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.
Best weight loss program overall
Our choice for the best weight loss plan is Noom Weight —a comprehensive program that goes beyond logging food and tracking calories. It’s one of the few weight loss programs that offers a behavioral component to help build long-term sustainable habits. As a registered dietitian, I appreciate that, instead of restricting foods, the app focuses on eating more nutrient-dense, whole foods to keep you feeling full. I also like that Noom Weight includes personalized coaching, daily challenges, and a large community for accountability.
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
- Best overall: Noom Weight
- Best for fasting: Simple App
- Most flexible: WeightWatchers
- Best for seniors: Nutrisystem Complete 50
- Best with coaching: Future
- Best plant-based: Trifecta Plant-Based Meal Plan
- Best app: Cronometer
- Best for women: Fuel Meals Weight Loss Plan
- Best for men: Personal Trainer Food
- Best sustainable: Mayo Clinic Diet
Compare weight loss programs
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| Noom Weight | Simple App | WeightWatchers | Nutrisystem Complete 50 | Future | Trifecta Plant-Based Meal Plan | Cronometer | Fuel Meals Weight Loss Plan | Personal Trainer Food | Mayo Clinic Diet | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Starting cost | $70 | Free; $49.99/year for premium | $23 | $360 | $149 | $104.93 | Free; $9.99/month for premium | $115.60 | $225 | $19.99 |
| Personalization | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Support | Coach, community | AI-powered coaching, community | Coach, community | Coach, community | Coach | Community | Community | N/A | Coach, community | Coach, Community |
Best weight loss program overall: Noom Weight
Key product features
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.
Why we like Noom Weight as best 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.
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.
“It’s the lessons that really set Noom apart–the first couple of months, the lessons are brilliant. They’re engaging, and I learned a lot about myself and why/how I eat the way I do.”
Sarah H., Trustpilot
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
Key product features
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.
Why we like Simple App as best 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.
“This has been the only program that has motivated me to take better care of myself and not worry about the numbers on the scale.”
Linda, Apple App Store
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 |
Most flexible weight loss plan: WeightWatchers
Key product features
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.
Why we like WeightWatchers as most flexible
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.
“I now eat more fruits and vegetables than I ever did before, and my energy levels improved. I developed a good routine for meal prepping and having healthy meals always ready to eat. WeightWatchers also helped me better understand what portion sizes work well for me.”
Team Product Tester
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.
“It works if you follow the plan and continue once you reach your goal. If you stop doing the program of course you’ll gain the weight back.”
Aimee W., Trustpilot
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 for seniors: Nutrisystem Complete 50
Key product features
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.
Why we like Nutrisystem Complete 50 as best 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.
“The fact that I do not have to think about a single thing in this diet plan is an incredible luxury. No meal planning or prepping or shopping or cooking!”
Sue, Trustpilot
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 |
Best weight loss program with coaching: Future
Key product features
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.
Why we like Future as best 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.
“When I hurt my back, my coach made my workouts more low-impact and was able to help me focus more on rehab.”
Team Product Tester
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.
“Future’s app is smooth, easy to use, and illustrates techniques well with video. Even as someone who has worked out for years, the trainers in the videos use impeccable form and allow you to introspect on your movement.”
Prateek K., Trustpilot
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 |
Best weight loss program for plant-based eaters: Trifecta Plant-Based Meal Plan
Key product features
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.
Why we like Trifecta Plant-Based Meal Plan as best 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.
“I tried a few different meals, including the egg scrambles, a chicken and broccoli casserole, and a salmon dish. I liked the flavor of all of them. I do tend to eat pretty plainly, though, so I don’t usually need a lot of spices to enjoy my food.”
Kate Meier, Team Product Tester
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.
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.
“Don’t try if you’re looking to go vegan or plant-based. The meals are so small portioned (under 400 calories for entrees), they have no protein, and they’re $15/meal.”
Evan R., Trustpilot
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
Key product features
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.
Why we like Cronometer as the best 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.
“If you’re new to tracking your food in an app, I recommended easing in slowly. The dashboard in Cronometer can feel pretty overwhelming. It’s best to start with the basics and then begin tracking more data as you get more familiar with the app.”
Team Product Tester
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.
“Having the micronutrient breakdown is a huge bonus. The last app that I used did not have this feature, and it is so helpful to be able to visualize my vitamin and mineral consumption.”
Michelle C., Apple App Store
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 |
Best weight loss program for women: Fuel Meals Weight Loss Plan
Key product features
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.
Why we like Fuel Meals Weight Loss Plan as best 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.
“The meals themselves are between 400-600 caloriess for the most part. So it’s enough food, but I personally kept feeling like I needed more.”
Kate Meier, Team Product Tester
Specs
| Monthly cost | $462.40 (excluding shipping) |
| Free trial | N/A |
| Personalization | No |
| Nutrition plan | Yes |
| Exercise plan | No |
| Accountability | No |
| Tracking | No |
Best weight loss program for men: Personal Trainer Food
Key product features
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.
Why we like Personal Trainer Food as best 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.
“Poor substitutions for what I truly ordered. This is why I stopped using PTF years ago, and I’ll probably cancel again.”
Peter H., Trustpilot
Specs
| Monthly cost | $900 |
| Free trial | N/A |
| Personalization | No |
| Nutrition plan | Yes |
| Exercise plan | Yes |
| Accountability | Community, coaching |
| Tracking | N/A |
Best sustainable weight loss program: Mayo Clinic Diet
Key product features
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).
Why we like Mayo Clinic Diet as 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.
“There is no guesswork as everything is right in front of you, including shopping lists. I feel fantastic and my celiac hasn’t flared once. I got stuck having to eat out and the Mayo Diet taught me what and how much to eat so I didn’t sabotage myself. It was the day before the weigh-in so I was worried. I trusted the program. IT WORKS!”
K.D., Google Play Store
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 |
Our weight loss program testing methodology
We recognize that hundreds of weight loss programs are available, many of which aren’t safe or sustainable. We also know that everybody’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for you.
To help you, our team compared dozens of weight loss programs to find the best program for your needs. All of the weight loss programs in this article were thoroughly researched and medically reviewed by industry experts. Any health claims were fact-checked to ensure they were based on trustworthy scientific evidence.
Scores were provided by our testers and a team of experts based on the following metrics:
Program design—30%
A nutrition program should match the established principles of human health and leave room for your individual needs and preferences. Our testers have been in the field long enough that they know the real thing when they see it. Here’s what they look for:
- Explanation
- Adaptability
- Sustainability
- Realistic expectations
Value—30%
The internet is packed with nutrition programs, ranging from free recipes to personalized coaching that costs thousands of dollars. We want to connect you with a plan that feels worth it from the first day you start until the day you decide to go off on your own.
Here’s what we factor into a program’s value rating:
- Fair price
- Tracking capabilities
- Tools and recipes
Extra options—20%
We give extra points to the nutrition programs that go above and beyond with bonuses like:
- Coaching and community support
- Education
- Workouts
Customer experience—20%
We want you to avoid buyer’s remorse and find a program you’ll look forward to following. Here are some of the little things that make a big difference:
- Reliable technology
- Reviews
- Customer service
- Free trial periods
You can read our full nutrition program testing methodology here .
Benefits of a weight loss program
A good weight loss program can offer goal-setting, nutrition education, exercise recommendations, and accountability to help you achieve long-term success. Here’s a look at some of the potential benefits of a weight loss program:
- Structured plan : Most programs are structured, providing a roadmap to follow and helping you stay organized
- Tracking tools : Tracking your food, exercise, and progress can help you stay on track
- One-on-one coaching : Offers personalized guidance, motivation, and accountability
- Community groups : Allows you to share experiences and learn from others on a similar on a similar journey
- Courses and workshops : Teaches about nutrition and behavior change techniques to support long-term weight loss and your overall health
These features have been proven to aid in weight loss and help people maintain their results over the long term. ( 1 )
How to choose a weight loss program
If you’re thinking about signing up for a weight loss program, consider the following:
Lifestyle
A weight loss program should work for you, not against you. Start by identifying roadblocks that have hindered your past weight loss efforts. Choose a program that helps you overcome these obstacles. These may include factors such as your work schedule, family life, emotional or picky eating, sleep issues, and more.
For example, if you are a picky eater and haven’t been able to stick with programs that require you to follow set meal plans, you may find it more helpful to go with a program that offers more personalization and flexibility.
Similarly, if you have a busy work and family life, consider a program that incorporates shorter exercises rather than hour-long sessions each day.
Personal goals
Effective weight loss programs consider your personal goals while setting realistic expectations. No matter whether your goal is to lose 20 or 100 pounds, it’s important to do so in a safe, sustainable manner.
Current guidelines recommend setting a slow, steady weight loss goal of 5% to 10% of your starting weight within the first six months. For example, if you weigh 250 pounds, your goal may be to lose around 13 pounds in the first 6 months. ( 1 )
Avoid programs that promise weight loss without lifestyle changes or require the purchase of expensive supplements.
Accountability
Ongoing support from a like-minded community or a friend, family member, or medical professional can make a substantial difference in keeping you on track in your weight loss journey.
A 2021 meta-analysis found a small, but statistically significant improvement in weight and body mass index (BMI) levels in people with overweight and obesity who received peer support compared to those who did not. ( 18 )
How to find support for your weight loss journey
Building and maintaining a strong support system can make a significant difference in your weight loss efforts. If your weight loss program doesn’t have community support, there are other ways to connect with people who can support you on your weight loss journey.
Talk to your friends, family, or co-workers and let them know that you would appreciate their support. For example, you may ask your co-worker to go on a daily lunchtime walk.
You can also participate in online weight loss communities where others with similar goals can share tips, motivation, and healthy meal ideas.
Potential risks of weight loss programs
Just as there are many potential benefits, there are risks to consider before choosing a weight loss program. These include:
- Disordered eating : People, especially adolescents, who engage in dieting are more likely to develop an eating disorder compared to those who do not diet. ( 19 )
- May not address underlying health issues : In some cases, unexplained weight gain may be an indicator of an underlying health condition that should be treated by a healthcare provider.
- Nutrient deficiencies : Following overly restrictive weight loss programs may lead to nutrient deficiencies as well as loss of muscle mass.
- May regain weight : There is evidence that chronic dieting can cause people to gain back the majority of weight they lost; in some situations, people may actually gain back more than they’d lost originally. ( 20 )
FAQs
What is the highest-rated weight loss program?
We found Noom to be the highest-rated weight loss program because it focuses on long-term behavioral change and offers ongoing support from dietitians and certified health coaches.
Are weight loss programs good or bad for you?
Weight loss programs that offer ongoing support and teach healthy eating and lifestyle habits can be beneficial for long-term weight loss. However, not all weight loss programs are created equal, and there are just as many unsafe ones as there are good ones. Avoid programs that promise rapid weight loss, targeted fat loss in a certain part of the body, or make claims that seem too good to be true. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine an effective yet safe weight loss program for you.
What is the most effective weight loss treatment?
The most effective approach to weight loss involves a combination of healthful eating, exercise, and other lifestyle changes, such as stress management and adequate sleep each night.
Is there a free weight loss program?
Several apps, such as Cronometer, offer free versions that allow you to set calorie goals and track exercise and nutrition. For more support and guidance, several weight loss programs, such as Noom, Future, and Nutrisystem, offer free trials or money-back guarantees.
What should I do if I cannot lose weight?
If you’ve made diet and lifestyle changes and are still having trouble losing weight, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor or registered dietitian. A doctor can perform a thorough evaluation, review your medications, and check for underlying health conditions that may hinder weight loss or cause weight gain. A registered dietitian can personalize your plan based on your medical history, your individual needs, and your lifestyle.
What does a commercial weight loss program typically not provide?
While some weight loss programs offer health coaching, most commercial weight loss programs do not provide ongoing coaching with a registered dietitian licensed to provide medical nutrition therapy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Dr. Robert Wildman, PhD, RD, LD, CISSN, FISSN
Dr. Robert Wildman (“Dr. Rob”) is a globally renowned exercise, fitness, and nutrition expert who speaks around the world on exercise and sports nutrition and continues to work with professional and elite athletes to achieve their highest level of performance as well as health and fitness. Rob received his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, earned his MS from Florida State University, and earned his BS from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a registered and licensed dietitian. He is the author of The Nutritionist: Food, Nutrition and Optimal Health and the creator of TheNutritionDr.com.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly Uhler has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Amanda Dvorak
Amanda has been writing fitness and nutrition content for over three years. She played softball throughout her childhood and started doing CrossFit in 2015. While she still enjoys doing CrossFit workouts in her garage gym, she also loves lifting heavy weights, running, and hiking. Amanda is currently studying to become a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Lindsey DeSoto, RDN, LD
Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer
About Author
Lindsey DeSoto is an experienced registered dietitian who enjoys staying up to date on the latest research and sharing her knowledge through writing. Her writing and expertise have been featured in various publications, including Verywell Health, Medical News Today, Health, and CNBC.