Latest news with #Lifesum
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Nine in ten people in the UK can't spot ultra-processed ingredients on food labels, survey suggests
Nearly nine in ten people in the UK say they're unsure if they would be able to spot an ultra-processed ingredient on a food label, a survey suggests. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – typically made with ingredients or additives you would not find in a home kitchen – now make up 60 per cent of the British diet. Yet mounting evidence has linked them to a range of serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Now a new survey from nutrition tracking app Lifesum has found that just 12 per cent of Britons feel very confident identifying a UPF on packaging. This could include emulsifers such as soya lecithin or monoglycerides, or preservatives such as sodium benzoate, among others. A further 72 per cent were surprised to learn that products including oat milk, vegan meats and protein bars are classed as UPFs. Some 61 per cent of the 5,000 people surveyed said that defining a UPF is more confusing than doing their taxes. Despite the uncertainty, 68 per cent said UPFs negatively affect their mood, energy levels and productivity, while 41 per cent linked their mental health struggles to their diet. 'This is no longer just a nutrition issue – it's a societal one,' said Signe Svanfeldt, lead nutritionist at Lifesum. 'People know something's wrong, but they're misled by packaging that presents UPFs as healthy. 'We're sleepwalking into a national health crisis.'
North Wales Live
23-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
'Struggling' mum ditches regular diets to lose 4 stone with 3 children under five
Shedding those extra pounds can be a daunting task, made even more challenging when navigating a sea of conflicting advice and misleading social media posts. Everyone has an opinion on the best way to lose weight and eat healthily and finding the right approach, that fits in with lifestyle, routine and food preferences, can be overwhelming and often involve expensive gyms and diets. However, one London mother of three, Makeda, has successfully lost four stone with the aid of an app called Simple. Makeda's weight had reached its highest point at 18.5 stone (117.5kg) after giving birth to her twins, who she was looking after while already caring for a young daughter under the age of five. Despite her incredibly busy lifestyle, it was her children who inspired her to embark on a weight loss journey, ultimately leading her to drop down to impressive 14 stone (88kg). Makeda explained: "I had got up to about 18.5 stone. I am very happy to be a mum, but I just really felt the pressure. I had gained a lot of weight. It's the heaviest I'd ever been and I was just always in a lot of pain. I had a lot of joint pain and back pain, and I just felt like I just couldn't keep up." Makeda's motivation wasn't just about losing weight, she also wanted to to regain her physical strength and to feel confident in her body, not just for herself but for the sake of her children. She said: "One of the goals for me was, yes, I wanted to lose the weight and I wanted to feel good in my body, but I also wanted to feel strong in my body. I wanted to know that if one of the twins needed picking up, I could carry both of them at the same time or push the double buggy and carry my other daughter," reports the Mirror. Prior to discovering Simple - a health app that assists with nutrition tracking, at-home exercise routines and supports intermittent fasting - Makeda had attempted various diets with little to no success. She said: "I really was just struggling. Struggling to form any form of habit, and I tried all the diets. With every diet I tried it, and I would do really well for maybe the first week, two weeks, maybe even a month, but I just realised it wasn't bespoke to me and my lifestyle. "It was kind of like these diets were trying to fit me into a particular category and it just didn't work. I just couldn't be consistent with it." Juggling her studies in occupational therapy and raising her children, Makeda's weight loss journey saw a positive turn through small, sustainable lifestyle changes, boosted by the support of the Simple app. The app is currently 60% off for anyone signing up using the promo code REACH60. Of course Simple isn't the only fitness app available with the industry flourishing during the pandemic as people looked for ways to stay fit at home. There are other apps that help with weight management. Lifesum, for example, helps users to keep tabs on their culinary intake, showcasing information on calories and macros, while providing dietary recommendations and including an intermittent fasting timer. Meanwhile, Noom focuses on lasting lifestyle changes and behavioural psychology, delivering customised fitness plans and support to its subscribers. Simple incorporates both elements in to one app, with the cutting-edge AI-powered coach designing tailor-made weight management plans catering to an person's way of life, fitness level, health goals and desired timetable. It encourages a balanced nutritional approach that allows sustainable progress while still letting users enjoy their preferred indulgences. Makeda said that utilising the Simple app helped her overhaul both her dietary habits and lifestyle. The service creates a customised meal plan which can include periods of intermittent fasting, the method championed by Dr Michael Mosley where healthy meals are consumed within set hours and fasting occurs during the rest, leading her to re-evaluate her food choices. She said: "I didn't change my lifestyle too much, other than I just was really enthusiastic to move my body more. I woke up when I woke up, I was pain free and, full transparency, there were times when I stopped using the app. My weight fluctuated due to starting studying or due to stress or just life in general, but the really nice thing was I could always come back to it, have a reset, and then get back on program." Makeda also praised the innovative AI tool, Avo, for its ability to craft tailored exercise and meal plans, as well as offering timely nudges for activities like fasting. Simple's feature of logging food through a photo, converting the snap into a dietary score based on the nutritional content, won her approval as well. She said: "The AI really is very, very intuitive, it really works for you. You get your reminders, you get the support, but it's very much for you. So I really, I really like that aspect of it." Using the app has changed her life in many ways but one of Makeda's highlights is being able to enjoy pain-free fun with her family. She said: "What makes me really happy now is I go out, take walks, I hike, I go on adventures with my daughters, and I have enough strength and stamina and resilience to do that." Simple users mentioned have been compensated for their honest results and, of course, results may vary. But Simple has received a robust 4.3 rating from 30,217 reviews on Trustpilot. A satisfied customer commented: "Easy to use, not about calories about healthy eating and no guilt." Another shared their positive experience, saying: "I initially joined Simple for the wall Pilates programme but have really enjoyed the food nutrition guidance and the fasting advice.. I have lost weight, I'm eating healthier and am enjoying the workouts!" A different user expressed their amazement with artificial intelligence, stating: "Without a doubt, AI has been a great experience. I never would have believed that a computer-generated person would be of so much help! But here we are in a new world of possibilities. This might be the best money I've ever spent." Despite these success stories, there have been a few reports of difficulties, with one individual pointing out: "So far I'm losing weight by being accountable and intentional about my food choices. I'm not very good with technology, so navigating the Simple program is challenging. I'll get better going forward."
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum loses more than 11 stone doing 'wall pilates' at home
Laci Gilbert weighed 19st 9lbs and now fits in one leg of the jeans she wore at her largest A mum-of-two has impressively shed over 11 stone in roughly two years by fitting home workouts around her children's routines without needing any fancy gym gear. Laci Gilbert dropped a whopping 116lbs with the aid of a lifestyle app that kept her on track by offering exercise guidance and nutritional tips. Embracing wall pilates as a key element of her new routine, she claims this simple yet effective workout is a godsend for busy and budget-conscious individuals. Laci explained: "Wall pilates is great for somebody who's limited on time and even financial limitations. All you need is motivation and a wall, and you can do it. It is not difficult. It is low impact on your joints. As somebody who has never been much of a high-impact cardio person, I think it's great. You feel the benefits in your muscles without the impact to your joints." Opting for tailor-made exercise regimes via the Simple App - which offers custom daily workouts, scientifically-endorsed advice, dietary assessments and an AI assistant – Laci found her perfect match in fitness. Speaking about her transformative journey, Laci shared: "It has changed my life and I'm so grateful for it. As working mums, wives, mothers, life takes over and sometimes we don't have time in the evenings to get to the gym or just don't feel like moving. The Simple App gives you a no-excuse reason to get up and move, especially when you can do it at home with no equipment." As reported by Nottinghamshire Live, the Simple App is available on both Android and Apple platforms. It's in good company following a surge in fitness apps in recent years, particularly during the pandemic when gym-goers were seeking alternative ways to stay fit. Lifesum is a similar dietary and fitness habit app, while MyFitnessPal focuses on meal planning and calorie counting. Simple combines features from both of these apps and adds extra functionality. It's currently available with a 60% discount when the code REACH60 is applied at checkout. The Simple App Get 60% off Simple Sign up Upon signing up, users complete an extensive survey covering health goals, preferences, and previous weight loss experiences. The responses are used to create a fully customisable programme tailored to those specific goals, using features like food logging through typing, voice or photo, and a Nutriscanner for meal planning. The app offers workout plans that can include strength training, cardio, or even Laci's favourite wall pilates. Additionally, Simple features its own AI-powered coach, Avo, which provides instant responses, effectively offering round-the-clock access to wellbeing and fitness advice whenever needed. Over 17 million people have embraced the Simple App since its launch, including Laci, who not only transformed her life but also banked some cash from Simple for sharing her genuine thoughts post-transformation. Remember, results may differ, so it's wise to consult a healthcare pro before any big lifestyle shake-up. Sporting an impressive 4.3 out of five stars on Trustpilot from over 29,000 reviews, the Simple App has users singing its praises. One happy user shared their joy: "This is the only plan that has worked for me. Tried several in the past and nothing has worked for me. Easy meal plans based on the foods I like. Workouts are designed for me based on my limitations. If I have a question about serving size or help with my workouts it gets answered immediately." A second wrote: "Love the app, easy to use. Positive helpful AI support. Doesn't over complicate things, eg counting calories or worrying about portion size. If you are dishonest it is only with yourself." Sadly not everyone's over the moon, as one user found the Simple App to be a bit tricky: "Not the easiest to navigate to log food or activity from the day before." Another agreed, simply stating: "It's too complicated." However, someone else was impressed with the app's motivational aspect, stating: "This app is amazing. It has kept me way more engaged than any other dieting app I've tried. It is super helpful and I love the feature of chatting with coach Avo, who always has the answers and suggestions I need to keep going."
North Wales Live
07-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Mum lost more than 11 stone working out using a wall at home instead of a gym
A mum-of-two lost more than 11 stone in around two years working out at home around looking after her children and without using any specialist equipment. Laci Gilbert has lost more than 116lbs in total using a lifestyle app that helped keep her motivated and gave her workout and nutritional advice. Laci took up wall pilates as part of her transformation and says the low impact, low budget exercises helped her and explained: "Wall pilates is great for somebody who's limited on time and even financial limitations. All you need is motivation and a wall, and you can do it. It is not difficult. It is low impact on your joints. As somebody who has never been much of a high-impact cardio person, I think it's great. You feel the benefits in your muscles without the impact to your joints." Laci chose the workouts as part of setting up a bespoke workout plan in The Simple App, which offers tailored daily exercise options, scientifically-backed advice, nutrition analysis, and Avo, an AI coach, to help users adjust their living habits. She said: "It has changed my life and I'm so grateful for it. As working mums, wives, mothers, life takes over and sometimes we don't have time in the evenings to get to the gym or just don't feel like moving. The Simple App gives you a no-excuse reason to get up and move, especially when you can do it at home with no equipment." Simple The app, which is available on Android and Apple is one of a host of fitness apps which have flourished over recent years, after first booming in popularity as fans tried to find ways to work out while gyms were closed during the pandemic. The Lifesum app is a tracker for dietary and fitness habits, while MyFitnessPal focuses on meal planning and calorie counting. Simple incorporates elements from both of these apps and adds in additional functionality. It's currently running a 60% off discount when shoppers use the code REACH60 at checkout, reports Wales Online. Users signing up for the app start by filling in a comprehensive survey that covers health goals, preferences and past experiences with weight loss. The answers are used to product a fully adaptable, bespoke programme aimed at achieving those specific goals, using features such as food logging through typing, voice or photo, and a Nutriscanner to help with meal planning. The app has workout plans which can include strength training, cardio, or even Laci's preferred wall pilates. The app also has its own AI-powered coach, known as Avo which answers queries instantly, effectively offering 24/7 access to wellbeing and fitness advice whenever needed. Laci is one of over 17 million people who have downloaded Simple since its launch and she has received compensation from Simple for her honest feedback following her transformation. Of course, results can vary and professional medical advice is recommended before making any significant lifestyle changes. The Simple App has raked in a stellar 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, based on more than 29,000 reviews. One satisfied customer said it was great and they had lost 7lbs already, adding: "This is the only plan that has worked for me. Tried several in the past and nothing has worked for me. Easy meal plans based on the foods I like. Workouts are designed for me based on my limitations. If I have a question about serving size or help with my workouts it gets answered immediately." Another added: "Love the app, easy to use. Positive helpful AI support. Doesn't over complicate things, eg counting calories or worrying about portion size. If you are dishonest it is only with yourself." However, opinions on the app differ, with one user pointing out: "Not the easiest to navigate to log food or activity from the day before." Another added: "It's too complicated." On the flip side, another reviewer praised the motivating element of the app, explaining: "This app is amazing. It has kept me way more engaged than any other dieting app I've tried. It is super helpful and I love the feature of chatting with coach Avo, who always has the answers and suggestions I need to keep going."
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Lifesum and FIIT Launch Wellness Solution to Combat Employee Burnout and $47.6 Billion in Lost Productivity
LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifesum, a leading global healthy eating app, and FIIT, the UK's number one rated fitness app, have partnered to launch a combined corporate wellness solution aimed at helping organizations combat employee burnout and address the US's $47.6 billion annual productivity loss. This innovative solution offers employees AI powered personalized nutrition plans and expert-led workouts, all seamlessly delivered through a corporate subscription. Addressing Key Workplace Challenges In the US, 62% of employees report burnout with mental health being a major contributor to workplace illness. Healthcare costs for burnout range from $125 billion to $190 billion annually, while lost productivity from missed work costs the US economy an estimated $47.6 billion per year. These figures highlight the urgent need for organizations to prioritize employee wellbeing to improve performance, reduce stress and enhance retention. Markus Falk, CEO of Lifesum, said: 'By partnering with FIIT, we're combining hyper-personalized nutrition with expert-led fitness to create a corporate wellness solution that fosters healthier, happier workplaces.' Ian McCaig, Founder & CEO of FIIT, added: 'Businesses are increasingly seeking wellness solutions that employees will genuinely engage with. Our partnership provides a seamless, effective approach to corporate health.' A Game-Changer in Corporate Wellness Unlike typical wellness programs that often fall short, Lifesum and FIIT offer a more effective, integrated solution that combines AI-powered nutrition with high-quality fitness. Employees gain access to expert-led workouts, whether at home, in the gym or on the go, as well as personalized meal plans designed to boost health, mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Lifesum, trusted by companies like Amazon and GE, offers personalized meal plans, recipes and AI-powered nutrition insights through its Multimodal Tracker, enabling effortless meal logging via photo, voice, text, or barcode. FIIT delivers on-demand workouts with real-time tracking, heart rate integration, and live leaderboards. Together, these platforms empower employees to make healthier choices and build lasting habits. Seamless Integration and Scalability for Businesses of All Sizes This scalable, cost-effective solution integrates smoothly into existing corporate benefits, making it ideal for organizations of all sizes, including hybrid and remote teams. With no hardware needed, employees can quickly activate their benefits and start their wellness journey. Employees can sync workout and nutrition data across both apps for a complete health overview. Personalized nutrition advice is based on exercise, calorie burn, and recovery needs, while real-time feedback keeps them motivated.
