 BACKGROUND: Recent reviews show that popular mobile apps for weight loss and weight management embed elements that are commonly associated with behavior change, such as setting goals, self-reporting and monitoring behavior, and prompting feedback on performance. These technologies show good potential for developing interventions for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Despite their potential, little is known about how these changes can occur and the way end-users perceive and use these apps. Few studies tested if commercial apps for weight management can be used in interventions for behavior change. 