App to help you stick to weight-loss plan

A new app offers a weight loss plan in the form of social humiliation, by reporting your late-night fridge raids to your social networks.

A new app offers a weight loss plan in the form of social humiliation, by reporting your late-night fridge raids to your social networks.

Dubbed Virtual Fridge Lock, the new app was created by ad agency JWT Sao Paulo for weight-loss program Meta Real in Brazil.

Spotted by blog Springwise on Tuesday and gaining some buzz in the health blogs, the app comes with a magnetic device that attaches to the side of the refrigerator. Craving a late-night snack? Your social network receives posts about your raid, and then your friends can reply with comments. Watch a video detailing the app:

Springwise also recently reported on GymPact, a service similar to HealthRally that rewards users with money when they meet their fitness goals, but charges a financial penalty to those who don't. Users of GymPact can register with the service online or via the free mobile app, create a 'pact,' detailing how times a week you plan to exercise. Then GymPack will tell you how much you'll earn for meeting that goal.

Rewards are generally between 50 and 75 cents per workout, the company said, while penalties range from $5 to $50 per missed workout. Watch this video to learn more:

Another app using negative incentives to keep you motivated: a new Facebook app dubbed Aherk! lets users blackmail themselves by publishing embarrassing photos on the social network if they don't achieve a goal they've established, such as exercising, meeting a deadline, or other tasks.