For most people, losing weight isn’t as simple as changing up your diet and starting to work out more. A lot of people need the extra motivation and inspiration that comes from connecting with others, working with a specific plan, and speaking to experts about the best course of action for them. These people usually turn to more interactive programs, something like Weight Watchers. But if you can’t imagine making the in-person meetings, then you might want to check out something a little more convenient for a busier lifestyle. Enter Noom, a diet app that has been referred to as the Weight Watchers for millennials.
Noom is only one of many diet and healthy lifestyle apps and programs out there that promise to help people lose weight, get fit, and complete their goals in a certain amount of time. It’s designed to make doing all of that easier, and it’s all accessible through a smartphone. Like any diet program out there, Noom comes with a lot of questions that you’ll want answered before you start using it. After all, people might be going totally bonkers over this app, but it’s still worth looking into!
What exactly is Noom?
According to their website, “Noom uses cutting-edge technology to accurately monitor your progress and provide expert advice and analysis to keep you on track.” Basically, the app gives you 24/7 access to nutritionists and a health coach, all of whom will help you hit your personal goal in 16 weeks.
Once you download the app and sign up, you answer a bunch of personal questions about your weight and weight loss journey so far. The app then uses all of this info to compile together a 16-week nutrition plan specifically for you.
While using the app, you’ll be doing things like documenting your workouts and your food intake, as well as counting calories. You’ll also be encouraged to read nutrition and health articles, and to take quizzes about them so that you can really get an idea of what you’re doing to change your body.
Noom also features a cool color-coding system that helps you figure out which foods are great and which aren’t. When you log your food, the app will either label it green, yellow, or red. Red foods are “bad,” while green foods are “good.” It’s a good way to remind yourself what to keep eating more of and what to not eat so much of.
Not only can you connect with nutritionists and your health coach, but you also get to chat with other Noom users as well, making it super interactive.
Okay, but how much is it going to cost you?
Of course, like any other diet program out there, Noom costs money. You can do a free one-week trial to test it out, and then after that it’s $44.99 each month. While this might sound like a lot to pay for an app, keep in mind that it’s an app that’s connecting you with nutritionists, something that can be much more costly than that. You’re also getting a personalized nutrition plan, which is never going to be free.
I started it at Thanksgiving. I feel like it gets a lot better after the trial. But I also really dig the science of weight loss/lifestyle. Also, for the first time, I’ve been able to take, and keep, this extra weight off. And that is over the holidays.
— Juli (@JuliOnTheMove) December 31, 2018
What’s the benefit of Noom over something else?
There are obviously tons of diet programs and plans out there worth looking into, so many wonder what makes Noom different… and what makes Noom different from Weight Watchers? The biggest difference seems to be how interactive it is. Noom makes it easy for you to connect with nutritionists and others any time of the day you want, without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
If you compare Noom to diet programs created by health bloggers, it’s different because it gives you a nutrition plan based on your individual needs and preferences — not just the same plan for everyone. Noom also gives encouragement through the form of motivational texts from your health coach and notifications from the app. It strives to help you learn more through health articles.
Does Noom really work?
So here’s the big question: does it actually work? That’s one of the most important things to consider! One study from 2016 looked at 35,921 Noom users over nine months and found that more than 77 percent of them lost weight. But what do users think? Some say that they love how it holds you accountable.
Also back to logging meals and exercise and weigh-Ins on #Noom
— Ruby Letters (@Rubyletters) January 7, 2019
Being accountable (even if just to me) always works 🙂
Some say it’s helped them actually lose weight.
Not all the reviews are great, though. Some users don’t love all of the reminders and notes from their health coach.
I met my goal coach today. Super perky. Sent me a 4 text thing to get 1 thought across. Oh yeah, I am going to rage quit this app before that trial period ends.
— Wrath ain't got a penny for you, EM. Get your own (@Amiewriter) January 1, 2019
Some say that the app charges too much:
BEWARE: NOOM APP Review | Watch This Before You Buy https://t.co/RIWUc7o6ar via @YouTube
— janice mckinnie (@jbmmills) January 7, 2019
How do you know if it’s a good fit for you?
Like any diet program, Noom won’t work for everyone. Here’s who it seems like it would be best for: people who are okay with counting calories and keeping track of all the food they eat, all day long; people who need extra motivation and encouragement from a coach and don’t mind lots of reminders; and people who need a concrete nutrition plan to be able to eat better. If you’re looking for something free, more low-key, and less based on logging food, Noom might not be for you.
All in all, it’s definitely an interesting app to take into consideration if you’re trying to lose weight. The trial alone seems worth it!
