Well-being Apps: Do We Need Them To Tell Us To Eat Vegetables?

Well-being apps are a step in the right direction. They nudge us to move more, eat better, and maybe even squeeze in five minutes of meditation. And yes, I’ll admit—earning those 40 points after a workout feels oddly satisfying.

But let’s pause and think about this. Prevention isn’t exactly groundbreaking. The fundamentals have been clear for decades:

• Eat nutritious food.
• Get enough sleep.
• Stay active.
• Don`t smoke or drink alcohol.
• Prioritise your emotional well-being.
• Build meaningful social connections.

So, do we really need an app to remind us of what we already know? Or is the real challenge that these «basics» are harder to achieve than we care to admit?

Sticking to Healthy Habits

Most well-being apps focus on small incentives: points, discounts, or a shiny badge for hitting 10,000 steps. Sure, it’s nice. But is it enough to make a real difference?

The reality is that small rewards don’t lead to lasting change. Several studies have shed light on the behavioural aspects of sticking to healthy habits. Simply put, living healthy is not easy.

A reminder of the harmful effects of smoking will not make a smoker quit immediately. A push notification to meditate can’t ease the stress of working two jobs or erase the worry about next month’s bills. And no app, no matter how well-designed, can cure the loneliness some people face. Not even with reminders to call a friend.

Well-being isn’t a transaction. It’s not about points or rewards. It is a new mindset of living a richer, more fulfilling life. And that takes more than a well-intentioned app.

The Bigger Picture: What Prevention Really Means

Many insurers claim there’s no business case for prevention—perhaps because they view it as nothing more than nudging someone to be mindful. But prevention can and should go deeper.

Let’s consider weight loss—a standard resolution as the year begins. What would an overweight person need to do to achieve better health?

The Power of Education

First, we must explain the basics: Why is maintaining a balanced weight important? And what does “balanced” even mean? For many, these answers aren’t as obvious as they seem. 

Research shows that simplifying and clarifying health-related information increases the likelihood of behaviour change. Clear, actionable information helps individuals understand how their lifestyle choice determines their future.

In a way, research shows what we intuitively know – we are the architects of our lives.

An Example of Holistic Care

My mom has been overweight since her 20s and has long since given up hope. Managing her diabetes symptoms with medication feels more achievable than tackling weight loss—especially when diets alone never seemed to work.

But what if she had access to a team of professionals who could guide her in making sustainable choices across all aspects of her life?

Sleep: The Cornerstone of Health

For instance, something as simple as ditching her mobile phone an hour before bed and establishing a wind-down routine could make a world of difference. 

I am pretty sure I am not the only one who wants a cake, a double cheeseburger and fries after a bad night of sleep. With Coke Zero, obviously. 

Research by Matthew Walker at UC Berkeley shows that Mirela does not lack willpower when choosing junk food – sleep plays a foundational role in overall health. A good night’s sleep improves everything from mental health and cognitive function to physical recovery.

Yet, many people lack the tools or knowledge to harness its benefits.

Nutrition Beyond Buzzwords

Healthy living shouldn’t feel impossible. Telling people to «eat less and move more» only scratches the surface. A long-term study performed in cooperation with Harvard Medical School has more than 275,000 participants and shows the link between diet and chronic disease. 

Personalisation is key. Not everyone has the same preferences—some people thrive on plant-based diets, while others love their steaks.

For me, a «no fries ever again» rule would turn anyone into my mortal enemy. Instead, we should focus on balanced eating, not perfect eating.

Technology as a Tool, Not a Crutch

A continuous glucose monitor is a powerful device for someone with diabetes. It tracks fluctuations and alerts patients when levels spike or dip dangerously. Research published in 2022 on Oxford Academics shows that using technology to provide real-time, actionable insights can improve both engagement and outcomes.

Imagine if a doctor used this data to fine-tune medication and provide personalised feedback.

Technology can bridge the gaps between professional consultations. Imagine an AI-powered tool gently reminding and encouraging patients to stay on track, complementing the work of human professionals.

Mental Health Matters

For many, food isn’t just fuel; it’s a coping mechanism. Overeating can leave emotional scars that aren’t easy to heal. Research from Harvard Medical School shows the profound impact of emotional triggers on eating behaviours. You might have noticed that I am deeply passionate about research coming from famous universities. 

Want more? Excessive sugar consumption is affecting our brains more than we expected.

Building a Community

Add community support, and suddenly, you have the foundation for a powerful holistic health program. A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that social networks can be utilised to promote weight loss.

World Health Organization study on community engagement shows clearly that communities enable changes in behaviour and better health and well-being for its members.

We are always stronger together than alone – in life and health, in hard moments when our resilience is tested.

A Scalable Model

The model above can be replicated for various medical conditions. It’s scalable as long as you bring the right experts in. People can sign up on holistic platforms and pay a fee that covers platform and expert costs. The more members we attract, the lower the cost.

Do you still believe there is no use case for prevention? Instead of spending millions on hospital bills, what if we incentivise and help people to live better?

The Stakes Are Too High to Think Small

This isn’t just a missed opportunity for innovation—it’s a moral imperative.

Let’s be honest: an app won’t stop someone from eating that extra slice of cake or skipping their workout. But a holistic system that supports, educates, and incentivises people might.

The future of prevention isn’t in more apps. It’s in creating ecosystems that make well-being the default, not the exception. And it’s not a question of if—it’s a question of when.

So, do we need apps to tell us to eat vegetables? Maybe.

But let us not stop there. We must re-think prevention and make it effective.

Insurance isn’t about policies or platforms. It’s about people—it always has been and will always be.

Mirela Dimofte

Also read: Medical advances in 2025: Impact on Health Insurance