Kurbo A Weight Loss App for Kids Angers Parents, Gets Bashed by Experts

We are living in a world where there exists a weight loss app for kids. The app named Kurbo is designed to "help kids and teens reach a healthier weight and build healthy habits." It has been called out for  "irresponsible" and heavily bashed by experts all over the world. The app, launched by WW, who was earlier known as Weight Watchers International, is in a pickle for promoting body image issues among children. Kurbo is aimed at kids as young as eight years old, and is facing backlash for being "insensitive." Twitter hashtag #wakeupweightwatchers has been trending on Twitter. Although we cannot deny that a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for children as it lays the foundation for overall good health in future, WW is being criticised for promoting eating disorders from a young age that may, in turn, impact their health adversely. Also, you might want to know how to Boost Your Child's Immunity: 10 Important Nutrients for a Strong Immune System. Coming back to the app, a lot of parents have also been criticising the app for promoting diet and weight loss culture among kids under the pretext of making them "healthier".

According to a press release received by media portals such as health.com, Kurbo uses a "Traffic Light System" that categorises foods into three groups similar to the traffic lights, "green light, yellow light, and red light. Green-light foods include fruits and vegetables, which children are encouraged to eat more of. Whole grains and dairy are among the yellow-light foods, which the programme says children should "be mindful of", and red-light foods are sugary drinks and treats, which children are told to "gradually reduce but still include consumption of." Although well-intentioned, Kurbo failed to impress netizens who have reacted sharply to it.  Dietician-Recommended Healthy Breakfast Options That Are Wholesome!

Kurbo Faces Backlash

Another one

People are pissed

#KurboKills is doing the rounds on Twitter

The tweets just go on and on

Just another example

The website also features success stories from children who have undergone the programme while also flaunting the before-and-after photos. The success stories also feature kids' first names, ages, photos, etc. and that is being said to put unnecessary pressure for other kids to look like them. However, reviews are mixed because we cannot deny that the app is also encouraging a healthy lifestyle for kids as well that is often ignored.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2019 01:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).