Noom vs. Weight Watchers: Which Diet Works Best?

Noom vs. Weight Watchers: Which Diet Works Best?

Table of Contents

Trying to lose weight can feel overwhelming, and even impossible at times. Luckily, there are plenty of health programs and diets out there these days that can make your weight loss journey a lot easier than it used to be.

Noom and Weight Watchers are two of the most popular programs on the planet right now, and both have plenty of positive things to offer, if you’re looking for a fun and healthy way to lose weight.

That said, there are some key differences between the two programs, so keep reading below to find out if Noom or Weight Watchers is going to be the best fit for you.

What Makes Noom & WW(Weight Watchers) Different?

1. Weight Watchers Offers In-Person Meetings

weight watchers wellness guide

While Noom and WW both work on an app-based system, WW Studio offers you the chance to connect with health coaches and other members in person.

If you’re the type of person who likes this more intimate setting, then WW may be the better plan for.

Noom does connect you with health coaches through their app, so you still have access to their support and advice, but it’s through text messages or phone calls.

2. Intervention vs. Point System

Another distinct difference you’ll find is the fundamental approach [1]. While Noom has long-term goals in mind, it is a program that also sets enthusiastic short-term goals.

Whereas WW is a little more laid-back when it comes to short-term accomplishments, and more focused on the long run.

1. Noom

a woman following the noom weight loss plan

Noom (read our Noom review) can be considered a type of lifestyle intervention program, and is based completely online.

The company was started in 2014, and several experts gave their valuable input on how it should work, what would work best for better health and weight loss results. The resulting app was based on their expert guidance, and years of research [2]

From health coaches and nutritionists to licensed MDs and clinical fitness experts helped to make Noom an effective program for reaching a target weight.

But it’s not just about losing weight. It’s also about staying motivated during the 16-week program, as well as after the program has reached week 16.

On top of that, you’ll be getting advice on how to map out healthy eating patterns, while following healthy exercise routines. At the same time, you get emotional and mental guidance from the online coaches.

It’s a win-win, really.

How it Works

the noom weight loss app on an iPhone

Joining Noom is a basic process of going to the site and truthfully answering the questions put to you. For example, you will be asked your target weight, as well as your current weight. Other questions like your height, age, and gender will surface, in addition to lifestyle choices you make daily.

Through these questions, a custom profile is created for you via the app. This profile helps you to keep track of what and when you eat, as well as provide healthy suggestions. The best part is the access you get to specific online coaches.

At the end of the day, you are made aware of your eating and lifestyle habits. And if the program works for you, it will aid you in changing them for the better.

How Much Weight Can You Lose?

When it comes to weight loss on Noom, it’s important to note that results are going to be different for everyone.

One thing that separates Noom from other diets, is that they build a plan based around your own personal information [3].

Because everyone is different, the best way to find out is to actively engage the program. When you visit Noom’s website, you can fill out a free diet profile, and based on the information you provide, they’ll build a graph that gives you an idea of how long it will take to reach your weight loss goals.

Most dieters can expect to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week following the Noom program.

According to statistics from Noom, 64% of participants lose at least 5% of their body weight, and 60% of participants are able to maintain their target weight after a year.

What Kind Of Plans Do They Offer?

the noom recipe guide

At the time of this review, Noom was offering two programs, both following a 16-week program. The first is the Healthy Weight program, which is for the general public.

The second is called Diabetes Prevention. As expected, both programs share a lot of similarities. But the Diabetes Prevention program is designed for losing 7% body weight and aiding glucose absorption, whereas Healthy Weight takes a slightly different approach.

Also, note the payments are broken up into three different packages. You get the monthly plan, the 2-month plan, and the 4-month plan.

Where Can You Get the Best Deal on Noom?

It goes without saying that the best deal on Noom would be at their official website.

If you’re ready to get started, right now is a great time to do it:

Head here to learn more and try Noom for free.

2. (WW) Weight Watchers

the new myWW program

WW became popular during the ’90s, mainly because it implemented a tactic most diet programs didn’t really care about – motivation.

Implementing a basic calorie-counting system to properly balance out meals, combined with offering in-person meetings and support, quickly placed WW (read our WW review to learn more) in an authority position for effectively burning those extra pounds.

Now, you can become part of the program via a user-friendly app. And while the in-person meetings are not the main focus anymore, the program is still very impressive, and features a lot of modern day features and technologies.

How it Works

Just like with Noom, you can sign up through the website [4]. You will also get to choose between three different approaches. Do you want in-person meetings? Do you want personal online coaching? Do you just want to use the app?

Essentially, everything you consume is based on a point system. It is up to you to scan and report details of the meals you eat, and by using these points, you can make healthier lifestyle choices.

There are several features for the app, and scanning barcodes definitely makes it a convenient tool.

How Much Weight Can You Lose?

one weight loss story

Just like WW doesn’t really set a specific time for when you are going to reach your target weight, the program doesn’t make empty promises.

Instead, it focuses on helping you adapt to healthier eating habits for the rest of your life.

And the result is significant weight loss if you can stick to it.

What Kind of Plans do they Offer?

WW has two plans on offer, namely Digital and Studio. The former entails only using the app and the website, while the latter includes unlimited in-person meetings.

Of course, the Digital plan is the affordable choice if you don’t need the support from meetings.

Where Can You Get the Best WW Deal?

Just like with Noom, you are always better off getting the program from the developer directly. In this case, go the Weight Watchers website and start registering from there.

Learn more and check latest WW prices.

Comparison Summary: We Have a Winner…

the noom weight loss app

There is no question that Noom Vs. Weight Watchers is a very tough comparison. That is because both programs are popular and they both have a lot of positive testimonials supporting how well they work.

Why Noom is Our Top Pick

But from our point of view, Noom gets the slight edge. And while there will be opposing opinions, the research and support behind Noom just make it more effective.

Plus, you set more specific goals with Noom, which can make all the difference.

However, if you feel like you need those in-person meetings offered by WW [5], you should go for it. Sometimes people need more than an app to keep them inspired.

But if you are only going to utilize the Digital plan from WW, rather look at Noom before making a final decision.

But ultimately, both programs can be life-changing if you want them to be. They both make you aware of what you are putting into your body, and this way of thinking alone can bring about significant differences.

That said, our top choice is pretty clear…and it’s Noom:

Learn More and get the best Noom Deals here


Resources

  1. WW vs. Noom, WeightWatchers. Retrieved from https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/ww-vs-noom
  2. Published Research on Noom Users’ Experiences, Noom. Retrieved from https://web.noom.com/published-research/
  3. Samantha Cassetty, RD, What you need to know about the weight-loss app Noom, according to a dietitian, NBC News. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/what-you-need-know-about-weight-loss-app-noom-according-ncna996026
  4. Weight Watchers Plans. Retrieved from https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/plans/meetings
  5. Taylor Selcke, What to Expect at Your First Weight Watchers Meeting, SHAPE. Retrieved from https://www.shape.com/weight-loss/tips-plans/what-expect-your-first-weight-watchers-meeting