Use this App to create a slimmer Selfie | HT Tech

Use this App to create a slimmer Selfie

A new app that lets users shed virtual weight so their faces look skinnier on "selfie" photos is raising concerns about health and body-image issues.

By:REUTERS
| Updated on: Apr 08 2014, 10:38 IST
image caption

A new app that lets users shed virtual weight so their faces look skinnier on 'selfie' photos is raising concerns about health and body-image issues.

SkinneePix, for iPhone and Android devices, can trim from five to 15 pounds (2-6 kg) of virtual fat for a slimmer selfie look.

You may be interested in

MobilesTablets Laptops
7% OFF
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Black Titanium
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
28% OFF
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
  • Green
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
Google Pixel 8 Pro
  • Obsidian
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
  • Black
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage

'Cameras add additional weight to photos and when you're taking a selfie you're also dealing with bad lighting, angles, close-ups and a lot of other factors that make people complain that the photo isn't an accurate representation of themselves,' said Susan Green, co-founder of the Phoenix-based company Pretty Smart Women that created the app.

Also read
Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here.

It was originally designed to help overweight adults show a leaner version of themselves, but Robin J Phillips, the other co-founder, said the app has also motivated people to lose weight.

'It's a good reminder to get off the couch, turn the TV off, and go for a walk,' she said.

But some critics fear the $1.99 app, which only works on single head shots, could encourage an unhealthy body image.

Lauren Dickson, a social worker in the eating disorders and addiction clinic at the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, said the app is one of many factors that could contribute towards a young adult developing an eating disorder.

'The media obviously has some effect on people developing eating disorders, but it's not the only variable. It's one of many factors,' she said in an interview.

'The majority of young girls wouldn't develop an eating disorder because of an app like this, but some might be more vulnerable and it could contribute,' Dickson added.

Green said the virtual weight loss in the app is capped at 15 pounds and the app focuses only on the face and not the entire body.

'We definitely understand that people can have body image problems and we're not trying to contribute to that in any way,' she said.

'I think if someone who is very thin uses it and goes straight for 15 (pounds), then that's probably not the best thing, but they could also do that in Photoshop,' Green added.

Other apps can also add or remove weight, including one called FatBooth.

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 07 Apr, 10:42 IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS