Losing weight and achieving that “summer beach body” seem to be at the top of the to-do list for many although many fail before they even start.

Phone applications such as “My Fitness Pal” can assist teens’ dietary plans and exercise regimens.

“My Fitness Pal” functions by recording calories and exercise that are inputted by the user. Users are given a set number of calories based on the user’s goal weight. “My Fitness Pal” has records of calorie, sodium and fat intake. Exercises are also given a calorie loss tracker that deducts calories from the given calorie allowance for the day.

Junior Ashley Barley said, “ ‘My Fitness Pal’ has improved my health within the past six months that I have been using it because having a set regimen of calories has assisted me in making better and healthier decisions. It also helps me to measure and control my sugar, fat and sodium intake because of its detailed nutrition facts.”

“My Fitness Pal” assists one’s diet because of the freedom to choose one’s meals while restricting one’s calorie intake. Tracking exercise is also an important part of dieting because without exercise one does not burn more than is consumed.

Junior Kauionalani Kekuawela said, “ The application is excellent because it allows to me choose where I would like to spend my calories. I love dessert and the calorie tracker allows to me eat sweets while also remaining within my calorie limit while still eating nutritious foods throughout the day.”

Maintaining a healthy diet and weight are important because of the obesity epidemic and increasing health problems.

“My Fitness Pal” can help teens control their diets and improve their health.