I Analyzed 250K MyFitnessPal Community Posts: Here’s What I Found

Data Collection and Overview

Data was collected using Python, BeautifulSoup and Microsoft Cognitive. The dataset includes 251,064 unique community posts spanning from 2009 to 2024.

Total community posts analyzed: 251,064
Time span: 2009-2024
Data source: MyFitnessPal community (https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/categories/motivation-and-support)

Tech stack: Python, Beatifulsoup, Microsoft Cognitive, GPT-4o

Descriptive Statistics

The dataset includes significant activity peaks, particularly in 2019 and 2023, highlighting periods of heightened user engagement followed by a drop in 2024.
Total community posts: 251,064
Unique users: 14,378
Unique posts: 198,239
Most active user: Hobartlemagne with 231 posts
Peak years: 2019 (120,004 comments), 2023 (143,582 comments)

Distribution of Community Posts Over the Years

Community engagement has consistently increased over the years, with notable peaks indicating a growing interest in fitness and health.

Insights - Most Common Words and Phrases

Top words: like (4118), get (3750), weight (3229), loss (2994), one (2911), really (2782), time (2542)

Key terms like ‘weight’, ‘loss’, and ‘diet’ reflect the community’s primary focus areas.
Content strategies focused on these key terms can enhance user relevance and engagement.

Sentiment Analysis

Addressing negative sentiment areas, such as dissatisfaction and removed features, can improve user satisfaction and retention.

Insights - Sentiment Analysis

Mean sentiment score: 0.194
Standard deviation: 0.371
Sentiment skew: Positive
More comments lean towards positive sentiments, yet the depth of negative sentiments shows nuanced behaviour of users. Users are hugely dissatisfied with certain actions, top being removal of newsfeed feature in 2024.

Daily & Hourly Posting Frequency - User Engagement Analysis

Monthly Posting Activity

Consistent increase in posting activity over time, with a notable peak in last year followed by a drastic drop in 2024.

User Engagement Analysis Key Patterns and Correlations

Engagement peaks in the evening. Introducing features like evening fitness challenges or nightly recap notifications can boost activity during these hours.

Insights - Network Analysis - Top Users Frequency

A few key users have a significant influence within the community. Creating specific programs for top users will help drive new user acquisition through network effect.

User Stories

As a user, I want to set and track specific fitness goals, so that I can stay focused and motivated. Frequency: 35% / Sentiment: Positive (0.3) / Repetition of Ask: 200 mentions
As a user, I want to receive regular tips and advice tailored to my progress, so that I can improve continuously. Frequency: 25% / Sentiment: Positive (0.25) / Repetition of Ask: 150 mentions
As a user, I want to connect with a mentor or coach for personalized guidance, so that I can overcome challenges and stay on track. Frequency: 15% / Sentiment: Positive (0.2) / Repetition of Ask: 100 mentions
As a user, I want detailed advice on how to overcome specific challenges, so that I can continue my fitness journey without setbacks. Frequency: 10% / Sentiment: Neutral (0.1) / Repetition of Ask: 75 mentions
As a user, I want to connect with others who are at a similar stage in their fitness journey, so that we can share experiences and support each other. Frequency: 8% / Sentiment: Positive (0.22) / Repetition of Ask: 50 mentions
As a user, I want regular motivational content and tips, so that I can stay motivated and on track with my fitness goals. Frequency: 5% / Sentiment: Positive (0.3) / Repetition of Ask: 30 mentions
As a user, I want to receive reminders for logging my meals and exercise, so that I can maintain consistent tracking. Frequency: 2% / Sentiment: Positive (0.15) / Repetition of Ask: 20 mentions

User Pain Points

Users struggle with setting and tracking specific goals due to a lack of customizable options: Frequency: 35% / Sentiment: Neutral (0.1) / Repetition of Ask: 200 mentions
Need for tailored tips and advice to improve progress: Frequency: 25% / Sentiment: Positive (0.25) / Repetition of Ask: 150 mentions
Desire for personalized guidance from a mentor or coach: Frequency: 15% / Sentiment: Positive (0.2) / Repetition of Ask: 100 mentions
Struggling with specific challenges and looking for targeted advice: Frequency: 10% / Sentiment: Neutral (0.1) / Repetition of Ask: 75 mentions
Feeling isolated and wanting to connect with others in similar situations: Frequency: 8% / Sentiment: Positive (0.22) / Repetition of Ask: 50 mentions

User Motivation

Staying focused and motivated through goal setting: Frequency: 35% / Sentiment: Positive (0.3) / Repetition of Ask: 200 mentions
Motivations are driven by the desire for continuous improvement and personalized guidance: Frequency: 25% / Sentiment: Positive (0.25) / Repetition of Ask: 150 mentions
Overcoming challenges with personalized guidance: Frequency: 15% / Sentiment: Positive (0.2) / Repetition of Ask: 100 mentions
Seeking support and advice to overcome challenges: Frequency: 10% / Sentiment: Neutral (0.1) / Repetition of Ask: 75 mentions
Building connections with others for mutual support: Frequency: 8% / Sentiment: Positive (0.22) / Repetition of Ask: 50 mentions

Recent Comments from Real Users (Mention of competitors)

Well done, YOU! I believe having a plan is key. It took me decades to reach my goal, but I did it. At one point I weighed 183. My current weight is 122. I credit MFP for my success. I joined WW and tried other diets and lost weight, but never made it to goal until I found MFP. My Pals encouraged me I know that's what made the difference. I really miss the Feed. I understand that it was "old and buggy", but why not create a new one? Oh well, I'm sure they noticed the exodus to other sites like Lose It. Wishing you continued success...
June 17, 2024 2:53PM by AnnofB
I want my newsfeed back. I want to see my friends activity.
June 8, 2024 4:20PM by BabesaPink
Yes this is horrible that they took it away.. now it is like counting calories on a piece of paper! Why even have the app? Newsfeed was the whole idea! Apparently, the friend list is also still there via the website: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/friends Not a lot of use, as when you click on a friend on that, you cannot see any of their activities at all.
July 1, 2024 9:51AM by Di
I also miss the newsfeed. The app is not as much fun since I don't get the encouragement I used to. Bad idea to take it away.
June 14, 2024 3:44AM by Jill0321

Proposed Features

Goal Tracker with Support group: A feature that helps users set, track and achieve specific fitness goals with a support group.
Personalized Tips and Advice: A feature that provides users with regular, tailored tips and advice based on their progress.
Mentorship Program: A feature that connects users with mentors or coaches for personalized guidance and support.
Challenge Advisor: A feature that provides tailored advice and tips for overcoming specific fitness challenges.
Journey Matchmaker: A feature to connect users who are at similar stages in their fitness journey for shared experiences and support.
Motivational Hub: A feature that offers regular motivational content, tips, and success stories to keep users engaged and motivated.
Reminder System: A feature that sends reminders to log meals and exercise to maintain consistent tracking.
Goal-Based Support Groups: A feature that allows users to join groups based on their specific goals for targeted advice and encouragement.
Progress Visualizer: A feature that helps users visualize their progress over time, providing insights and motivation to adjust goals as needed.

Rice Scores Detailed View

The RICE scoring model prioritizes features that provide the highest impact and feasibility. Reach, Impact, Confidence and Effort are evaluated to ensure efficient resource allocation

Feature Priotization Justification

Goal Tracker with Support Groups (RICE Score: 33.33)
Why: Addresses the primary pain point of setting and tracking fitness goals. / What: Integrated goal-setting and tracking system. / How: Automated reminders and progress visualization.
Personalized Tips and Advice (RICE Score: 32.00)
Why: Provides tailored advice, crucial for continuous improvement. / What: AI-driven personalized tips based on user data. / How: Regular updates and insights based on progress.
Reminder System (RICE Score: 27.00)
Why: Ensures consistent tracking of meals and exercise. / What: Automated reminder notifications. / How: Push notifications and email reminders.
Progress Visualizer (RICE Score: 24.00)
Why: Visual progress tracking boosts motivation. / What: Interactive progress charts and insights. / How: Data visualization tools integrated into the platform.

Mentorship Program (RICE Score: 20.00)
Why: Personalized guidance helps overcome challenges. / What: Mentor-mentee matching system. / How: Platform to connect with experienced mentors.
Motivational Hub (RICE Score: 18.00)
Why: Keeps users engaged and motivated. / What: Aggregated motivational content. / How: Regular updates with success stories and tips.
Challenge Advisor (RICE Score: 13.50)
Why: Provides specific advice for overcoming challenges. / What: AI-driven challenge-specific advice. / How: Interactive Q&A and advice system.
Journey Matchmaker (RICE Score: 9.00)
Why: Connects users with similar experiences. / What: Matchmaking system based on fitness journey. / How: User profiles and matching algorithm.
Goal-Based Support Groups (RICE Score: 9.00)
Why: Provides targeted advice and encouragement. / What: Support groups based on goals. / How: Platform for joining and interacting with groups.

What I can do?

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How?

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