Your Options for a Fresh Start on MyFitnessPal
There are two primary paths to take when you want to start over on MyFitnessPal: updating your profile data or deleting your entire account. The best option for you depends on your specific needs, whether you want to preserve personal data like saved recipes or if you want a complete wipe of all your historical information.
Method 1: Update Your Profile (The 'Soft' Reset)
This is the recommended approach for most users and allows you to adjust key metrics without losing access to your account or saved foods. It is the simplest and most convenient way to move forward with new goals.
How to Update Your Goals and Weight
- On the Web: Log in to your account on the MyFitnessPal website. Click "My Home," then "Settings," and then "Update diet/fitness profile." You can then set a new starting weight and goal weight. Click "Update Profile" to save your changes.
- On the iOS App: Tap the "More" tab, then go to "Goals." From here, you can tap "Starting Weight" to edit your start date and weight. You can also adjust your general calorie, macro, and other nutritional goals from this screen.
- On the Android App: Tap the "Menu" tab (three horizontal lines), then navigate to "Goals." Update your starting weight and other health metrics from here.
Deleting Past Entries
If you want to clear out your weight progress graph or delete old food entries, you can do so manually.
- Weight Entries: On the app, go to the "Progress" tab. Find the list of your logged weights, and you can swipe left on an entry (iOS) or tap and hold (Android) to delete it. On the website, go to "My Home," "Check-in," and click "Edit Previous Entries" to manage your history.
- Food Diary Entries: To clear your daily log, open your diary and swipe left on individual food entries to delete them on the mobile app. You can also use the three-dot menu at the top of your diary to reset daily totals.
Method 2: Delete Your Account (The 'Hard' Reset)
If you want a truly clean slate and don't care about losing your saved recipes, friends, or historical data, you can delete your entire account and sign up for a new one. This is permanent and cannot be undone.
How to Delete Your Account
- From the Website: Log in to www.myfitnesspal.com. Click "My Home," then "Settings," and finally "Delete Account".
- From the iOS App: Navigate to "More," then "Help," and select "Delete Account".
- From the Android App: Tap "Menu," then "Help," and choose "Delete Account".
Note: After deleting your account, you will need to create a new one with a new username if you wish to use the service again.
Comparison: Updating Your Profile vs. Deleting Your Account
| Feature | Update Profile (Soft Reset) | Delete Account (Hard Reset) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Retention | Keeps your saved foods, recipes, and friends list. | Deletes all historical data permanently. |
| Effort Required | Minimal; just change a few settings. | Moderate; requires account deletion and new sign-up. |
| Reversibility | Fully reversible; old data still exists. | Permanent and irreversible. |
| User Experience | Seamless transition with a fresh start for goals. | Requires re-entering all profile info and settings. |
| Recommended For | Most users who need a fresh start with new goals. | Users who want to completely erase their digital footprint or start from scratch. |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Approach
Determining if there is a way to start over on MyFitnessPal effectively comes down to your personal definition of "starting over." For most users, a simple profile update is sufficient and far less work than deleting an entire account. By adjusting your starting weight, goals, and activity level, you can begin a new chapter on your fitness journey without losing all the valuable data and resources you've compiled. The account deletion method is only necessary for those who want to wipe the slate completely clean, with no possibility of recovery. Both methods are valid, but understanding the consequences of each will help you make the right decision for your health and wellness goals.
: https://support.myfitnesspal.com/hc/en-us/articles/360032623331-Can-I-reset-my-account-data
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my daily calorie and macro totals?
Yes, you can reset your daily totals for calories and macros. In the mobile app, go to your Diary, tap the three-dot menu in the top corner, and select "Reset Daily Totals".
How do I change my starting weight in the app?
On both the iOS and Android apps, navigate to the "More" tab, then "Goals," and tap on "Starting Weight." You can then enter a new date and weight to set your new baseline.
Does deleting my account also cancel my Premium subscription?
No, deleting your account does not automatically cancel your Premium subscription. You must cancel your subscription separately through the platform where you purchased it (e.g., Apple App Store or Google Play Store) to avoid future charges.
Can I recover my account after deleting it?
No, MyFitnessPal explicitly states that deleting your account is a permanent and irreversible action. Once your account is deleted, it and all its associated data cannot be recovered.
What happens to my friend list when I update my profile?
Updating your profile settings, such as your starting weight or goals, will not affect your friend list. Your network of friends on MyFitnessPal will remain intact.
Will my saved recipes be deleted if I update my profile?
No, updating your profile is a "soft reset" that keeps your saved recipes, meals, and any custom foods you have created. They will still be accessible in your account.
Is there a difference between deleting the app and deleting my account?
Yes, a significant difference exists. Deleting the MyFitnessPal app from your phone only removes the application from your device, while your account and data remain on MyFitnessPal's servers. Deleting your account, however, permanently erases all your information.
