Exercise And Weight Loss Apps Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Platform (Android, iOS), By Device (Smartphones, Tablets, Wearable Devices), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global exercise and weight loss apps market size was valued at USD 717.7 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3% from 2023 to 2030. The growth can be attributed to a rising prevalence of obesity and associated health conditions, alongside growing health awareness. Incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is anticipated to contribute to market expansion. The weight loss apps market is rapidly expanding, offering applications on various operating systems, including iOS, Android, and others. These apps cater to various aspects such as lifestyle monitoring, diet tracking, weight management, exercise monitoring, and more. As obesity rates continue to rise globally, there is an increasing demand for weight loss apps, and companies are leveraging this trend to their advantage.

Exercise and weight loss apps are comprehensive tools that help users manage their fitness, nutrition, and overall health. These apps offer personalized workout plans, nutrition tracking, customization for specific goals, progress monitoring, and virtual coaching. Users can connect with a community, integrate wearable devices for real-time data, track health metrics, access educational content, plan meals, and engage through gamification. Available on iOS and Android devices, these apps are essential for individuals seeking improved health, weight management, and fitness maintenance. There are various apps available in the market. These apps offer a wide range of features to cater to different fitness goals, preferences, and levels of expertise. Users can choose the app that best aligns with their specific needs and embark on their journey towards better health and fitness.

Some of the apps available and the features they provide are:

• MyFitnessPal: Features

  : Calorie tracking, food database, exercise tracking, goal setting, community support, nutrition analysis, and integration with fitness trackers.

• Fitbit: Features: Activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, exercise logging, goal setting, and challenges with friends.

• Nike Training Club: Features: A variety of workout plans, guided video workouts, customizable fitness plans, and expert trainer guidance.

• MyPlate by Livestrong: Features: Calorie tracking, meal planning, workout tracking, community support, and personalized nutrition recommendations.

• Lose It!: Features: Calorie tracking, food database, exercise tracking, goal setting, community support, and meal planning.

• Noom: Features: Personalized weight loss plans, food logging, exercise tracking, health coaching, and behavior change techniques.

Exercise and weight loss apps serve as essential tools for a variety of reasons. They cater to the increasing health consciousness among individuals, offering valuable guidance and tracking features. These apps provide the convenience of accessing fitness routines and nutrition plans anytime, anywhere, with personalized plans to suit individual goals and fitness levels. They boost motivation through features such as goal setting and virtual coaching while fostering a sense of community and support. In addition, they make health and fitness information accessible to a wider audience, offering cost-effective solutions and adapting to the technology-driven era. With their global reach, exercise and weight loss apps empower users to pursue healthier lifestyles and attain their wellness objectives.

The report from mobile data and analytics authority App Annie unveils substantial insights into the health and fitness app landscape. Notably, their estimations indicate the launch of 71,000 new health and fitness apps in 2020, a substantial 13% increase from the previous year. This surge was divided among approximately 24,000 apps on iOS and 47,000 Google Play apps. Similarly, the 2021 report underscores the sustained growth trajectory of the health and fitness app sector, stating a strong year-over-year increase. App store consumer spending and downloads surged by 30%, accompanied by a 25% rise in the time users devoted to these apps, all when compared to data from 2019. Germany, France, and the UK consumer spending spiked 60%, 65%, and 70%, respectively. Regarding app content, the dominance of workout apps such as Home Workout - No Equipment, Mi Fit, and Lose Weight App for Women was evident in global download trends.

The pandemic increased health consciousness among individuals, and many turned to fitness and weight loss apps as companions on their journey toward enhancing their overall health and well-being. These apps distinguished themselves by introducing innovative features that elevated the user experience. Virtual coaching, community support forums, and comprehensive tracking functionalities emerged as integral components, offering users a robust support system that helped maintain motivation and adherence to their fitness goals, effectively supplanting traditional in-person support systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped countless aspects of our daily lives, and its influence extended even into health and fitness app downloads. Traditionally, there were more downloads in January for these apps, aligning with New Year's resolutions and fitness goals. However, in April 2020, rather than the January surge, the health and fitness app download numbers surged to 276 million—an 80% leap from the prior year. This unprecedented shift in consumer behavior directly links to the stringent lockdown measures imposed globally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, unveiling the pandemic's profound impact on digital trends and our approach to personal health and fitness.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nutrition-tracking apps became very popular in the exercise and weight loss market. Disruptions in food supply chains and shifting dietary habits prompted individuals to seek effective ways to manage their diets. These apps monitor food intake, calories, and nutrient balance. They also offer features such as meal planning, recipe suggestions, and nutrient analysis, catering to specific needs. Some apps use barcode scanning and data analytics to provide personalized dietary recommendations. These apps enhanced users' fitness goals, highlighting their crucial role in overall health and well-being.

The increased demand and long-term growth prospects of the exercise and weight loss app market have attracted significant investment and innovation. This influx of resources has led to improved and more user-friendly app solutions with enhanced features. These advancements have ensured these apps' ongoing relevance and effectiveness in helping people reach their wellness objectives. These apps now provide a broader range of tools, data analysis capabilities, and customization choices, making them valuable aids in adopting a healthier lifestyle. This transformation's impact extends beyond the pandemic, fundamentally altering how individuals address and organize their health and fitness regimens.

Platform Insights

Based on platform, the market is segmented into Android, iOS, and others. The iOS segment held the largest revenue share of 53.5% in 2022. The segment has witnessed remarkable growth, with several key players adopting various strategies to maintain their market position. For instance, in March 2023, MyFitnessPal held the top position among fitness and sports mobile apps, generating nearly USD 12 million in in-app revenues. WeightWatchers earned around USD 4.7 million in revenues, while Peloton, known for its stationary bikes and treadmills, generated approximately USD 3.8 million in in-app purchase revenues during the same month. Moreover, a significant uptake of iOS devices has driven the segment's expansion in recent years. For instance, the number of active Apple device users rose from 1.4 billion in the initial fiscal quarter of 2019 to 1.5 billion in the initial fiscal quarter of 2020, as reported by Apple, Inc.

The Android segment is expected to experience the fastest CAGR of 17.8% over the forecasted period due to its widespread accessibility across diverse price ranges, an open ecosystem fostering app diversity, a substantial global market share, compatibility with a variety of devices including wearables, continuous app development, and a strong presence in emerging markets where health and fitness interests are on the rise. This combination of factors positions Android as a prominent platform for fitness and weight loss solutions, driving its accelerated growth. For instance, based on 2023 app revenue data, the Google Play store offers a vast selection of apps, with nearly 5 million available, and approximately 96.4% are offered free of charge. Around 98% of the revenue generated by Google Play stems from these free apps. In the previous year, Google Play achieved a total revenue of USD 42.3 billion from apps and games in 2022.

Device Insights

Based on devices, the exercise and weight loss apps market is segmented into smartphones, tablets, and wearables. The smartphones segment dominated with the largest revenue share of 68.1% in 2022. The widespread adoption of smartphone exercise and weight loss apps has emerged as a cost-efficient alternative to costly gym memberships and fitness centers, serving as a primary factor for market expansion. The industry is witnessing an increasing demand for high process flexibility and functional adaptability, fostering innovation and disruptions within the app ecosystem.

Furthermore, the evolution of smartphone technology aimed at optimizing live sessions is anticipated to catalyze market growth. Renowned for their extensive storage, portability, and user-friendly interfaces, smartphones have emerged as the preferred choice for monitoring and activity-tracking services. Increasing affordability and declining hardware expenses are driving the demand for smartphones. Particularly the rapid growth of mobile phones in low-income regions, driving the growth of the exercise and fitness apps market, surpassing their adoption rates in high-income counterparts.

The wearable devices segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 18.2% over the forecast period. The market has witnessed a remarkable surge in the adoption of wearable devices, and the statistics from a 2022 survey conducted in the U.S. provide crucial insights into this trend. With 64% of respondents utilizing smartwatches and fitness trackers primarily to monitor their daily step count, these wearables have emerged as powerful tools for promoting physical activity. In addition, 36% of individuals leveraged these gadgets as motivational aids, benefiting from reminders and achievement badges to enhance their exercise routines. 27% of survey participants relied on wearable devices for meticulous tracking of their weight loss progress. These statistics underscore the growing popularity and multifunctional roles of smartwatches and fitness trackers in empowering individuals to pursue and maintain their health and fitness goals, making wearables the fastest-growing segment in the exercise and weight loss market.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest revenue share of 39.4% in 2022. Several factors propelling the expansion include the rapid proliferation of smartphones, the expansion of network coverage, the increasing incidence of chronic illnesses, and the rising senior population. Exercise and weight loss apps are anticipated to experience substantial growth, driven by video-based workouts and interconnected devices featuring diverse training platforms. For instance, according to a OnePoll survey, 74% of Americans turned to fitness apps during quarantine, with 60% finding home workouts enjoyable to the extent that they intend to cancel their costly gym memberships. In addition, these apps offer the added benefit of having a personal trainer accessible at home. The growth is also attributed to the increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases in the region. Moreover, the recent rise in mergers, acquisitions, and product launches has positively impacted the market.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 18.6% over the forecast period, owing to a rising obesity rate, increased healthcare spending, and a growing athlete population. Moreover, the increasing adoption of these apps during the COVID-19 pandemic in developing and underdeveloped countries is fueling market growth. For instance, according to Visualcapitalist in India, there was a 156% surge in downloads, resulting in 58 million new active users, attributed to India's extensive lockdown measures, where 1.3 billion people were mandated to stay indoors from March 25 to May 2020, making it the largest lockdown globally.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is highly competitive, with numerous players. Key industry participants, including MyFitnessPal, FitnessKeeper, and My Diet Coach, continue to innovate and expand their offerings to cater to the growing consumer demand for fitness and wellness solutions. These companies frequently introduce new features, workout plans, and nutritional tracking options to enhance the user experience. In addition, smaller niche players are emerging, focusing on specific fitness niches or unique features to differentiate themselves in the market. With the increasing adoption of smartphones and wearables, competition in this space is expected to intensify as companies strive to provide users with comprehensive and personalized fitness solutions worldwide.

Major industry players are launching fitness apps to meet the expanding consumer demand, contributing to global market growth. Furthermore, they are continuously incorporating new functionalities and features to improve the user experience. For example, in June 2020, HealthifyMe, a health and nutrition app, introduced HealthifyMe Studio, offering live and interactive workout sessions. Some of the recent strategies undertaken by various companies in the market are:

• In August 2023, Amo, an information technology firm, introduced HARNA, a fitness application synchronized with the menstrual cycle to facilitate women in integrating physical activity into their routines. HARNA, which follows a cycle-based approach, is designed to optimize workout effectiveness by considering various menstrual cycle phases. This app aims to empower women by enhancing their self-awareness about their bodies, aligning physical activities with the menstrual cycle, surmounting common challenges such as fatigue and menstrual discomfort, and elevating their enjoyment in sports and fitness.

• In May 2023, Virat Kohli, the Indian cricketer, revealed the introduction of the One8 Fitness app as an extension of his sportswear brand, One8. This app, developed in collaboration with Trion, a fitness app provider, can be easily downloaded on Android and iOS platforms. The One8 Fitness app provides personalized workout regimens that adjust according to the individual's fitness expertise and personal inclinations, making it suitable for beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts.

• In October 2020, Future announced the launch of a subscription app priced at USD 150 per month, offering a virtual partnership with actual fitness coaches. Utilizing the health monitoring features of the Apple Watch, the company is to establish a platform that combines motivation, responsibility, and fitness knowledge. Nearly 18 months after unveiling a Series A round with Kleiner Perkins as the lead investor, Future has now secured a Series B funding round worth USD 24 million, spearheaded by Trustbridge Partners, with participation from Caffeinated Capital and Kleiner Perkins.

Some prominent players in the global exercise and weight loss apps market include:

• MyFitnessPal Inc.

• FitnessKeeper

• My Diet Coach

• Fitbit, Inc.

• Noom

• PlateJoy

• Google

• Sworkit

• Weight Watchers

• Yazio

• Lose it

• DailyBurn

Exercise And Weight Loss Apps Market Report Scope

Global Exercise and Weight Loss Apps Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country revenue growth and analyzes the latest industry trends in each sub-segment from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global exercise and weight loss apps market report based on platform, device, and region:

• Platform Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Android

  • iOS

  • Others

• Device Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Smartphones

  • Tablets

  • Wearable Devices

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  •  Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait