Noom Versus Weight Watchers: Which Is Better For Weight Loss?

According to Statista, over 50% of the U.S. population reported in 2020 that they wanted to lose weight. Whether weight loss is your goal, you're looking for healthier approaches to eating, or both, there is a multitude of options available. Everything from weight loss programs to specific diets can provide you with the support and guidance you need if you are having trouble making changes on your own.

While people often feel the need to lose a lot of weight quickly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that healthy weight loss is about losing weight gradually — one to two pounds per week. It's also important to maintain a lifestyle that includes regular exercise and eating healthy foods. Even a modest weight loss of 5% for someone who is obese can help reduce the risk of serious diseases. It's important to think of weight loss as a journey and take stock of the improvements you make along the way to stay motivated.

Johns Hopkins Medicine says that people who lose a lot of weight often regain it within two or three years. It is easier for many to maintain weight loss and commit to keeping it off through support strategies, such as a weight loss program — but how do you know which program is right for you?

Weight Watchers and Noom are two well-known weight-loss programs. Weight Watchers, also known as WW, has been around since the 1960s. No food is off-limits, but a points system helps guide your food choices with a focus on lower-calorie, nutritious foods. In its latest update, Weight Watchers launched a more personalized experience that includes initial questions about your eating habits and lifestyle. Weight Watchers has several tiered plans, depending on the amount of support you need. At this time, Noom does not offer tiered plans, per Healthline.

Compared to Weight Watchers, Noom takes a more psychological approach to weight loss. According to Healthline, Noom determines your calorie and weight loss goal when you sign up. From there, you receive a daily lesson on food behaviors and a weekly check-in from a Noom health specialist. You also record your food consumption daily on the Noom app. Like Weight Watchers, you are allowed to eat anything, but Noom provides a color-coded food system to keep you on track.

Both Weight Watchers and Noom can help with weight loss, but if you need more long-term support, Weight Watchers might be better due to its ongoing workshops and access to personal coaches. If you are seeking a solid foundation to make healthy food choices on your own, then Noom may be the better option, per Healthline. Always talk to your doctor before making these types of changes to your diet.