A recent evaluation of AI-driven chatbots, such as ChatGPT 4.0, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, explored their capabilities in devising weight-loss meal plans. All chatbots exhibited potential; however, difficulties in achieving a balanced distribution of macronutrients and caloric accuracy exposed certain limitations of the algorithms presently in use.
Study: Diet Quality and Caloric Accuracy in AI-Generated Diet Plans: A Comparative Study Across Chatbots. Image Credit: N Universe / Shutterstock
Conducted by researchers from Amasya University in Türkiye and the University of Pécs in Hungary, the study, published in Nutrients, aimed to assess how well various AI chatbots craft personalized diet plans for weight loss.
Study Insights
The research utilized the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) to evaluate the meal plans composed by the chatbots, focusing on variety, adequacy, moderation, and balance. Overall, diet quality was commendable across all bots, with similar DQI-I scores among them. However, they struggled to maintain appropriate macronutrient ratios, underscoring a notable gap in their performance.
Gender differences also emerged; female-targeted plans displayed greater diversity in food groups and protein sources than those tailored for males. While ChatGPT 4.0 demonstrated superior caloric adherence, Gemini’s plans deviated significantly from requested targets.
Ultimately, the findings suggest that while these AI tools can assist in meal planning, their recommendations must be reviewed by nutrition professionals to ensure optimal health outcomes.
Journal reference:
- Kaya Kaçar, H., Kaçar, Ö. F., & Avery, A. (2024). Diet Quality and Caloric Accuracy in AI-Generated Diet Plans: A Comparative Study Across Chatbots. Nutrients, 17(2), 206. DOI: 10.3390/nu17020206, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/2/206
Vocabulary List:
- Evaluation /ɪˌvæl.juˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The process of assessing or appraising something.
- Capabilities /ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.tiz/ (noun): The ability or qualities necessary to do something.
- Macronutrients /ˌmæk.roʊˈnuː.tri.ənts/ (noun): Nutrients required in large amounts in the diet including proteins carbohydrates and fats.
- Diversity /daɪˈvɜːr.sɪ.ti/ (noun): The state of being diverse; variety.
- Adherence /ədˈhɪr.əns/ (noun): The act of sticking to a plan or agreement especially in the context of diet or medical treatment.
- Outcomes /ˈaʊt.kʌmz/ (noun): The results or effects of an action or event.
