Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Google Maps Calorie Feature Yanked Out Of Concern For Users With Eating Disorders

IANS, 18 Oct, 2017 11:44 AM
    TORONTO — A mental health advocate says Google made the right decision to shut down a calorie count feature in its map application that critics said could be damaging to users with eating disorders.
     
    The tech company confirmed via email Tuesday that it disabled the function Monday night due to "strong user feedback."
     
    Google's experiment with presenting a calorie-burn estimate alongside walking directions drew widespread criticism on social media.
     
    The experimental feature, which was rolled out globally, expressed calorie estimates in the form of mini cupcakes, according to a screenshots posted on Twitter. One mini cupcake was listed as equalling 110 calories.
     
    Critics on social media complained the use of cupcakes seemed specifically targeted to women.
     
    Mark Henick, national director of strategic initiatives at the Canadian Mental Health Association, said one of the biggest problems with the feature was that it couldn't be turned off.
     
    Calorie information "should be made readily available for those who want it," he added. "But you should opt in."
     
    Henick said people early in recovery of an eating disorder may not be ready to have the intrusion.
     
     "If (someone is) already calorie-conscious in a bad way, then it's not a health promotion activity for them," he said. 
     
    "That can really become quite a serious interruption to your life, if that's all you can focus on."
     
    A person who has an eating disorder could be caught off guard, he added.
     
    "If they're bombarded with calorie counts everywhere they go ... if they're not ready for that, they might not have their tools, their coping mechanisms, to be able to deal with those triggers," he said.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Now, Say Cheers To 'Gluten-Free' Beer

    Those living with gluten intolerance, there's some new hope as a recent study has suggested that Witkop teff grains may be a good alternative to traditionally brewed barley beers.

    Now, Say Cheers To 'Gluten-Free' Beer

    Six Cups Of Ground Coffee Can Improve Nose, Throat Surgery

    The team has designed a 'granular jamming cap' filled with coffee grounds that can improve the accuracy of the sophisticated 'GPS' system that surgeons use for nose and throat surgery.

    Six Cups Of Ground Coffee Can Improve Nose, Throat Surgery

    Lack Vitamin D? Your Job Could Be A Reason

    Stuck behind your office desk for most part of the day? Your nine-to-five job could be a major factor that puts you at high risk of Vitamin D deficiency.

    Lack Vitamin D? Your Job Could Be A Reason

    Breastfeeding May Cut Mother's Heart Attack Risk

    Breastfeeding May Cut Mother's Heart Attack Risk
    Breastfeeding may reduce a mother's heart attack and stroke risk later in life, according to new research.

    Breastfeeding May Cut Mother's Heart Attack Risk

    Check Out For Solutions To Sex Problems Among Urban Couples

    In this urban jungle, spending quality time and special moments is a problem for many couples.

    Check Out For Solutions To Sex Problems Among Urban Couples

    Here's How Dads Influence Daughters' Risky Sexual Behaviours

    Here's How Dads Influence Daughters' Risky Sexual Behaviours
    What is it about a father that affects his teenage daughter's likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviour? 

    Here's How Dads Influence Daughters' Risky Sexual Behaviours