In addition, registration/sign-in assists in protecting user data privacy and security by granting access to app functionalities. The app can verify the user’s identity and protect their data from unauthorized access or use by requiring users to create a special account. Several studies provide evidence of the effectiveness of sustainable mobile weight management applications and the strategies used to promote long-term behavior change (2). Examined the use of persuasive system design principles and behavior change techniques in electronic health interventions to support weight loss maintenance (5). Interventions that incorporated these principles and techniques were effective in promoting sustained behavior change and improving adherence to healthy lifestyle habits (5).
Features and Costs Comparison
You can also create your own groups around specific themes or areas of interest and add up to 2,000 members. You can use these groups to share anything you want, from healthy recipes to general fitness and diet plans. Because of this, she rated it a 4 out of 5 for features and ease of use, and a 4.5 out of 5 for available stat tracking.
Best Weight Loss Apps in 2025
When you eliminate refined carbs, you get rid of many foods that cause people to gain weight. Although studies on the WW program have focused on changes in weight, some have also reported improvements in health markers. Similarly, vegetarian diets may not improve all heart health markers more than diets that include meat. Like vegan diets, vegetarian diets are typically rich in legumes, grains, and vegetables.
Best for intermittent fasting: Zero
Most weight loss apps unimeal app reviews have basic features, like food, physical activity, and water intake tracking, but there are lots of beneficial components beyond that, too. Carb Manager is a food tracking app geared towards low-carb and keto diets, although you can set your macronutrient goals to your preference. It allows you to track macros, as well as chart weight loss progress and scan in nutrition information through a barcode. The premium option is billed annually, and includes tracking of micronutrients, blood glucose, and access to more recipes. In addition, although the app offers food tracking, step counting, and other features that could help with weight loss, many users have been left disappointed.
Do Weight Loss Apps Really Work?
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey. Jessica is a former writer and editor at Forbes Health with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups.
Best for intuitive eating
In her private practice, she works with women who want to stop dieting and find confidence with food. She has completed and written hundreds of media interviews and freelance articles for top-tier media outlets since becoming a media dietitian. Fruits and vegetables pack significant nutrients, fiber and vitamins, yet often contain fewer calories. Increasing the total volume of food on your plate can help you feel more full if you’re focusing on lower calorie choices. Many apps offer a free version or free trial, so you might try experimenting with a few to see which one, if any, works best for you.
Best Weight Loss Program on a Budget: Yazio
- Although it can be a little pricey, it does offer a wide range of tools and programs to help people make larger life changes.
- It can also help users overcome common barriers to weight loss, such as lack of motivation, time constraints, or confusion about how to track their progress.
- More comprehensive use of evidence-based strategies used in routine behavioral counselling for weight loss should be integrated into apps’ functionality and content.
- The Noom app includes features you’d expect, like a food log, calorie tracker, and activity monitor.
- Beyond direct financial costs, magnetic earrings carry significant opportunity costs.
- In trying to improve the mobile programs, the lab works with Carolina’s Connected Health for Applications & Interventions Core, a resource for campus research groups that creates websites, apps and other digital projects.
Before signing up for a weight loss program, ask yourself why you want to lose weight. The best weight loss programs aren’t designed to help you lose weight quickly, but to develop a more intentional relationship to food that can result in better habits for sustained weight loss. If you’re looking to drop pounds fast, a weight loss program likely isn’t for you. The best weight loss programs provide structure, accountability, and flexibility to an effort that can feel overwhelming. Sustainable weight loss comes via a caloric deficit that’s achievable through a combination of nutrition and exercise, and these plans help give you the tools to find the balance that’s right for you.
Who should use weight loss apps?
Weight loss programs aren’t like a set of the best dumbbells — one is not more expensive than the other because it’s made from better materials. Some of the most effective programs, after all, are also the least expensive. When it comes to weight loss, price tends to depend on how empowered you’d like https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/8-ways-to-lose-belly-fat-and-live-a-healthier-life to be in the process.
Evidence-Based Strategies
“I think it’s important to be flexible and compassionate with yourself during these challenging times,” she added. “You may not be able to eat as well as you’d like or maintain your healthy routines, and that’s alright. As long as you’re putting in some effort — versus none at all — it’s a step in the right direction.” Sticking with a diet can be extremely difficult, especially for those just starting. But one of the best ways to integrate accountability is via a nutrition coach. And these days, the quickest way to nutrition coach-level guidance is through an app on your phone. The app also points out important things to be aware of, including whether or not a product contains added sugars, artificial coloring or sweeteners, or other unhealthy additives.
Data Availability Statement
The team is trying to get as close as possible to the human feedback of in-person programs. In a process refined over years, Nezami said, the team creates algorithms that enable apps to react quickly to user-provided data from activity trackers like Fitbits or devices like smart scales that transmit weight. Unlike with most commercial apps, the team uses the user’s data to create a personalized summary of weekly progress and offer tailored feedback, much like weight-loss coaches do. There are free apps available like MyFitnessPal that can track calories, workouts, and water intake, but if you’re looking for the structure and accountability of a customized nutrition plan you’ll have to open your wallet.