July 16, 2019 at 11:32AM
A cartoon-themed diet app apparently aimed at young girls that criticises them if they put on weight could put its users at risk of developing eating disorders, experts warned.
Karin's Weight Diary, available free from the Google Play store, features a cartoon cheerleader with pigtails and a large pink pig that charts users' weights.
If teenagers admit to putting on pounds, the cheerleader character, Karin, appears larger and miserable and says: "Oh my God, I gained weight! Let's try to exercise as much as possible!" She also cries if users "report" themselves for having had too much to eat, or even a snack. However, if they fast or eat a smaller meal, she winks and waves her pom-poms.
The developer's blurb for the "weight-loss navigator"…


A cartoon-themed diet app apparently aimed at young girls that criticises them if they put on weight could put its users at risk of developing eating disorders, experts warned.
Karin's Weight Diary, available free from the Google Play store, features a cartoon cheerleader with pigtails and a large pink pig that charts users' weights.
If teenagers admit to putting on pounds, the cheerleader character, Karin, appears larger and miserable and says: "Oh my God, I gained weight! Let's try to exercise as much as possible!" She also cries if users "report" themselves for having had too much to eat, or even a snack. However, if they fast or eat a smaller meal, she winks and waves her pom-poms.
The developer's blurb for the "weight-loss navigator"…

