doctor or other qualified health professional if you have questions or concerns about your or your family’s health.
