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WebMD, known for being a source of medical information has launched an app called the WebMD Healthy Target. This app, like many other health apps out there, aims to help people manage their chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, more efficiently. The app is also designed to help healthy people achieve fitness and nutrition goals.

"WebMD's Healthy Target empowers consumers to make behavioral changes that can improve their physical and mental health," said Dr. Michael Smith, Chief Medical Editor at WebMD. "To achieve successful, sustainable behavioral change, consumers must learn how to track and manage the factors that contribute to healthy living."

Healthy Target uses "biometric device data from activity trackers, wireless scales and glucose meters to deliver tailored, physician-reviewed, contextually relevant content and motivational tips to individuals looking to develop sustainable health-conscious habits" according to Market Watch. It reads step, sleep, weight and blood glucose information from multiple devices, such as Entra and UP by Jawbone and Withings and translates them into data that the user can use effectively.

There are four specific programs available, which are goal setting, habit intensity and tracking, data understanding, and progress report and inspiration. The goal setting feature allows users to pick from six goals, which are losing weight, eating healthier, becoming more active, control blood sugar levels, sleeping better and feeling better. Each selection comes with recommendations aimed to help people achieve these goals. People can add new goals or change them at any time.

Habit intensity and tracking helps users develop and stick to their desired habits using three intensity levels, starting at easy and then moving up to hard. Data understanding translates the user's biometric information into data that can be readily and easily interpreted. Progress report and inspiration provides users with a weekly update and personalized tips.

"Consumers will appreciate the ease of incorporating their biometric data into our Healthy Target program and the health insights and recommendations offered to help them sustain a healthier life," said David Ziegler, Director of Product Management for WebMD. "With more than 40%[1] of consumers using mobile devices to access health information, the time is right for a mobile app that can help translate data into life-improving insights."

Information regarding the release of the program can be found here.