The 5 best weight loss apps, reviewed by a registered dietitian

With the availability of numerous weight loss apps, achieving your health goals has become more convenient than ever. However, not all weight loss apps are created equal. While research supports that mobile apps can effectively aid in weight loss while reducing costs, some may set unrealistic expectations, potentially leading to frustration and failure.

To help you find the best fit, our team reviewed and tested many popular weight loss apps. We assessed each app based on usability, long-term sustainability, and customization options. Below is our selection of the top weight loss apps for 2024, as rated by our expert team.

How We Evaluate Nutrition Programs

Choosing the right nutrition plan can significantly impact your health and energy. With countless programs available online, finding the best one can be overwhelming. Here’s how we assess the value of a program:

  • Expert Analysis: Every review includes insights from certified nutritionists or registered dietitians.
  • Fact-Checked Information: Qualified experts verify the data to ensure reliability.

Note: This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for professional guidance.

Top Weight Loss Apps for 2024

  • Best Overall: Noom
  • Best for Strength Training: BetterMe
  • Best for Women Over 40: Reverse Health
  • Best Free Option: Simple
  • Best Fasting App: Lumen
  • Best for Android: Caliber
  • Best for Exercise Routines: Future
  • Best for iPhone: Perfect Body
  • Best for Beginners: DoFasting

Noom – Best Overall

Noom is a psychology-based weight loss app that offers personalized coaching, interactive daily lessons, and community support. It aims to help users develop healthier habits through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Our tester found Noom easy to navigate and appreciated the daily lessons. While the monthly fee is higher than some competitors at $70 per month, committing to a four-month membership ($169) offers nearly 40% savings.

Pros:

  • Personalized coaching
  • No food restrictions
  • Focuses on behavior change
  • Daily lessons are highly engaging
  • 7- or 14-day trial period available

Cons:

  • Food logging can be time-consuming
  • Monthly fees are higher than similar apps
  • No personalized meal/exercise plans included

BetterMe – Best for Strength Training

BetterMe combines strength training with nutrition, offering a wide range of exercises targeting different areas of the body. It also includes meal planning advice, making it ideal for users looking to integrate fitness and nutrition.

Pros:

  • Large exercise library
  • Meal planning tips
  • Personalized experience based on user data

Cons:

  • The app gets more expensive with add-ons (like coaching)
  • Price inconsistencies between the app and website

Reverse Health – Best for Women Over 40

Designed for women experiencing menopausal changes, Reverse Health focuses on reducing symptoms like weight gain, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. It offers a tailored meal plan, Pilates exercises, and a 14-day menopause diet.

Pros:

  • Customized for menopausal health
  • Over 100 low-impact exercises
  • Personalized meal plans

Cons:

  • Pricier than other options
  • Requires meal tracking

Simple – Best Free Weight Loss App

Simple is an intermittent fasting app that helps users track meals and build healthier eating habits without calorie counting. It offers more features than most free apps, including fasting reminders and nutrition education.

Pros:

  • Large library of educational content
  • Fasting tracker on the lock screen
  • Free version includes multiple features

Cons:

  • No personalized coaching
  • Portion sizes are not considered in nutrition scores

Lumen – Best Fasting App for Weight Loss

Lumen offers a unique approach by measuring metabolism through breath analysis to optimize weight loss through intermittent fasting. It requires both a device and a subscription, but it provides personalized meal recommendations based on metabolism data.

Pros:

  • Tracks metabolism and macros
  • Helps optimize fasting windows
  • Provides personalized meal plans

Cons:

  • Expensive due to device and subscription
  • Time-consuming meal and macro tracking

Each of these apps caters to different user preferences and goals. Whether you’re focusing on strength training, metabolic health, or just starting your weight loss journey, there’s an app designed to meet your needs.