Health

Is MyFitnessPal Safe?

Owned by Under Armour (sold to Francisco Partners) • Last updated January 2026

📋 Short Answer:
MyFitnessPal collects sensitive health and diet data and has experienced major breaches. Your eating habits become part of advertising profiles.
PrivacyDefend Safety Score
4.5/10
Below Average
Data Collection
🔴 High
Encryption
🟡 Partial
Third-Party Sharing
🔴 Yes
Privacy Controls
🔴 Poor

📊 What Data Does MyFitnessPal Collect?

MyFitnessPal has high data collection practices. Here's what they collect:

This level of data collection is concerning for apps in the health category.

Why This Matters

The data MyFitnessPal collects can be used for personalization, advertising, analytics, and may be shared with third parties. Understanding what's collected helps you make informed privacy decisions.

🔒 MyFitnessPal Encryption & Security

Encryption Level: Partial

Standard encryption. Health data stored on servers.

What This Means For You

Your data is encrypted during transmission but may be accessible by the company on their servers.

🔗 Does MyFitnessPal Share Your Data?

Third-Party Sharing: Yes

Shares data with partners and advertisers. Free tier has extensive ads.

✅ What's Good

  • Partial encryption
  • Poor privacy controls

❌ Concerns

  • High data collection
  • Shares data with third parties
  • Part of larger data ecosystem

⚠️ MyFitnessPal Privacy Controversies

MyFitnessPal has faced scrutiny for the following privacy and security concerns:

These incidents highlight the importance of understanding MyFitnessPal's privacy practices before use.

🔄 Safer Alternatives to MyFitnessPal

Looking for more privacy-focused options? Consider these alternatives:

🛡️ Recommended Privacy Products

Enhance your privacy when using MyFitnessPal with these tools:

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our privacy research.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is MyFitnessPal safe to use in 2026?
MyFitnessPal collects sensitive health and diet data and has experienced major breaches. Your eating habits become part of advertising profiles.
What data does MyFitnessPal collect about me?
MyFitnessPal collects: weight, food diary, exercise, health goals, device info. This is considered high data collection.
Does MyFitnessPal sell my personal data?
Shares data with partners and advertisers. Free tier has extensive ads.
Is MyFitnessPal safe for kids?
We recommend parental supervision. Check our detailed analysis for kids.
What are safer alternatives to MyFitnessPal?
Consider: Cronometer, Lose It!, Apple Health. See our alternatives section above.

Last updated: January 2026 • Review by PrivacyDefend Research Team