- We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the best weight loss programs and consulting with 20 health experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated each diet plan by subscribing as members, using the app to track food and other important metrics, testing recipes and food products, and participating in online coaching sessions.
- Registered and licensed dietitian Jillian Allen reviewed the results of our testing and research, which was fact-checked by registered and licensed dietitian Lindsey DeSoto.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations, including sustainability, food quality, value for price, and additional platform features.
- Learn more about how we tested weight loss programs.
Key takeaways
- Noom is our top choice for the best weight loss programs because of the sustainable approach it takes to weight loss, focusing on education and habit changes aimed to set up members for continued success.
- The weight loss platforms in this article cost between $17.50 and $339.99 per month.
- When choosing a weight loss plan, look for options that have educational tools, offer support from credentialed health professionals, and promote sustainable changes.
Everyone can benefit from support and resources to achieve specific goals in life, and losing weight to better your health is no different. A weight loss plan is one tool to help you achieve your health goals. Unlike fad diets that mainly focus on specific eating guidelines, the best weight loss programs offer comprehensive support, including meal plans, exercise instructions, and sometimes counseling, which can provide the structured support needed for effective weight management.
Of course, weight loss programs may not be right for everyone, and you should always consult with your doctor to develop a plan for losing weight that’s right for you. Our Handbook Team has researched and tested a number of programs to find out the potential benefits and if the program is worth the hundreds of dollars you’ll pay in annual membership fees. We also consulted with multiple registered dietitians to recommend the best weight loss programs offering accurate and effective nutritional and weight loss strategies, such as moderate portion sizes. We’re here to provide unbiased information so you can make a knowledgeable decision for sustainable health. Here’s what we learned about the best weight loss programs of 2024.
Our picks of the best weight loss programs
- Noom: Best overall
- Simple: Best for beginners
- Reverse Health: Best for women over 40
- BetterMe: Best for fitness
- Mayo Clinic Diet: Best for flexibility
- Nutrisystem: Best for convenience
- DoFasting: Best for intermittent fasting beginners
- Weight Watchers: Best affordable program
The best weight loss programs reviews: costs, features, pros and cons
Best overall: Noom
Features
- Food and activity tracking.
- Recipes.
- Daily lessons and tips for overall health and mental wellness.
- Online communities for extra support.
- Our experience: In addition to testing, we surveyed 600 people about their experiences using Noom and other weight loss programs. We learned that users find the app very user-friendly, and the positive tone and focus on mindset helped set them up for long-term success. Some users mentioned the education provided by Noom, stating they learned a lot about themselves and nutrition while using the program.
Membership options
- Noom offers a monthly auto-renewing plan for $70. Members who commit to more than a month at a time will pay less per month. For example, a two-month auto-renewing plan costs $129 for both months, and a six-month auto-renewing plan costs $179 for all six months.
Pros & cons of Noom
Insights from our Noom testers
We found the daily lessons, which you complete in a prescribed order, to be very helpful. We especially enjoyed the short course on the psychology behind weight loss and how to establish healthy habits around eating, exercise, stress reduction, sleep, and staying motivated along the way.
We also appreciated the thoughtful approach and slower start of Noom compared to other weight loss programs. Rather than jumping into food tracking and daily weigh-ins, the app took us through lessons and questions centered on why we wanted to lose weight. On day two of the program, one tester shared the following feedback:
“I definitely sense a lot of patience coming from this program. I’ve wondered why they haven’t told me to log in meals or track water intake yet, and it’s because this program goes at a slower pace than what I’ve seen in other weight loss programs.”
An overview of the start of Noom
However, we didn’t like the rigid categorization of foods and the calorie limits placed on each one. Noom splits foods into three colors (green, yellow, and orange) based on nutrition and calorie content, and you get a certain calorie allotment for each category. Fruits and vegetables are generally listed as green, protein is in the yellow category, and high-calorie foods, like sweets and fats, are in the orange category.
This delineation of three categories is a better system than some programs like WW, for example, which lumps everything into a system of points without explaining the nutrition behind it. We did find the calorie limit that counts down with every food you eat to be anxiety-provoking, though. The Handbook Team doesn’t recommend this system for anyone with a history of eating disorders, as the laser focus on calorie intake could exacerbate disordered eating behaviors.
From our tester
“Although Noom states that foods shouldn’t be labeled as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ it does set up a system that separates foods. This encourages people to see them in a negative or positive light.”
Noom app showing food log and categories
Strict language regarding food intake can be risky for anyone who has a history of disordered eating or a negative relationship with food, both of which are common struggles for people who are overweight or obese.
Emily Norman, a registered dietitian with Pay It Forward Fertility, warns that this type of language is one of the red flags to avoid when shopping for a weight loss program. “A program should not make you feel shameful or guilty for your past food history, dietary recalls, or eating preferences,” she says.
Noom doesn’t provide any branded foods, which lowers the cost since those sold by other weight loss programs (such as Nutrisystem) tend to be pricey. We found the app hard to use to filter recipes according to preferences and meal type, but once we found recipes to try, we appreciated the easy ingredient list and instructions and enjoyed the final result.
Overall, we like Noom as a sustainable weight loss solution but don’t recommend it for first-timers because it doesn’t create the same educational foundation around weight loss as the Mayo Clinic Diet. We also don’t recommend it for those with a history of disordered eating
Why we chose Noom as best overall
We chose Noom as the best overall weight loss app because it is a comprehensive weight loss program focused on mindset and education that sets users up for continued success and sustainable weight loss even after the program ends.
Our focus group members also reported positive experiences with Noom, especially the platform’s ongoing education.
From our focus group:
“I liked Noom because while you are tracking your calories, you also have daily lessons basically, and (learn the) psychology and the motivations behind your behavior, like why you overeat (…) I felt like tracking my calories with the added bonus of learning the psychology behind weight loss and weight gain was really important and definitely influenced a lot of the weight loss that I experienced.”
Who should consider Noom: Someone with weight loss goals who also wants to make habit changes that will carry them through the rest of their life will appreciate the educational resources included in the Noom program.
Who should consider other options: Because this program rates the food you eat as green, yellow, or orange, users who struggle with disordered eating and restriction may consider avoiding this app.
From one of our health experts: According to Kelsey Latimer, PhD, Noom users should be aware that Noom’s separation of food into color categories (green, yellow, and orange) can lead to a negative relationship with food. Additionally, she cautions that weighing yourself every day can impact your mental health.
Noom is a weight loss platform that includes food and health tracking, motivational lessons, coaching, and online communities to help you reach your weight goals. We liked the slower pace of this program compared to others, with a focus on learning more about your own weight loss journey rather than just setting a goal to reach a given size. The daily lessons emphasize setting realistic goals you can reach, celebrating small successes along the way, educating yourself on healthy habits, and getting more support when you need it.
In addition to the services offered with every Noom subscription, you can add the below extras. Prices of the add-ons vary depending on your personal plan:
- Personal behavior coaching and 1:1 weekly sessions.
- Custom meal plan.
- Custom workout plan.
- Body composition scale.
Noom coaches aren’t credentialed health professionals, so they can provide motivational support but not medical or nutrition advice. We had a hard time getting timely responses from both customer service and the coaches, and multiple testers found that the customer service chat wasn’t able to answer questions.
Nevertheless, we like that this program has a greater focus on mental health as an important part of weight loss than other programs we tested. Some of the lessons seemed elementary, but we enjoyed the upbeat tone and positivity.
Read our in-depth Noom review to learn more.
Best for beginners: Simple
Why we chose Simple as best for beginners
We chose Simple as best for beginners because it is a user-friendly, app-based weight loss program focused on one new habit: adopting intermittent fasting. At the same time, users who want to make further changes or learn more about healthy living, can track their meals or upload a picture of their meals to get feedback on improving their nutrition habits. We think the educational content included with this app is easy to digest, making it a good starting point for anyone who wants to lose weight or simply embrace healthier habits.
Who should consider Simple: Simple is a good fit for anyone interested in the health benefits of intermittent fasting.
Who should consider other options: Because Simple is based around fasting, the free version of this app doesn’t provide enough nutrition education for someone looking to make a holistic lifestyle change.
Simple is an intermittent fasting app that allows users to choose a fasting window. As part of the app-based program, you will receive notifications reminding you when your fasting window begins and ends. This app’s free version also includes tracking water and calorie intake. Users who upgrade to the premium membership with Simple will have access to their food scanner with AI-powered nutrition feedback. This feedback is given in the form of a nutrition score and includes feedback on what could be improved about your meal. There is also an option to select “get alternatives” and receive specific ideas for more nutritious meals that match your individual preferences.
Learn more about intermittent fasting in our roundup of the best intermittent fasting apps.
Best for women over 40: Reverse Health
Why we chose Reverse Health as best for women over 40
We chose Reverse Health as the best option for women over 40 since the program focuses on working with women’s physiology, especially during perimenopause or menopause, when hormone changes can affect metabolism, leading to weight gain. We also like the program for its strong online community from the active, private Facebook group it includes. Our tester noted that this was a major strength of the program, with Reverse Health staff answering questions and keeping the conversation going in the Facebook group.
We believe one of the most positive aspects of this program is that it takes a balanced and sustainable approach to weight loss, with meals focusing more on making sound nutritional choices rather than just consuming fewer calories. The education provided through video coaching was something we liked about this app, with the co-founder of the program appearing in many of the videos, providing advice for habit changes that can be continued after the program ends.
Who should consider Reverse Health: Since Reverse Health members have access to a Facebook group, this is a great fit for someone who benefits from accountability and support to make lasting health changes.
Who should consider other options: The exercise advice and instruction included in this program are very limited, so it isn’t a good choice for someone looking for a comprehensive workout as part of a weight loss program.
We recommend Reverse Health as a great weight loss option for anyone who wants to learn more about nutrition, specifically focused on women’s health. Because of the community included in the program, as well as the educational modules, it’s a particularly good choice for those who want a structured plan with accountability from peers. If an app-based program like Reverse Health appeals to you, check out our round-up of the best weight loss apps.
Best for flexibility: Mayo Clinic Diet
Features
- Customizable meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists.
- Educational articles and videos.
- At-home workouts.
- Our experience: Because the Mayo Clinic diet focuses on habit changes, portion control, and nutrition education, while emphasizing that no foods are “off-limits,” we feel it is the best weight loss program for flexibility. Our testers appreciated how their approach to making long-term lifestyle changes like moving more and eating more fruits and veggies helped keep them out of a deprivation mindset while still encouraging them to live healthier lives.
Membership options
- Month-to-month membership: Mayo Clinic offers members the option to pay monthly but offers a discount when they commit to multiple months upfront. A 12-month plan costs $19.99 per month, a six-month plan costs $29.99 per month, and a three-month plan costs $39.99 per month.
- Pay-in-full membership: Members who pay in full are offered an additional discount on their membership. Paying upfront for a three-month plan costs $99.99, which is an additional savings of $20, while paying upfront for a 12-month plan costs $199.99, which is an additional savings of $40.
Pros & cons of Mayo Clinic Diet
Insights from our Mayo Clinic Diet Testers
It can be hard to know what to eat and how much when you set out to lose weight, but the Mayo Clinic program provides plenty of help with that. It gives you a calorie level for weight loss built into your meal plan and recipes to go with it. Calorie levels vary greatly from person to person, but are based on factors such as age, gender, and activity level.
Meals for each day are listed in the app, and you simply check off each meal after you’ve eaten it rather than entering every food from that meal, as you would with most other food tracking apps.
-
- Tracking food in the Mayo Clinic Diet app
-
- Mayo Clinic Diet app
The app also gives you a workout plan to follow with exercises you can do at home using little or no equipment.
Mayo Clinic Diet app workouts
We also like the easy-to-apply nutrition content in the app, such as the picture of what our plate should look like.
Another aspect we find helpful is the Habit Optimizer, a list that lets you see which healthy habits you’re establishing and which not-so-healthy ones you can change. Some of the habits to “break” are more realistic than others—nixing TV during meals is doable, but cutting out any snack that’s not a fruit or vegetable probably isn’t sustainable for most people.
Here are the habits to “make” and those to “break” on the plan:
- Five to make: Eat a healthy breakfast, eat vegetables and fruit, eat whole grains, eat healthy fats, and move 30 minutes each day.
- Five to break: Eating while watching TV, consuming sugar or alcohol, snacking (with the exception of vegetables and fruits), eating meat and dairy frequently, and dining out (unless a restaurant meal fits into your meal plan).
- Five bonus habits: Eat ‘real food,’ keep food records, keep activity records, move 60 minutes each day, and write your daily goals.
One concern we do have is the first two weeks of the program, called Quick Start, designed to help you lose six to 10 pounds in the first two weeks. That’s more than the one to two pounds per week recommended by the USDA for sustainable weight loss.
But a person who is overweight and normally eats a high-carb standard American diet will likely lose that much weight in the first couple of weeks simply by following a healthier diet like one of the Mayo Clinic’s meal plans, which are naturally lower in carbs.
A change to a diet that’s lower in calories and carbs (even if the carbs aren’t low enough to switch your metabolism to ketosis) will result in lost water weight. After that, if you continue with the diet, you should begin to see fat loss as well.
Overall, we found the Mayo Clinic Diet to be an excellent balance of guidance from educational content, meal planning, and establishment of healthy habits, along with the flexibility to adjust your meal and exercise plan according to your preferences and goals.
From our tester
“This is a really good weight loss plan for total beginners or young folks who don’t have an education in nutrition, cooking, and staples of a healthy lifestyle.”
Why we chose the Mayo Clinic Diet as best for flexibility
We chose the Mayo Clinic Diet because it was developed by a team of doctors, dietitians, and psychologists as a way to teach people healthy habits with a 12-week program, enabling them to lose weight and keep it off for the long run. Clinical studies have found that this length of time is reasonable for participants to see changes in body weight and composition.
Who should consider Mayo Clinic Diet: Since the Mayo Clinic Diet is developed by medical professionals, it is a good choice for someone with specific dietary needs who desires to lose weight.
Who should consider other options: As part of their Quick Start feature, Mayo Clinic Diet markets the possibility of six to 10 pounds of weight loss in two weeks, which is faster weight loss than is generally considered healthy. This may be triggering for individuals who have previously struggled with yo-yo dieting or extreme, restrictive diets.
The program offers six meal plans that you can choose from based on your food preferences and health needs, including a low-carb plan and three gluten-free options. This is a huge plus for many people: Our survey of 600 weight loss program users found that 57 percent wanted a program to help them with meal planning.
From one of our health experts:
According to Keith Ayoob, pediatric nutritionist and clinical practitioner at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the recipes provided by the Mayo Clinic Diet are realistic and can appeal to many tastes, but they also encourage experimentation. This is very important if you’ll be on a diet for an extended length of time.
We recommend the Mayo Clinic Diet as a great weight loss option for anyone wanting to lose weight. It’s a particularly good choice for those who may want or need the flexibility of following a specific diet, such as gluten-free or vegan, but offers a wide range of solid benefits for everyone.
Read our in-depth Mayo Clinic Diet review to learn more.
Best for fitness: BetterMe
Features
- Customizable meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists.
- Over 1,500 workout videos and meal plans
- 1-on-1 coaching at added cost
- Our experience: Our testers found BetterMe to be very comprehensive and goal-focused. We like how easy it is to tailor meals for specific dietary restrictions, like diabetes, and the range of workout options that suit every need.
Membership options
BetterMe: Health Coaching: The BetterMe app is a weight loss app that includes over 1,500 workouts, educational articles, and meal plans. This plan costs $20 each month.
Pros & cons of BetterMe
Insights from our BetterMe Testers
We are impressed with the BetterMe app’s wide range of content, including its highly detailed introduction quiz, which discusses topics like back and joint pain, medical conditions, and goal-setting. The app immediately flagged when we attempted to set an unhealthy weight loss goal, and using data from other users, it gave us a reasonable timeline for meeting a revised, healthy goal.
Similar to Noom, BetterMe takes a more holistic approach to weight loss and health, including a feature called “Start with your mind.” Through this program, users receive daily educational content to either listen to or read, which provides coaching about topics like all-or-nothing mentalities and focusing on more than just the number on the scale. The BetterMe app easily pairs with your calendar and any other health-tracking apps you may have. One nice feature of pairing BetterMe with your calendar is using the platform to schedule workouts, track meals, and other information.
The BetterMe app encourages you to schedule your workouts in advance.
One of the BetterMe app’s biggest drawbacks was meal tracking. There is no barcode scanner, so tracking everything can quickly become difficult when users eat outside the meal plan.
From our BetterMe tester
“It was really easy to log meals if you were following a meal plan (you just clicked log meal). Manual entry I found a bit harder; it was easy enough to navigate, but I don’t think the app auto-filled with options as quickly as some other apps I’ve tried. And you had to input the serving size, how many servings you’d had, etc all separately.”
Meal tracking on BetterMe is easy if you follow the prescribed plan.
While we really like the ability to customize our diet through BetterMe, the app is most impressive when used to meet fitness goals. When looking for a workout while traveling, our tester discovered multiple options suited to her needs, including no equipment, 30 minutes or less, low-impact, and more.
From our BetterMe tester:
“The workouts were guided through a video. The instructors were mainly fit women, but if I chose a ‘body positive’ workout, there would be a plus-size instructor, and senior instructors led the senior workout. You could also download each workout to your phone, so you could do them on the go, which I liked.”
Our tester also took a 30-minute, one-on-one session with a trainer through the app. The trainer conducted the session through a video call, where they could customize the workout based on the equipment available and our tester’s fitness level, offering modifications when necessary.
We found BetterMe’s AI “Determine your fitness” feature to be an impressive addition. Our tester held a plank in front of the camera, and the app marked when her form became fatigued. Our tester felt this was surprisingly accurate, and it could be motivating to continue to improve your fitness. Overall, we feel the program’s ample features combine to make it worthwhile.
Why we chose the BetterMe as best for fitness
We chose BetterMe as the best fitness and weight loss program because it includes over 1,500 workout videos that suit a wide variety of body types and health needs. During sign-up, our tester noted that BetterMe gathers enough information to recommend the best plan for each person. For example, our tester was asked about health conditions that might affect what they can or should eat, mobility issues, and chronic pain. These details were then used to suggest a custom meal plan and workout program.
Who should consider BetterMe: Anyone who wants a program that works with their current lifestyle and dietary restrictions while helping to improve their fitness will appreciate BetterMe.
Who should consider other options: Those who want to track their food intake without following the BetterMe meal plan will find the process time-consuming, and can easily find more user-friendly options.
The BetterMe program includes 24 different meal plans, including high-protein, diabetes-friendly, and egg-free options. This is a big perk for anyone looking for the ease of a meal plan but struggling to find an option that works with their specific dietary restrictions.
From one of our testers:
“The ‘start with your mind’ feature is also a nice way to start each day, remembering that a positive mindset can help you meet your goals. Generally, I think it’s worth at least the one-week free trial to see if the app could work for you.”
We recommend BetterMe as a fitness app for anyone looking for extra support during weight loss or interested in improving their overall fitness. It’s a great choice for someone who wants to work out at home, as the app offers countless equipment-free workouts.
Best program for convenience: Nutrisystem
Why we chose Nutrisystem as best for convenience
We chose Nutrisystem as the best for convenience because this weight loss program has multiple prepared meal delivery options available. We appreciate that Nutrisystem is built with busy people in mind, cutting out the time spent planning, shopping, and cooking with pre-portioned meals that can be reheated in the microwave.
Who should consider Nutrisystem: Nutrisystem is a good fit for someone who wants to lose weight but doesn’t have much time in their schedule for shopping and meal prep.
Who should consider other options: Because this is a prepared meal delivery service, it is the highest priced on this list, and won’t be a good fit for someone operating on a strict budget.
Nutrisystem has been around since 1975, when it introduced one of the first calorie-controlled meal delivery programs. It still works the same way, with meals, snacks, and shakes delivered to your door. One thing that has changed since Nutrisystem’s founding is the introduction of its app, Numi. Our testers used the app to track the meals they tried and explored recipes when they wanted to cook instead. The app, website, and meal packages provide detailed nutrition information, and it is relatively easy to choose meals and snacks that are suited to specific lifestyle needs such as diabetes. It is worth noting that choices for Celiac or gluten sensitivity are limited.
Our testers say that some of the meals they have tried so far lacked flavor. For example, the breakfast sandwiches were bland and easy to replicate with groceries one of our testers already had on hand (and their version tasted better). When it came time for lunch, microwaving the packaged hamburger resulted in a soggy bun and chewy patty with very little flavor. Overall, the boring nature of the meals combined with small, low-calorie portions left our testers unsatisfied and wanting more.
Nutrisystem is a full-service weight loss program with a price tag to match. However, when we looked at Nutrisystem with our standard of slow and sustainable weight loss in mind, the program didn’t pass the test. The extremely small portion sizes left our tester hungry. While convenient, prepackaged meals don’t teach individuals much about preparing balanced meals once they leave the program. Additionally, promises of rapid weight loss concern us about how healthy this program really is for its users.
Learn more in our Nutrisystem review.
Best for intermittent fasting beginners: DoFasting
Why we chose DoFasting as best for intermittent fasting beginners
We chose DoFasting as best for intermittent fasting beginners because this weight loss app guides you in following an intermittent fasting schedule. Intermittent fasting is a system of eating during a set window of time each 24-hour period and fasting for the rest of the time. Intermittent fasting has been shown to support weight loss and lower blood lipid levels and blood pressure. DoFasting allows you to set a timer for fasting and eating, track food intake, and track weight.
Who should consider DoFasting: Someone who wants to try intermittent fasting for the first time will appreciate the extra guidance DoFasting provides.
Who should consider other options: We feel the longer fasting windows should be avoided by anyone who hasn’t consulted with a dietitian first.
The program offers fasting schedules that range between 12 and 72 hours. Our testers found that fasting for 12 hours was easy, as most of the fast happened at night while they slept. But the 16- and 18-hour fast was much harder to stick with due to blood sugar drops that caused mood swings and uncomfortable hunger pangs. All of the testers opted out of trying the 20-hour fast.
Learn more in our DoFasting review.
Best affordable program: Weight Watchers
Why we chose Weight Watchers as best affordable program
We chose Weight Watchers as the best affordable program for weight loss because we feel the simplified food tracking system combined with the support groups and workshops are a good value at the price of $23 per month for someone looking to lose weight.
Who should consider Weight Watchers: Because WW takes an approach to weight loss that doesn’t require exercise, it is a good fit for someone who is too busy to comply with a more comprehensive weight loss plan.
Who should consider other options: We found the approach to weight loss doesn’t promote lifestyle changes, so this program isn’t a good fit for someone who wants to make long term changes like increasing physical activity or learning to cook balanced meals.
WeightWatchers is a weight loss program based on a simplified food tracking system and support offered through coaching and member groups. However, it doesn’t provide much in the way of nutrition education or tips for maintaining healthy eating habits once you end your membership.
From one of our health experts:
According to Chrissy Arsenault, registered dietitian, the points systems provided by WW can be helpful for some, but it can also be complex and time-consuming to track every food item. This complexity may deter some individuals.
Read our WeightWatchers review to learn more.
How we test and choose the best weight loss programs
A nutritious diet, characterized by eating a variety of foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with lean protein, is linked to improved overall physical and mental health. The health benefits of a healthy diet include decreased risk of diabetes and heart disease and greater longevity, according to the World Health Organization. Similarly, WHO states that regular physical activity is associated with improved mental health along with the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Our weight loss program testing experience
Our Handbook Team members subscribed to nine top weight loss programs as mystery shoppers. During that time, we did the following:
Subscribe as a new member.
Download the app.
Use the program to track food, activity, sleep, and weight.
Follow weight loss advice included in the program.
Test food products and recipes.
Contact customer support with questions.
Participate in online forums, coaching sessions, and workshops.
Explore the website for articles, recipes, and educational content.
Talk to other members for their experience.
By becoming familiar with the websites and apps of each program and using them as a normal customer would, we were able to gain a detailed view of how easy (or hard) it was to follow the program in daily life.
Participating in online member communities and coaching sessions gave us insight into the type of support each program offered. And our focus groups and interviews with doctors, dietitians, nutritionists, and mental health experts helped us learn more about the connections between weight loss, physical health, and mental health.
One detail we focused on was the sustainability of each program. It’s vital that a successful weight loss program teaches you how to establish and maintain healthy habits for long-term weight loss, and not all companies are standouts at this skill.
From our tester
“There was a pattern in our research of people joining and losing weight, falling back into old patterns, regaining weight and coming back full circle.”
Our testing results, experiences of other customers compiled from interviews and surveys, and professional opinions of health experts have all informed the conclusions we’ve arrived at and share in this review of the best weight loss programs.
Learn more about our healthy living review methodology.
What to consider when choosing a weight loss program
Educational tools.
Support by credentialed health professionals.
Easy-to-use app and website.
Responsive coaches and customer service.
Program that supports positive, sustainable changes.
No quick-fixes or restrictive diets.
Healthy living, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is directly related to mental health and overall wellness. A nutritious diet and healthy portion sizes support strong bones and muscles, combat depression, and lower the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, while regular physical activity can alleviate anxiety and depression and improve sleep.
In some situations, weight loss programs can help you learn more about how nutrition can support your overall health. However, we understand that weight loss is a sensitive topic. Research shows feelings of shame, self-criticism, and social comparison can hinder weight management and eating habits. Some weight loss programs can even intensify these feelings.
If you’re affected by an eating disorder or experience patterns of disordered eating, we suggest talking to a dietitian, therapist, or counselor who specializes in eating disorders before you enroll in any weight loss program.
It’s also important to consider that weight loss programs vary from one to the next, with different tools, support, and methodologies. Choosing the right weight loss program for your needs means finding one that suits your lifestyle, budget, personality, and personal history with food and exercise.
The relationship between weight loss and mental health is often overlooked. For some, weight loss can bring positive experiences of confidence and accomplishment. For others, weight loss can lead to feelings of anxiety, despair, and hopelessness. It is important to consider how your mental health can be affected as you embark on a weight loss journey.
Karin Evans, registered dietitian nutritionist at Top Nutrition Coaching
Our Handbook Team is here to offer guidance and help you find weight loss platforms that are positive, fun to use, and supportive of healthy and steady weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week. When choosing your weight loss program, keep these factors in mind:
Your relationship with food
If you’re affected by an eating disorder or experience patterns of disordered eating, speak with a dietitian, therapist, or counselor who specializes in eating disorders before you enroll in any weight loss program. Those who experience feelings of guilt or shame associated with eating should choose a program that encourages a healthy relationship with food, frequent meals rather than periods of fasting, flexible food choices, and a limited focus on calorie counting.
It’s also important to prioritize a program that provides ongoing coaching for added encouragement and support. “An effective weight loss program should ideally offer behavioral support and coaching to address the emotional and psychological aspects of eating. Look for programs that provide guidance on portion control, mindful eating, and strategies to cope with emotional triggers for overeating,” says Chrissy Arsenault, a registered dietitian at Trainer Academy.
Your knowledge base
Are you familiar with nutrition, exercise, and weight loss strategies? Or do you consider yourself a beginner when it comes to weight loss? Some programs, such as the Mayo Clinic Diet, offer more education and support, making all the difference if you’re new to weight loss.
Eating habits promoted by the program
A quality weight loss program will help you establish healthy eating habits to support you for the rest of your life—something that doesn’t happen with fad dieting. Beware of any system that teaches severe food restriction, labels foods as “good” or “bad,” or doesn’t provide a well-rounded variety of foods in your meal plan.
“Be wary of any programs that promise rapid, unsustainable weight loss or severely restrict entire food groups or certain foods,” says Arensault. “The nutrition plan should promote a focus on nutrient density and incorporate a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Accountability
Having a support system, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a community of like-minded individuals, can make all the difference when you’re trying to lose weight. A program that offers features like regular check-ins, progress tracking, and a supportive community can help keep you motivated and on track.
Personalized coaching can provide even more accountability, as you’ll have someone checking in on you regularly.
Accountability was a topic we discussed at length in our focus group, and for one participant, it extended to the data they received in specific programs. The participant described being “data-driven” both professionally and personally. Focusing on meeting target numbers held them accountable and made the weight loss process a data-based journey.
From our focus group:
“Those calories become like currency to me. Like I can only spend so much in a given day. So the data really holds me accountable.”
Potential risks of using a weight loss program
For some, starting a new weight loss program can carry risks, so it’s always wise to discuss any weight loss plans with a doctor before you begin. Your health care professional can help you assess any threats of complications and monitor your weight loss.
The potential risks of using a weight loss program may include:
- Unhealthy weight loss. Depending on your starting point, your unique body composition, and how your weight loss is calculated through the program you use, it is possible to lose weight at a faster rate than what’s recommended. Doctors typically recommend losing no more than 1-2 pounds per week, with some even recommending a slower rate of 0.5 pounds/week for a more sustainable weight loss. Losing weight quickly can introduce risks such as metabolic changes that could promote weight regain, electrolyte imbalances, blood sugar disruptions, and the loss of muscle mass and bone density.
- Trigger of disordered eating. The National Eating Disorders Collaboration cautions that restrictive dieting is strongly associated with disordered eating. Anyone who has a history of disordered eating or dieting should consult with a doctor before embarking on a weight loss program. Even people without a history of disordered eating can run the risk of becoming fixated on food and eating when embarking on a weight loss program.
- Expenses and ineffectiveness. Some weight loss programs may have steep costs and be ineffective for some individuals. Even if a weight loss program is overall effective for most users, not every person will respond the same way to it.
How much do weight loss programs cost?
The cost of weight loss programs varies widely based on the level of support offered, the credentials of the health professionals offering that support, and whether food is provided with the program. For instance, one of the least expensive programs is DoFasting with an average price of around $12 per month. It’s basically an automated system with little in the way of help from real people or health experts, but if you’re comfortable with a do-it-yourself plan, this is one way to save money.
At the other end of the spectrum is Nutrisystem, a weight loss program that can run up to nearly $400 per month but delivers every meal and snack to your door.
The length of membership you commit to also makes a big difference in the monthly cost for some programs. For instance, Noom charges $70 per month if you sign up for only one month, but $17.50 per month if you subscribe and pay for 12 months at a time.
How to save money on weight loss programs
Joining a weight loss program doesn’t have to break the budget. Even the most expensive weight loss program can offer deals that make it more affordable. Some ways to save money on your weight loss program include:
- Free trials: Many weight loss programs offer free trials for new users. This is a low-risk way to try a program out, so you know you’re not spending money on something that isn’t a great fit.
- Discounts: Some weight loss programs offer discounts periodically or send promotions to users who have looked at signing up but never made the commitment. Consider signing up for the email newsletters associated with the program you’re interested in and watching your inbox for promotions.
- Insurance: A workplace-sponsored insurance plan may cover the cost of a weight loss program. Noom, Nutrisystem, and Weight Watchers are all partnered with some insurance plans.
- Packages: The length of your membership can affect your overall cost. Typically, weight loss programs offer a discount to users who commit for a longer length of time. You can expect to spend more upfront, but your monthly cost will be lower than if you paid month-to-month.
How to use a weight loss program sustainably
An extreme diet, requiring very low calorie consumption, removing entire food groups, and participating in several hours of physical activity each week may result in quick weight loss, but it is rarely sustainable and eventually leads to weight gain. The best diet promotes making realistic lifestyle changes that result in slow but steady weight loss. In order to be sustainable, it should be possible to maintain weight loss after the program is ended.
What is the difference between a diet and a weight loss program?
Weight loss programs and diets have several differences. Diets typically focus on following specific nutritional guidelines, such as the ketogenic diet’s high-fat, low-carb food plan, or the Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. In contrast, weight loss programs often offer a more comprehensive package, including meal plans, exercise routines, and support from professionals or a community. People may choose a weight loss program over a simple diet because they provide structured plans, motivational support, and accountability, which can be crucial for long-term success.
Popular diets for weight loss
- Keto Diet: Following this high-fat, low-carb diet encourages the body to enter a metabolic state known as ketosis. Because the body burns more fat instead of carbohydrates, the keto diet can cause weight loss.
- Flexitarian Diet: Flexitarians are flexible vegetarians who focus on increasing their intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while decreasing their meat consumption. For some people, reducing their meat intake may also lower their calorie intake, resulting in weight loss.
- Mediterranean Diet: The Mediterranean diet encourages eating more vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. It also recommends sticking to lean meats and fish, eliminating red meat, and reducing dairy intake.
- Volumetrics: Individuals who want to eat more food while dieting may turn to a volumetrics diet. On this diet, people lose weight without feeling too hungry by eating a large amount of low-calorie foods.
- DASH Diet: This diet is focused on improving overall health by reducing sodium and saturated fat intake. People following the DASH diet are also encouraged to eat a variety of healthy foods including vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean meats.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best weight loss program is Noom, because they are committed to providing a weight loss program with a strong focus on education and long-lasting habit changes that result in sustainable weight. Compared to many of the weight loss programs we reviewed, Noom is a comprehensive program that guides users through making small changes they can maintain, such as increasing their physical activity and swapping out foods for more nutritious options. We feel that Noom is the best diet because it explains why users are encouraged to do certain things, instead of just telling them to eat this or do that, setting each person up for continued success after the program ends.
While Noom is not the lowest-cost program on this list, we still feel it is affordable based on what is offered. Noom costs between $17.50 and $70 a month and often improves affordability by offering free trials and discounts to new users.
Compare the best weight loss programs of 2024
| Starting monthly cost | $17.50 | $17.99 | $24 | $19.99 | $20 | $339.99 | $38 | $23 |
| Services | App-based program; Food and activity tracking; Recipes; Coaching | App-based program, educational content, weekly meal plans | App-based program with meal plans, coaching videos, and online support group. | App and website; 6 meal plans; Recipes and shopping lists; At-home workouts | App-based program | Website and app; Meal delivery; Weight loss program | Website and app; Food and activity tracking; Workout routines; Weekly health report | WW app and website; Online community; 24/7 coaching; Educational content and recipes |
| Key points | Program length: 1–12 months; Focus on mental health | Program length: 1, 3, 6, and 9-month plans; AI health coach; Menu scanner; Nutrition scores | Program length: 1,3, and 6 month plans; focus on improved nutrition instead of calorie restriction | Program length: 3 months; No calorie counting; Focus on education | Weekly, monthly, or 12 week length; 1,500 workouts available | Program length: Monthly; 130+ menu options; Plans start at $11.08/day | Program length: 1, 3 and 6 months; Meal recommendations; Fasting timer; Water tracker | Program length: 3 to 10 months; 3 different plan options |
*These prices often vary based on location and promotions.
Frequently asked questions
The surest and safest way to lose weight is to combine a healthy diet that includes a variety of whole foods with a program of regular exercise. Between the calories you take in with your diet and those you burn through exercise and daily activity, you’ll need to be in a calorie deficit to see weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. This means that you eat fewer calories than your body is burning each day. Adequate protein and fiber intake are also important to help ward off hunger between meals; a dietitian can help you find the right protein level for your body.
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends a weight loss rate of no more than 1–2 pounds per week.
Promises of more than 2 pounds per week of weight loss, a requirement to eat only foods provided by the program, and shaming of food choices or body weight in any way are all things to avoid when shopping for weight loss programs.
Bringing your weight into a healthy range helps both your body and mind. The physical benefits include minimizing your risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure, stroke, and sleep apnea, among other conditions. Even small weight loss, just 5 percent of your body weight, can result in marked improvements in health measures like blood glucose, triglycerides, and inflammation. These are all risk factors for the health conditions listed above, so lowering levels by losing weight also lowers your risk of the chronic diseases associated with obesity. In addition to physical health, research shows that weight loss offers a number of benefits for mental and emotional health.
Sustainable weight loss can be achieved by setting realistic goals that focus on creating healthy habits and making lasting lifestyle changes. To use a weight loss program safely and sustainably, create a plan you can commit to for the long term and reach out to medical professionals, friends, and family for additional support.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 17). Adult obesity facts. Link
- Sarwer, D. B., & Polonsky, H. M. (2016). The psychosocial burden of obesity. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, 45(3), 677–688. Link
- Ramìrez-Velez, R., Izquierdo, M., Kastro-Astrudillo, K., Medrano-Mena, C., Monroy-Dìaz, A.L., Castellanos-Vega, R., et al. Weight loss after 12 weeks of exercise and.or nutritional guidance is not obligatory for induced changes in local fat/lean mass indexes in adults with excess of adiposity. Nutrients. 12(8), 2231. Link
- Standard American diet. NutritionFacts.org. (n.d.). Link
- Mayo Clinic. Eating disorders. Link
- Fiorentino, T.V. (2022) Intermittent fasting and metabolic health. Nutrients. 14(3), 631. Link
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health effects of overweight and obesity. Link
- Magkos F., Fraterrigo G., Yoshino J., Luecking C., Kirbach K., Kelly S.C., et al. (2016) Effects of moderate and progressive subsequent weight loss on metabolic function and adipose tissue in humans with obesity. Cell Metabolism. 23(4), 591-601. Link
- Lasikiewicz L., Myrissa K., Hayland A, & Lawton C.L. (2014). Psychological benefits of weight loss following behavioural and/or dietary weight loss interventions. A systematic research review. 72, 123-137. Link
- Mayo Clinic. Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss. Link
- United States Department of Agriculture. Interested in losing weight? Link
- World Health Organization: WHO. (2019, October 11). Nutrition. Link
- World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, June 26). Physical activity. Link