The Best Weight Loss Programs for 2024
Successful long-term weight loss isn’t about following a fad diet, cutting out foods you love, or extreme workouts. It’s about making small changes that work for your lifestyle and staying consistent with them.
Following a weight loss program that focuses on building a healthy relationship with food, exercising, and managing stress is more likely to lead to sustainable, long-lasting weight loss. (
1
) To help you, our team has spent hours researching and testing dozens of popular programs to narrow down those that are safe, supportive, and effective.
To evaluate your risk of an eating disorder or disordered eating, take
the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) free assessment
. For additional support, please contact the
NEDA helpline
at 1-800-931-2237.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Our picks for the best weight loss programs
Compare weight loss programs
Best weight loss program overall:
Noom Weight
Noom Weight is a structured weight loss program that uses psychology to help you change your diet and lifestyle habits over time.
Key product features
Coaching
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
Food log
Yes
Exercise log
Yes
Education
Yes
What you should know
Some people may benefit from Noom Weight more than others. Here are some things to consider before purchasing Noom Weight:
-
One of our product testers found Noom Weight helpful and easy to use.
-
Noom Weight is slightly more expensive than many other calorie-counting apps but offers more features and personalized support.
-
A single month of Noom Weight costs $70 but can cost as little as $17.42 if you prepay upfront.
-
Noom Weight may be a good option for someone who wants to learn how to build healthier habits using a structured program with coaching, daily tasks, lessons, and challenges to keep you on track.
Pros
Personalized coaching included
Focuses on developing long-term changes to reach and maintain a healthy weight
Interactive lessons to help create long-term habits
Choose your own price ($0.50, $3, $10, or $18) for a seven- or 14-day trial
Cons
Customized meal and workout plans cost extra money (cost varies by plan)
Daily weighing is encouraged, which may cause more anxiety than motivation
Why we like Noom Weight as the best weight loss program overall
Noom Weight is a smartphone-based weight management program that uses behavior change strategies to help you
form new habits
to support long-term success. It includes educational lessons, virtual coaching, food and activity tracking, and community support.
You begin by taking a 10- to 15-minute quiz that asks basic questions about your gender, age, height, current weight, and goal weight. You’ll then answer specific questions about your activity habits, health status, current diet, and experience with dieting and weight loss.
Using this information, Noom will create a customized weight loss plan with a recommended daily calorie intake and personalized daily lessons. The plan is typically for around 16 weeks, but you can adjust that timeframe depending on your health goals.
One of our testers stopped using the app because it triggered past disordered eating habits. Closely tracking food—whether with Noom or a different weight loss program—has the potential to resurface unhealthy feelings that can impact your relationship with food. People with a history of disordered eating or eating disorders may want to avoid using online weight loss programs and instead work directly with a credentialed professional who is better suited to support their health needs.
Noom encourages all users to track what they eat, focusing on caloric density. Foods are divided into three groups—green, yellow, and orange—based on how many calories they have. Noom recommends that you get around 45% of your calories from yellow foods, 30% from green foods, and 25% from red foods.
Here are some of the foods that fall under each group:
-
Green
: Spinach, broccoli, bananas, strawberries, whole grain bread, brown rice, non-fat yogurt, and canned tuna -
Yellow
: Grilled chicken, turkey breast, lean ground beef, fish, eggs, avocado, low-fat cheese, and black beans -
Orange
: Nuts, seeds, oils, nut butter, raisins, red meats, desserts
One of our testers found that focusing on food colors and calorie intake was surprisingly helpful in improving her eating habits and overall protein intake.
“The color-coding system helped me be more mindful of my food choices,” she said. “It also helped me make sure I was eating enough protein, which I wasn’t doing before.”
Each Noom lesson is interactive to help you understand the root causes of your eating habits and set realistic goals. This treatment approach is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which uses various strategies to change how you think and behave. Research suggests CBT can help people implement lifestyle changes that result in weight loss. (
2
)
While Noom coaches go through a structured health and wellness coaching program, they aren’t required to be registered dietitians. People looking for more clinical support have the option to combine Noom Weight with Noom Med, which pairs eligible patients with a board-certified physician or a physician-supervised nurse practitioner.
Read our full
Noom review
to see more details.
What customers are saying
Noom Weight has received 63,522 reviews on Trustpilot. Users who are happy with Noom Weight enjoy the science and psychology behind the program, finding the daily lessons and personalized coaching especially helpful. Many users have reported weight loss and an improvement in mindset and the ability to build healthy habits.
Negative reviews mentioned technical issues with the app, the food logging system being time-consuming, and poor customer service/billing issues. Some people also felt conversations with their coach were scripted.
Verified reviewer Sarah H., who has used Noom for over two years, found the daily lessons to be the most helpful.
Although she lost weight using the program, she didn’t find her coach to be helpful. “The coach aspect is intended to be personalized, but it really is just copy and paste things they say to you.”
Verified reviewer Chloe D. reported experiencing issues with billing and customer service. “I asked for a refund in April, which they never processed. Good luck if you need help,” she commented.
Specs
Monthly cost |
$70 |
Free trial |
Get a 7- or 14-day trial for as low as $0.50 |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
Yes |
Accountability |
Community, coaching, app notifications, goal setting, recipes |
Tracking |
Nutrition, exercise, hydration, blood pressure,and blood sugar |
Best fasting program for weight loss:
Simple App
Simple offers personalized guidance, fasting time reminders, and daily educational articles to keep you on track.
Key product features
Coaching
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
Food log
Yes
Exercise log
Yes
Education
Yes
What you should know
Fasting can be an effective weight loss strategy, and using an app like Simple can help you stay on track.
-
You may experience headaches or feel irritable, hungry, or tired for the first few weeks until your body adjusts to eating on a fasting schedule. Never fast for several days in a row without close supervision from a healthcare provider, as it can be dangerous to your health.
-
Although the app is free to download, most personalized features require a paid subscription.
-
Simple App may be particularly helpful for people looking to lose weight without counting calories or eliminating certain food groups.
Pros
Personalized insights on your eating patterns
Includes daily education about fasting and general wellness
Syncs with your health app or fitness tracker
Cons
Portion sizes are not considered when logging meals
Some users report inaccuracies when logging foods
Why we like Simple App as the best weight loss program for fasting
Simple is an app designed to help you stay consistent with your intermittent fasting journey. Intermittent fasting—limiting the amount of time you eat each day or week—has shown to be effective for weight loss in people who are overweight. (
5
)
I recommend the Simple App for those new to fasting because it is easy to follow and provides fasting-time reminders, personalized daily guidance, and education.
You can track your meals, water intake, and exercise to help build accountability and awareness. Users also have access to Avo™, an AI-powered chatbot that has been trained by dietitians, health coaches, and medical doctors to give you science-based answers 24/7.
Simple is unique because it uses advanced technology. You can easily log your food intake by typing in the foods you ate, using your voice, or taking a photo. After logging your food, Simple’s Nutrition Scores system will provide a score of low, fair, good, or optimal based on the food’s nutrient content.
However, it’s important to mention that the nutrition scores provided by Simple are only an estimate and assume average portion sizes. For example, if you don’t add details—like how many eggs or whether it was brown or white rice—the nutrition score may not be accurate.
If you’re not paying attention to your portion sizes and end up consuming more calories than your body needs during your eating window, you may not lose weight.
The
intermittent fasting app
is free to download, but many features, including personalized insights, require a premium subscription.
Although it can be an effective weight loss strategy, intermittent fasting isn’t safe for everyone. People with existing health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, should talk to a healthcare provider before starting intermittent fasting. (
6
)
What customers are saying
The Simple App has over 200,000 reviews on the Apple App Store and 18,587 reviews on Trustpilot.
Positive reviews mention improvements in eating habits, diet quality, and weight. People also like that the app is easy to use and teaches them how to build healthier habits.
Negative reviews mention dissatisfaction with AI features, food logging, and difficulties getting refunds or canceling subscriptions.
Verified reviewer Graham D. found the chatbot helpful but voiced the need for improvements in the accuracy of food logging.
“The AI chat is good for helpful advice and recipe/food ideas,” he wrote. “The AI food logger is not so great, though. It doesn’t recognize a lot of food or scores items incorrectly, making it an inaccurate guide to your daily intake. For example, even logging something as ‘high protein,’ it can score that item as lacking in protein.”
Specs
Yearly cost |
Free; $49.99/year for premium |
Free trial |
Yes |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
No |
Accountability |
Community, 24/7 virtual wellness assistant, app notifications, recipes |
Tracking |
Food, exercise, hydration, and fasts |
Best weight loss program for women over 50:
Reverse Health
Reverse Health is a weight loss program that offers meal plans and workouts you can do without extra gym equipment.
Key product features
Coaching video course
Yes
Exercise program
Yes, optional
Progres tracker
Yes
Personalized meal plan
Yes
What you should know
Reverse Health is geared towards women over 40 who want a meal plan and exercises to help them on their weight loss journey.
-
Reverse Health aims to understand the metabolic weight challenges of women over 40 and how to address them.
-
The one-month plan is $60, the six-month plan is $144, and the three-month plan is $124, which is more expensive than other programs like Weight Watchers.
-
Reverse Health is good for women who want to tackle midlife weight gain due to menopause.
Pros
Pilates and yoga exercises
Cons
Not for people who don’t want to track meals
Why we like Reverse Health as best program for women over 50
For women who may experience unintended weight gain as they age, Reverse Health could be a good option. It’s a women’s-only weight loss coaching program designed to address weight gain due to metabolic changes.
During the years leading up to menopause when estrogen levels dip, sleep quality tends to decline, and these factors can lead to an increased waist circumference with some extra body weight. (
10
) Reverse Health offers a personalized meal plan based on an online quiz and an exercise program to help get you moving, and a Facebook community with more than 20,000 members you can interact with and support each other.
The app, available on iOS and Android, offers beginner-friendly yoga and wall pilates videos. Wall pilates is a low-impact exercise that tones and strengthens the body without the need for extra equipment. The app specifically offers a 28-day wall pilates challenge to help you gain muscle, improve your core strength, and increase flexibility while on your weight loss journey. For those of you who want to focus on longevity-based training, have minor injuries, or are new to working out in general, pilates can be a great start. (
11
)
The program offers a range of weight loss programs. The 30-day Jumpstart is for people who want to jumpstart their weight loss journey and see quick results. The 90-day Transformation is for people who want to achieve long-term weight loss and improve overall health. It also offers the Maintenance Program, designed for people who have met their weight loss goals and want to maintain their current weight.
Reverse Health also allows you access to a library of more than 3,000 nutritious recipes.The program is designed for you to try the 12-week course on nutrition and mindset in addition to online coaching with a coach who can help you set goals and track your progress. There are lots of healthy meal options available on the app, from blueberry and banana overnight oats for breakfast, to cucumber and avocado chicken salad for lunch or dinner. For example, their Vibrant Green Smoothie includes a blend of nutrients in an all-in-one shake, including fresh spinach, avocado, half a banana, one scoop of protein powder, one tablespoon of flax seeds and 1 cup of almond milk, all for only 350 calories.
Reverse Health also offers menopause-specific diet plans including the
5-Day Easy Menopause Diet plan
, which includes a breakfast, lunch, snack, and dessert menu.
To view prices, we had to take a detailed quiz, which asked about current weight, age, current amount of exercise, type of diet, allergies, and select body areas we want to work on. Before discounts, the one-month plan is $60, the six-month plan is $144, and the three-month plan is $124. Reverse Health offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Reverse health sells supplements that can boost metabolism, according to Reverse Health, appetite suppressants and digestive health supplements. Reverse Health also offers GLP-1 medications for those who are eligible. If you are eligible, you will meet with a clinician online, with monthly check-in calls. You will get the GLP-1 medication prescription and delivery to your home. Ozempic™, Wegovy™ or similar compounded semaglutide price starts at $199. Zepbound™, Mounjaro™ or similar compounded tirzepatide price starts at $299. Saxenda™ or similar compounded liraglutide price starts at $299.
What customers are saying
Reverse Health has garnered 4,773 reviews on Trustpilot with many positive notes about the program and customer service. That said, some people have had some technical difficulties with the app, leading to frustration.
However, some customers have issues with billing practices and customer service.
“I canceled my subscription in 2023 and received notification from Reverse Health that my subscription was canceled and that a refund would be directed to PayPal. I received the refund. However, I was charged for an annual subscription again this year on August 9, 2024 after canceling the subscription a year ago. Reverse Health took advantage of my auto pay information and put it through the subscription. I didn’t realize I had to cancel auto pay on PayPal once I canceled the subscription. I’ve tried numerous tines to contact Reverse Health online and via phone to no avail. I should receive a refund for $179.00. Which was an unauthorized payment,” VB Trustpilot reviewer.
Specs
Free trial |
One month after users subscribers sign up for plan |
Features |
Video coaching, macro counting, Pilates |
Month-to-month cost |
$60 for the monthly plan |
Platforms |
iOS, Android |
Best metabolic weight loss program:
Lumen
Lumen measures and tracks the body’s fuel source in real-time to create personalized nutrition plans that may improve metabolic function.
Key product features
Coaching
Yes
Support
Community
Mobile app
Yes
Food log
Yes
Education
Yes
What you should know
Lumen uses a portable breathalyzer and mobile app to measure and monitor your metabolism and whether your body is using fat or carbs for energy. The software then creates a customized nutrition plan based on your metabolic needs to support weight loss.
-
Lumen helps you understand how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress affects metabolism, providing immediate feedback that may encourage healthier habits.
-
Starting costs for Lumen include a one-time fee of $199 for the device, then a monthly $19 membership fee to access all the features on the app. Initial costs are high, but may be worth it if it helps you make and break habits that support your goals.
-
The plan aims to improve your metabolic flexibility, helping the body efficiently switch between carbs and fat for energy.
Pros
Personalized insights on your metabolism
Daily nutrition plans based on metabolic needs
In-app food log with nutrient analysis
Immediate feedback to support healthy habits
Cons
Need to consistently measure CO2 to get accurate results
Starting fees may not fit all budgets
May need outside support for lifestyle changes
Why we like Lumen as best for metabolism
The Lumen device lets you conduct lab-level metabolic testing in the comfort of your home and is our pick for best weight loss program for metabolism. (
18
) The hand-held device uses innovative technology that measures the CO2 level of your breath, the same measure used by metabolic doctors and clinics to estimate metabolism in the lab. (
18
) The breathalyzer sends the data to the mobile app to show your Lumen Level.
The Lumen Level ranges from one to five and indicates whether you’re currently using fat or carbs for energy.
- Level 1: Using only fat for energy
- Level 2: Using mostly fat for energy
- Level 3: Using a combination of carbs and fat for energy
- Level 4: Using mostly carbs for energy
- Level 5: Using only carbs for energy
The Lumen app uses the data to create a nutrition plan that matches your metabolic needs. Manipulating your daily carb and fat intake improves metabolic flexibility, making it easier for the body to shift between using carbs and fat for energy and may support your weight loss efforts. (
19
,
20
)
A daily nutrition plan that matches your metabolism seems like a nice feature, but it may mean eating low-carb one day and high-carb the next. Lumen nutrition plans include healthy meal ideas, but it’s hard to plan ahead—shopping, prepping, cooking—if your nutrition needs change every day.
To get the most accurate data from your Lumen subscription, you need to measure your CO2 levels every morning before you eat, after every meal, before and after exercise, and before bed. You also need to log your daily food intake into the mobile app. After two weeks of consistent measuring and logging, Lumen displays your Flex Score—metabolic flexibility score— ranging from 0 to 21. The higher score, the more efficient your body is at using fat or carbs for energy based on what’s available.
While the data Lumen offers may help you understand how your metabolism works, it only benefits health and weight when combined with a balanced eating plan, regular exercise, a consistent sleep routine, and stress management. However, the data provides immediate feedback, reinforcing positive behaviors and boosting motivation.
Lumen isn’t a weight loss program, but the app modifies your nutrition plan based if you select weight loss as one of your goals. Your subscription also includes education, support, and coaching. Additionally, the mobile app integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Garmin.
Pricing for Lumen includes $199 for the device and then $19 a month for access to all the features on the mobile app. Lumen is pricey, but qualifying customers may use their health savings account/flexible spending account (HSA/FSA) funds to pay for the service.
What customers are saying
More than 3,000 people have reviewed Lumen on Trustpilot, giving it high ratings. Many Lumen customers like the data and personalized nutrition plans they get with the device and app. However, some customers find the breathalyzer hard to use and dislike the return policy.
Trustpilot reviewer and Lumen user Timothy G. likes the consistency and accountability Lumen offers. “Lumen is absolutely amazing! …It really does help you keep on track and make better choices. Consistency, accountability and treating yourself well is what lumen helps you do. It also brings out a self awareness and discovery.”
Kathy B. is another verified customer using Lumen for weight loss. “Lumen has taken away the nutritional confusion I had about how to lose weight and be healthy. I find it easy to use and the support is very helpful. I lost weight in the first week and that hadn’t happened for a very long time.”
MyImac is a verified user who recieved a faulty device and was upset after learning about Lumen’s refund policy. ”I tried to use it yesterday and today it took a lot of effort and breathing in and breathing out and it’s defective …. I contacted the customer service. They said if the package didn’t open, we can return it but if it’s open, we couldn’t refund the money.”
Specs
Yearly cost |
$19 and a one-time fee of $199 for device |
Free trial |
No |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
No |
Accountability |
Coaching, community, app notifications |
Tracking |
Nutrition, metabolism |
Best sustainable weight loss program:
Mayo Clinic Diet
The Mayo Clinic Diet was developed by physicians to help people lower their risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Key product features
Education
Yes
Customizible
Meal plans, recipes
Membership
3 options available
What you should know
The Mayo Clinic Diet was originally developed by doctors to help people lower their risk of heart disease and diabetes or lessen the impact of these conditions in people who have these diagnoses. This plan helps subscribers realign their thinking about food and exercise in a reasonable way that isn’t too strict or overwhelming.
-
The Mayo Clinic Diet hits all the high notes for being a sustainable program you can safely use in the long-term.
-
At $19.99 a month, the Mayo Clinic Diet is reasonable for what it provides; recipes, exercises, coaching with Mayo Clinic doctors, and accountability through a private online community are all available with the plan.
-
This diet is good for people who want to focus on eating more whole foods with a variety of preferences (like Mediterranean or gluten-free options).
Cons
Not ideal for people who need structure
May be restrictive for some
Why we like Mayo Clinic Diet as the best sustainable weight loss program
Our team likes that the Mayo Clinic Diet is a real lifestyle plan that you can stay on in the long-term. The program encourages you to use the app that can be downloaded to your Android or iOS device to track your meals and movement. Knowing what and how much (and often) you are eating is a reliable way to track your progress and adopt new habits. The app takes you through three phases:
-
Lose it:
The first phase is two weeks long; you may lose a few pounds by eating more healthily and moving more. -
Love it:
During weeks three through 12, you are encouraged to use the app to track your weight, water intake, exercise, and meals. -
Live it:
This is the maintenance phase of the diet that can last as long as you are following the program. You can safely stay in this phase indefinitely.
A typical menu on the Mayo Clinic Diet is approximately 1,200 calories per day. Here’s an example of what that menu may look like:
-
Breakfast:
Oatmeal with berries on the side -
Lunch:
White bean soup with pesto drizzle -
Snack:
One cup of bell peppers with a banana -
Dinner:
Sheet pan chicken with broccoli -
Dessert:
A piece of dark chocolate
Users can connect with Mayo Clinic doctors for coaching, group webinars, and have access to a private Facebook group with approximately 19,000 members for community support and accountability.
The app also shows you exercises to encourage your daily movement. Brisk walking is a good starting point if you are getting back into a routine. Most of the exercises require nothing more than a supportive pair of sneakers and a yoga mat.
The Mayo Clinic Diet has three different month-to-month plans you can choose from: monthly ($49.99/month), three months ($39.99/month), or one year ($19.99/month). You can also pay up front to save a little more cash, bringing a three-month plan down to $99.99 and a year plan to $199.99.
What customers are saying
Customers on the Google Play Store rate this app 4.5 out of 5 stars and 4.7 out of 5 on the Apple Store.
“I absolutely LOVE this diet! Dieting is stressful enough without having to worry about points or staying within a limit,” said one Google app user named K.D.
However, some people found the Google app to be flaky. Here’s what Jessica P. had to say about it.
“I like the program. I lost 7 pounds in the first week, but the app is not great. After one week it stopped opening, just a never ending loading wheel. I had to uninstall/install to fix the issue. Then another week later it did the same thing.”
Specs
Monthly cost |
$19.99–$49.99 |
Free trial |
Three days |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
Yes |
Accountability |
Coaching and Facebook community |
Tracking |
Yes |
Nutrisystem Complete 50 is a high-protein weight loss plan made by dietitians to help preserve lean muscle mass in men and women.
Key product features
Coaching
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
Food log
Yes
Exercise log
Yes
Education
Yes
What you should know
Nutrisystem Complete 50 offers pre-made, nutritionally balanced meals that take the guesswork out of weight loss. Here’s what you should know about the program:
-
Nutrisystem Complete 50 offers nearly everything you need to kick-start your weight loss journey, including an app for tracking your meals, a meal plan, and coaching. But the pre-made meals might not have enough calories and may not be as satisfying as fresh, whole foods.
-
Starting at $360 per month, the program may be more expensive than preparing your own meals. However, its convenience might be worth it for some people.
-
Nutrisystem Complete 50 is best for men and women over the age of 50 who are looking for an easy-to-follow plan to kickstart weight loss and build healthier habits.
Pros
Designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of men and women ages 50 and up
Most meals are ready to eat or only require heating
Money-back guarantee for new customers
Includes an app with educational resources and personalized nutrition support
Cons
Requires the purchase of fresh grocery items each week, which can be costly
Meals may not contain enough calories
Doesn’t offer allergen-free menus
Why we like Nutrisystem Complete 50 as the best weight loss program for seniors
Nutrisystem Complete 50 is a dietitian-designed weight loss plan for men and women aged 50 and above. Like Diet-to-Go, Nutrisystem Complete 50 delivers ready-made meals to your doorstep. You’ll have the choice of receiving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack five to seven days a week.
Sarcopenia—the age-related decline in muscle mass, endurance, and strength—can start as early as 40 years old. (
9
) It is associated with a greater risk of falls and poorer quality of life. All meals on Nutrisystem Complete 50 are high in protein to help maintain lean muscle mass and functionality as you age.
Meals are also high in fiber and designed to provide more calories and carbohydrates earlier in the day, which can promote satiety and reduce the risk of weight gain. (
10
)
The program advertises a slow, sustainable weight loss of one to two pounds per week, in line with guidelines set forth by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (
10
)
The program encourages 30 minutes of daily activity and 64 ounces of water daily. You can track your water intake, exercise, weight loss, and food with NuMi, Nutrisystem’s app designed to help you stay on track. NuMi also provides daily inspiration, weight loss tips, and recipes to supplement your Nutrisystem meals.
The average diet plan provides between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day, which may be too low for some people. For a more personalized approach, users can try NuMi SmartAdapt, which is found in the NuMi app. It sets a calorie goal based on your height, age, gender, and activity and provides meal plans that integrate with your menu.
I like that Nutrisystem Complete 50 allows flexibility. Once you complete your first week, the plan introduces “flex meals” into your diet. These are meals you cook at home or eat at a restaurant that follow Nutrisystem guidelines.
While Nutrisystem does give users access to weight loss coaches that provide motivation and answer questions about meals, they are not qualified healthcare professionals.
What customers are saying
Nutrisystem has 2,169 reviews on Trustpilot.
Customers like the program’s convenience and variety of meals offered on the plan.
Negative reviews mention the food wasn’t worth the price, reporting that some meals taste overly processed and bland. Some customers weren’t aware of the $125 cancellation fee charged if you cancel after 14 days but before paying for your second shipment.
Specs
Monthly cost |
$360-$410 |
Free trial |
N/A |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
No |
Accountability |
Community, coaching, app notifications, goal setting, recipes, website |
Tracking |
Nutrition, exercise, hydration |
Most flexible weight loss plan:
WeightWatchers
WeightWatchers is a research-backed weight loss program that has helped many people lose weight over the years.
Key product features
Coaching
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
Food log
Yes
Exercise log
Yes
Education
Yes
What you should know
WeightWatchers encourages healthy habits by assigning points to foods, with over 200 ZeroPoints foods that don’t require tracking.
Here’s what you need to know about the platform.
-
WeightWatchers is one of the most flexible weight loss programs available and has research supporting its effectiveness. But having to keep track of everything you eat and drink may be too much for some people.
-
WeightWatchers offers a more affordable monthly payment option (starting at $23 per month) than other weight loss programs with similar features.
-
The program is good for people who have dietary restrictions or those who are on a limited income because you don’t have to buy specific foods.
Pros
Provides an individualized points budget
May result in more sustainable weight loss
Offers plans that provide additional support
Cons
Can be expensive with add-ons
Members are encouraged to stay on the program to maintain weight loss
Tracking points can be tedious
Why we like WeightWatchers as the most flexible weight loss program
WeightWatchers is a community-based weight loss program that focuses on tracking foods and building healthy habits. Millions of people have used it to lose weight and improve their health. Membership includes personalized nutrition and fitness advice from a registered dietitian and fitness trainer and ongoing check-ins with your clinician.
Research supports WeightWatchers effectiveness in maintaining modest, long-term weight loss. (
7
) A 2021 WeightWatchers-funded study showed that, on average, participants lost between 6.3 and 11.6 pounds over 7 months. (
8
)
The program uses a flexible, points-based system to encourage healthy eating habits that promote weight loss. Each food is assigned a points value based on its calories and nutrient content, with more nutritious choices being lower in points. Over 200 foods, including chicken breast, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables, are ZeroPoints foods and do not require tracking or measuring.
You’ll have a personalized point budget based on your age, height, weight, gender, and weight loss goals. Any food can be enjoyed as long as it fits into your daily points allotment—this makes it easier to stay on track when you’re dining out.
The app allows members to track activity, food, water, and weight. Membership also includes access to on-demand workouts, recipes, educational resources, and 24/7 live coaching.
To keep things simple, the WeightWatchers app syncs with several activity trackers, including:
- Apple (Watch and Health)
- Fitbit
- Garmin
- Google Fit
- Withings
- Misfit
- MapMyRun
For additional support, WeightWatchers offers plans with unlimited in-person and virtual workshops with your WeightWatchers coach. The company also recently launched its virtual WeightWatchers Clinic, which gives eligible members access to telehealth weight loss management and board-certified clinicians who can prescribe weight loss medications.
One of our product testers tried WeightWatchers for 30 days and lost around 5 pounds. More importantly, she noticed some non-scale victories.
What customers are saying
WeightWatchers has 122 reviews on Trustpilot.
Despite the less-than-ideal rating, many users have reported weight loss with the program. Verified user Fran found the coach-led workshops offered on the premium plan particularly helpful.
“I was given a month free and the helpful rep explained to me that they have virtual meetings,” she commented. “I decided to give the in-person meetings a try and am happy I did.”
Verified user Aimee W., who has been using WeightWatchers on and off for years, finds the program effective as long as you follow the plan. However, she warns that stopping the program can lead to weight regain.
Several users have reported difficulty canceling their membership, including verified user Dave, who said WeightWatchers has been billing his credit card for three years after canceling.
However, verified user S. Duncan felt the cancellation steps to be easy to follow and had no issues canceling his wife’s membership. “My wife and I started the program. I liked it, but she didn’t. We actually READ all the emails about cancellation and followed the EASY to UNDERSTAND steps. It isn’t fine print. It’s actually spelled out clearly.”
Specs
Monthly cost |
$23 per month plus a $20 starter fee for the basic plan |
Free trial |
Yes |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
No |
Accountability |
Members-only community, 24/7 live coaching, recipes, goal setting, app notifications, website, workshops |
Tracking |
Nutrition, exercise, hydration |
Best weight loss program with coaching:
Future
Future is a personal training fitness app that matches you with a coach who personalizes your workouts to your goals and fitness level.
Key product features
Coaching
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
Exercise log
Yes
What you should know
Future offers personalized workout routines and guidance from fitness professionals.
While it does not include nutrition plans, some coaches may be able to help calculate your daily macronutrient needs and answer basic questions.
-
Our testers found the Future app to be user-friendly and liked being able to meet with their trainer face-to-face via FaceTime. However, they were disappointed by the lack of real-time coaching during workouts, which is a feature commonly available with in-person coaching.
-
Future is relatively expensive and starts at $149 per month. Still, it’s likely cheaper than what you’d pay for traditional in-person personal training.
-
Future is best for people who are looking for a structured workout plan to improve their fitness without having to join a gym.
Pros
Customized workout plans based on your fitness level and goals
Daily feedback from your coach
Coaches are credentialed with various backgrounds
Syncs with your smartwatch to allow your coach to track your progress
Cons
Nutrition plan isn’t offered
Real-time coaching isn’t available
Customer support is only available via email
Why we like Future as the best weight loss program with coaching
Research shows that combining exercise with a healthy diet is more likely to result in sustainable, long-term weight loss. (
11
) That’s why Future is an excellent option for people seeking additional guidance in developing consistent fitness habits.
Future is a fitness
personal training app
that connects you with a personal trainer who creates a customized workout plan based on your goals, fitness level, and equipment.
After completing a brief survey, Future will recommend several coaches based on your answers. You’re also able to bypass the recommendations and choose your own coach.
After selecting your coach, you can schedule a FaceTime call with them to dig deeper into your history and goals. They’ll also help walk you through the setup process. Our testers liked this feature, highlighting that the additional guidance was a great way to kick things off. They were very satisfied with their coaches and liked that they could easily communicate with them through the app.
Our testers found the app—available for iPhone and Android users—to be incredibly user-friendly. They also liked that the app uses video and audio cues to guide them through each workout.
But, your coaches don’t watch you work out. They only talk to you during the workout through pre-recorded blurbs. Our tester felt this may be a problem for people who struggle with accountability.
However, we found it helpful that you can record your workouts and send them to your coach to assess your movements and offer corrections. Furthermore, our product tester appreciated how her coach was able to accommodate her workouts for vacations and injuries.
While not required, Future highly encourages users to use a smartwatch. Pairing a compatible smartwatch with the app allows you to easily navigate through your workout by tapping a button on your watch, which our testers found super convenient.
You can pair the Future app with Apple products, Android devices, and the following watches:
- Google Pixel Watch
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5
- Montblanc Summit 3
While the app doesn’t include nutrition tracking or meal planning, coaches can provide high-level nutrition guidance or macronutrient recommendations based on your goals. So, if you’re looking to fine-tune your diet, you may consider pairing Future with guidance from a registered dietitian.
We were disappointed that there was no live chat option or a number to call for support. However, when I emailed customer service, I received a response within an hour.
A month-to-month Future membership costs $199, which is cheaper than hiring an in-person personal trainer. And, you can try it risk-free for the first month and get a full refund if you decide to cancel.
What customers are saying
The Future app has 99 reviews on Trustpilot.
Customers love the app’s ease of use, its coaches, and the variety of workouts offered by Future. People also like the accountability from having regular check-ins with their coach and the audio cues during the workouts.
Negative reviews mention not having nutritional support, and a few people felt like their workouts weren’t personalized to their fitness level.
For example, verified user Jack found the app helpful in learning the basics of strength training. However, he was disappointed that his trainer didn’t remember to personalize his plan following a minor injury.
“I’ve had a minor injury, and it took weeks for my trainer to remember to exclude exercises that would make it worse (like running and jumping), the same with some other basic requests for things I could not do,” he commented.
Specs
Monthly cost |
$199 for one month, $537 for three months, $1,014 for six months, $1,788 for 12 months |
Free trial |
N/A |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
No |
Exercise plan |
Yes |
Accountability |
Live coaching, daily check-ins, workout reminders, app notifications |
Tracking |
Exercise |
Trifecta’s Plant-Based meal delivery service offers convenient access to macro-balanced meals designed by dietitians to support weight loss.
Key product features
Coaching
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
Food log
Yes
Exercise log
Yes
Education
Yes
What you should know
Trifecta Plant-Based meal plan may be a good fit for someone who is looking to reach their fitness goals while experimenting with or following a plant-based diet.
-
While our testers didn’t try Trifecta’s Plant-Based menu, they found the portions on other plans to be relatively small. They also found the taste to be hit or miss.
-
Trifecta is pricier compared to other meal delivery services, starting at around $105 for seven meals. However, it offers a comprehensive program with ready-made meals, personalized plans, tracking tools, and ongoing coaching to help you reach your fitness goals.
-
This plan is best for people who are following a plant-based diet or looking for an easy way to increase their plant-based protein intake for better health and weight loss.
Pros
Includes a free app with personalized nutrition recommendations
Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options
Meals are gluten-free and free of preservatives
Cons
Costly compared to making your own meals at home
Shipping for each weekly shipment costs $10
Customization options are limited
Why we like Trifecta Plant-Based Meal Plan as the best weight loss program for plant-based eaters
Trifecta’s Plant-Based meal delivery service offers a quick and easy way to enjoy plant-based, macro-balanced meals at home. All dietitian-designed meals are ready to eat and high in protein with moderate amounts of carbs and fat.
You can choose to receive seven to 21 meals each week, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I like that you can pick your own meals from the menu or choose Chef Selected meals. But if you’re a picky eater, I recommend choosing your own meals since you can only exclude one ingredient (eggs, sesame, impossible meat, vegan chicken, whole mushrooms, tree nuts, spicy ingredients) per week.
While our product testers didn’t get to try the plant-based meals, the meals they did try had small portions. One tester found the meals to be hit or miss on taste. However, one of our team product testers, Kate Meier, enjoyed the flavor of her meals.
All meals are free of preservatives, gluten-free, and made with organic ingredients whenever possible. They can be stored for seven days in the fridge, or you can freeze some if you don’t plan to eat them within a week.
All customers have free access to nutrition coaches by chat, e-mail, or phone. Trifecta also has a free app that allows you to create a personalized plan and track food, activity, and weight. It features a large library of educational content, workouts, and recipes to help you guide you towards healthier choices.
If you’re unsatisfied with your meals, Trifecta offers a money-back guarantee for up to seven meals on your first order.
Check out our full
Trifecta review
to learn more.
What customers are saying
Trifecta’s Plant-Based meal delivery has 47 reviews on Trustpilot.
Many customers were unhappy with the quality of meals and had trouble canceling their subscriptions.
Verified customer Evan R. also advises against the plant-based plan, citing small portion sizes.
Specs
Monthly cost |
Starts at $419.72 (excluding shipping) |
Free trial |
N/A |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
Yes |
Accountability |
Community, website, app notifications, recipes, coaching |
Tracking |
Nutrition, exercise, hydration |
Best weight loss app:
Cronometer
Cronometer is a health and fitness app designed to help you track your calories, nutrient intake, and exercise.
Key product features
Exercise log
Yes
Barcode scan
Yes
Weight log
Yes
Sleep tracker
Yes
Water tracker
Yes
What you should know
Cronometer allows you to track a wide range of micronutrients to ensure you get all the essential nutrients your body needs. It also allows you to keep track of key biometrics like sleep, mood, heart rate, and blood pressure.
-
Cronometer is easy to use, but all of the tracking options and lack of coaching may be confusing for someone just starting out.
-
The app is budget-friendly—an annual subscription costs $55 a year—and offers more tracking options than many other calorie-tracking apps.
-
Cronometer is best for someone looking for an app that provides detailed tracking of macronutrients and micronutrients.
Pros
Track your macro and micronutrient intake, exercise, and health metrics
Affordable (Gold subscription costs $55 a year, which is on the low end for a macro-tracking app)
Syncs with multiple health apps and fitness trackers
Cons
Multiple tracking options may be overwhelming
Why we like Cronometer as the best weight loss app
Cronometer is a comprehensive health and fitness app that logs and tracks your calories, nutrient intake, and exercise. It also tracks various biometrics, including weight, sleep, mood, heart rate, and blood pressure, making it our pick for the
best weight loss app
.
After inputting your weight, height, sex, and activity level, you can choose a weight loss goal. Then, Cronometer will set your recommended daily calorie needs. Protein, fat, and carbohydrates are automatically set to a macro ratio within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR). (
12
) However, they can be customized based on your individual needs and preferences.
Unlike many other
nutrition apps
that only log calories, protein, and fat in meals, Cronometer can track up to 84 micronutrients. This feature helps you identify nutrient gaps in your diet and encourages a healthy, balanced diet.
The free version includes all of the app’s basic features, but you’ll have to upgrade to access tools like long-term data tracking, customized health charts, and recipe sharing.
With the paid subscription, you can also dive deeper into how specific nutrients and biometrics correlate. For example, you can create a custom chart to see how your fiber intake affects the quality of your bowel movements.
The paid subscription also suggests foods to help complete unmet targets and match your daily nutrient goals without going over any limits.
The app syncs with many other apps and devices, including Apple Health, Samsung Health, Fitbit, and Garmin.
I have used the Cronometer app and found it extremely user-friendly and easy to navigate. However, all of the tracking options may be overwhelming for someone starting out.
One of our expert product testers and a certified nutrition coach agrees.
What customers are saying
Cronometer has over 57,000 ratings on the Apple App Store.
Many users love that the app syncs with their fitness tracker, has an extensive food database, and improves their diet quality by tracking important nutrients.
Negative reviews mention bugs and glitches within the app and difficulty reaching customer service.
Specs
Monthly cost |
Free; $10 for premium |
Free trial |
N/A |
Personalization |
Yes |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
Yes |
Accountability |
Community, app notifications |
Tracking |
Nutrition, exercise, sleep, mood, heart rate, and blood pressure |
Fuel Meals Weight Loss Plan delivers ready-to-eat meals designed to help women with weight loss and muscle gain.
Key product features
Cost per meal
$14
Delivery area
All 50 states
High-protein
Up to 60g
Gluten-free
Yes
Dairy-free
Yes
What you should know
Fuel Meals Weight Loss Plan provides meals with bigger portions with important nutrients to keep you full and energized.
-
Our testers were disappointed that Fuel Meals can’t be customized to accommodate many dietary allergies. In addition, despite larger portion sizes, one tester felt like she needed more after finishing her meal.
-
Fuel Meals cost more than other weight loss meal delivery services. But all meals arrive fresh and are bigger than what you may get with most programs.
-
The Fuel Meals Weight Loss Plan is good for someone who doesn’t need coaching and prefers a simple, convenient way to boost their protein intake without much effort.
-
Their weight loss plan for women offers portion-controlled meals high in protein, supplying around 1,500 daily calories to support safe weight loss in most women.
-
You can select from seven to 28 meals per week or biweekly, with choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Pros
Meals arrive fresh, not frozen
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options
Meals have up to 60 grams of protein
Cons
Can’t accommodate most dietary restrictions
Costly compared to many other weight loss programs
No coaching or customized meal plans are available
Portion sizes may be too small
Why we like Fuel Meals Weight Loss Plan as the best weight loss program for women
Fuel Meals is a meal delivery service that brings fresh, fully prepared meals to your door. They offer two meal plans—weight loss and muscle gain—for women and men.
On the female weight loss plan, you’ll receive high protein, portion-controlled meals that are low in calories and carbohydrates. This plan averages about 1,500 calories daily, enough for most women to safely lose weight. (
13
) However, women who exercise frequently or have more weight to lose may need additional calories.
I like that the meals are high in protein, providing an average of 150 grams per day. Research shows that high-protein diets can aid in weight loss by boosting satiety and metabolism while preserving lean muscle mass. (
14
)
You can choose to receive seven to 28 meals weekly or biweekly. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are available. Your meals will automatically be selected based on your chosen quantity, but you can make substitutions based on your preferences. Shipping ranges from $9.95-$39.95 but is free if you choose a subscription plan.
All meals arrive fresh and are cooked to order. However, our testers found that the meals were mediocre and didn’t always live up to the hefty price tag.
Our testers also didn’t like that, despite the large meal selection, there aren’t many options for dietary restrictions. There are dairy- and gluten-free choices, but they can’t be customized to accommodate most dietary allergies. There are no vegan options.
Furthermore, our product tester found the portions too small.
Specs
Monthly cost |
$462.40 (excluding shipping) |
Free trial |
N/A |
Personalization |
No |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
No |
Accountability |
No |
Tracking |
No |
Personal Trainer Food is a low-carb meal delivery service that brings high-protein, frozen meals to your door.
Key product features
Delivery area
Contiguous U.S.
Reheat time
3 minutes
Coaching
Yes
What you should know
Personal Trainer Food encourages you to eat three meals and two snacks daily without counting calories or doing intense exercise. You’ll be provided step-by-step guidelines with daily tips, exercises, and motivation—coaching for additional support. The program is relatively restrictive in nature and may require some modifications to better fit into your lifestyle.
-
Although some meats may come breaded, you won’t see any whole-grain rice or pasta on Personal Trainer Food’s menu.
-
Personal Trainer Food is reasonably priced for a comprehensive program that includes a meal plan, workout guide, and personalized coaching.
-
This program is best for someone who wants to stick with a low-carbohydrate diet without spending much time preparing meals.
Pros
Double protein options are available
Weight loss coaches for support
Doesn’t require food tracking
Focuses on low-intensity exercise
Cons
Not appropriate for individuals with food allergies
Why we like Personal Trainer Food as the best weight loss program for men
Personal Trainer Food is a meal delivery service that delivers high-protein, frozen meals directly to your door. On the program, you are encouraged to avoid calorie counting and eat three meals and two snacks per day. You’re also advised to avoid intense exercise and over-exercising to lose weight faster.
Personal Trainer Food offers two meal plans: standard protein and protein plus. The protein plus option includes double protein portions and one vegetable per meal, which may help meet the higher protein and calorie needs of men. (
15
)
However, even on the Protein Plus plan, some days’ breakfast, lunch, and dinner equaled out to fewer than 1,200 calories. This is very low for a man and can lead to nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and a slower metabolism. (
16
)
If you want a higher calories meal plan, you can customize your menu and mix and match entrees and sides. You can add breakfast and snack options and choose between seven-, 14-, or 28-day plans.
With your order, you’ll receive Personal Trainer Food Guidelines to Success, which includes daily exercises, tips, and guidance to help you build short and simple routines. This weight loss plan encourages you to walk 20 minutes—or around 2,000 steps—per day.
E-mail support, weight loss coaching, and daily text messages are available for those who want additional guidance.
This program is relatively restrictive, which may make it difficult to stick with. All meals are low in carbohydrates, so it’s unlikely that you’ll see whole-grain rice or pasta on any of their menus. However, some meals include breaded chicken or a small portion of red potatoes.
Weight loss guidelines are provided for when you’re out at a restaurant or aren’t eating Personal Trainer Meals. These guidelines recommend unlimited portions of
animal foods
like eggs and meat, leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and butter/oil.
I don’t like the language used by the company throughout their website. For example, foods are sometimes categorized as bad or good, and many foods are restricted. In some, this can create a fear of food, binge eating, and cravings. (
17
)
Once you reach your goal weight, a Personal Trainer Food weight loss coach can work with you to add carbs to your diet.
If you find the plan too restrictive, I recommend incorporating more carbs throughout the day. This will help support your activity and keep you engaged with your meals. For example, you may add fruit with breakfast or a side of brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain pasta to lunch and dinner.
See more of the
best weight loss programs for men
to find the best option for you.
What customers are saying
Personal Trainer Food has over 3,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
Most customers seem impressed with the quality of the meals, reporting that they are flavorful and taste fresh. Customers who stick with the program also report weight loss from following the company’s diet and exercise guidelines.
Verified customer Patrick says he began feeling better just 10 days after starting the program. “My belly seems to be shrinking, and I don’t have cravings. I eat a lot less, and my physical activity is picking up,” he says.
However, he did admit that the first few days were tough, saying, “My old habits wanted to kick in.”
Negative reviews mention the food not being cold upon arrival and poor packaging. Verified customer Peter H. from Florida reports that his packages were barely cool when delivered. He also didn’t like the substitutions he was given.
Specs
Monthly cost |
$900 |
Free trial |
N/A |
Personalization |
No |
Nutrition plan |
Yes |
Exercise plan |
Yes |
Accountability |
Community, coaching |
Tracking |
N/A |
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