We track calories and heart rate with our smartphones, and we soon may be able to measure our body fat as well. Samsung has patented an idea for fat sensors on its handsets. With growing interest in health tracking and the current obesity epidemic, it may be a welcome addition.

Health insurance company Oscar has already disrupted the American healthcare industry by running a health insurer like a start-up and appealing to digital natives. But now it's unveiled a new initiative that will provide every Oscar member with a free Misfit fitness band.

In Australia, one in five women feel guilty when eating bread, and almost 40% would enjoy eating bread more often if healthy alternatives were more accessible. In August 2014, Bakers Delight introduced its ‘Healthy Loafstyle’ – a range of ‘health-orientated’ bread.

Setting unrealistic goals is something we all do, especially when it comes to self-improvement. We strive to be fitter, smarter, kinder, or to eat more healthily. But shaking off old habits is hard. Sometimes we don’t even get started. Can a step-by-step app, informed by behavioural science, come to our rescue?

Unlike the usual superfoods, Slim Pasta doesn’t add anything to your diet; no antioxidants, no vitamins, no enzymes or minerals. It's slimy, chewy and look a bit like space food – but it claims to be the best-selling low calorie pasta in Europe. So why are dieters so keen to slurp down Slim Pasta?

Low-calorie food manufacturer Du darfst has outraged German audiences with a bold new campaign. In response to widespread frustration with dieting, and using shock tactics, it targets a newly emerging female consumer.

GI, 5:2, paleo, high fibre; there seems to be an endless succession of fad diets, each backed up with a few scientific studies and some devoted fans extolling the virtues of going ‘grain free’. Whole 30 is the latest – a modern version of the paleo. But is it more than a passing craze?

Over 45 million Americans diet each year and spend $33 billion on weight loss products. And while people might feel virtuous sipping on a Diet Coke over the regular version, those who opt for a healthier drink option might actually be piling on the pounds by ‘compensating’ with junk food.