Perhaps you’ve previously tried diets that cut out whole food groups, making them too restrictive and difficult to follow.
Noom and Weight Watchers focus on incorporating foods that these other diets restrict for a more sustainable approach, so which option (Noom vs. Weight Watchers) is best for your needs?
What Is Noom?
Noom is a revolutionary weight loss program that uses psychology and science to promote weight loss. After taking a quiz and figuring out the current behaviors that have led to weight gain, you’ll be set up with a customized weight loss program that encourages incorporating healthy foods.
During the first 16 weeks of using Noom, you’ll be provided with educational resources to help you retrain yourself into healthy habits that will help you lose weight. You will also be connected with a coach, goal specialist, and an online community for support.
How Does Noom Work? Meet The Green, Yellow & Red Foods System
When using Noom, you’re given a calorie budget for each day. This calorie budget is calculated using different variables such as age, weight, activity level, etc. Then, you’ll reach your daily calorie goals by consuming primarily green foods and yellow foods. Red foods are also allowed but are meant to be eaten in smaller portions and less often.
Foods are sorted into these groups based on their nutrients and calorie count. Green foods include most fruits and veggies, some grains (like oats), and non-fat dairy. Yellow foods are where you’ll find most protein sources, like beans and salmon. Red foods include healthy fats, like nut butter, red meats, and comfort foods like pizza. You’ll improve your eating habits by counting calories and focusing on eating more nutritious foods from the green/yellow groups.
What Is The Average Amount Of Weight Loss On Noom?
Generally, you can expect to lose about 1-2 pounds per week while following Noom app eating habits. This amount will change based on your goals, how closely you follow the program, your activity level, etc.
How Do You Log Food On Noom?
You can enter your food into the Noom app in a few ways. You can scan the barcode on items for a quicker entry method. Additionally, you can enter a recipe you followed. Or, manually enter each item by using the search function.
Noom Educational Offerings
Within the Noom weight loss app, you’ll have daily lessons to help you learn about the psychology behind the food. You’ll also learn food basics, nutrition, barriers, triggers, how to change your habits, and more.
A new lesson is available every day for the first 16 weeks. You can spend the minimum time (five minutes) or up to 16 minutes daily learning about food, nutrition, and more.
So What We Like About Noom? Noom Pros
- Customized meal plans based on your goals, current weight, and more
- Educational resources included help create healthy habits
- A convenient food system that’s easy to follow
- Assigned coach with weekly meetings
- Can eat “unhealthy” foods in moderation
And What We Didn’t Like About Noom? Noom Cons
- No prepared meals or meal kits are included with the program (best paired with meal services like Factor for premade meals or Green Chef for easy-to-cook meal kits that can help lose weight)
- Some may find the lower calories too restrictive
- Calorie counting may not be the best method for all users
How Much Does Noom Cost?
You can pay for Noom monthly, for a set number of months, or via annual payments. The cost decreases as you increase the number of months you pay for. For example, selecting the one-month option has the highest price.
Most Noom Weight users start with a four-month subscription, which totals around $45 per month.
Does Noom Offer A Free Trial?
If you’re unsure whether Noom is the right option, there is a 2-week/14-day trial for the program (May 2023). You can pay nothing or donate a small amount to help others who can’t pay as much for the trial. You’ll begin your trial once you select the amount you wish to pay and enter your payment details. This offering may change with time.
Community Support On Noom Diet Program
One of the benefits of using the Noom program is the included community support. On the app, you’ll have access to an online support group. This support group is meant to make you feel less alone as you continue your weight loss journey. It’s also a great spot to ask questions to other users and find new recipes.
What Is Weight Watchers Diet?
Weight Watchers is one of the weight loss programs that has been used for many years and continues to be a popular option for those trying to lose weight. It was originally launched in 1963.
Like Noom, Weight Watchers employs a simple system to help you move toward your weight goals. However, you won’t be counting calories with this program.
Instead, you’ll use a points system to track your eating. You’ll have a certain number of points you can use daily. Each food has an allotted number of points. There are also zero-point foods, considered nutrient-dense, so they do not have any assigned point value.
How Weight Watchers Works
The weight watchers program (like Noom) begins with a quiz to help determine your goals and needs. Questions about your sleep, mindset, and more are on the quiz. Once completed, you will receive a recommendation on which membership best fits your needs and suggestions for improving your overall health.
After selecting your plan and completing the signup process, it’s time to download the app and start. You’ll find additional resources in the app based on your selected membership.
Like Noom, you’ll use the app to track your food intake. By tracking your food, you’ll be better able to stay within your Points Budget. The app includes a personalized plan for your needs that is easy to follow. You can use your points as you wish, which allows you to enjoy celebrations and special occasions without getting off track. If you use all your points on a meal out, you can still eat zero-point foods to keep you satiated.
How Effective Is Weight Watchers For You To Lose Weight?
Multiple studies have been conducted on a test group using the Weight Watchers program. Generally, the majority of the test group lost weight on the program. But, of course, the number of pounds lost and how quickly they’re lost depends on multiple factors within each individual (such as how closely you’re following the program).
How Do You Log Food On WW?
The way to input your food selections on the Weight Watchers app is similar to the Noom app. You can either manually search and enter food items. Or, you can scan the foods’ barcodes as a convenient option.
WW Educational Offerings
Within the app, you’ll find many educational resources to help you stay on track. For example, WW has 5-minute coaching, which features short audio lessons on topics like stress eating to help guide you toward healthier choices. These audio coach sessions feature information from the in-house WW expert, Dr. Allison Grupski, Ph.D.
You’ll also have access to a healthy living blog, which provides educational notes and advice on nutrition, food, exercise, and more. There’s also an online Tools section, which provides guides, lists, portion control advice, etc.
So What We Like About WW? WW Pros
- Can enjoy restaurant food without getting off-track
- Includes a personalized weight loss program plan
- 24/7 access to an online coach for help
- Multiple options for community support
- Easy-to-follow points system
And What We Didn’t Like About WW? WW Cons
- It can be costly, especially if you attend in-person meetings
- Not ideal for those who need a strict diet program
- Point counting can be tedious
- Requires regular weigh-ins, which can affect self-esteem
How Much Does Weight Watchers Cost?
Two options are available for those who want to sign up for Weight Watchers – the Core and Premium plans. The core plan is more cost-effective, yet it includes less support. It’s intended for those who want to be more independent with their weight loss.
The Premium plan is about double the cost and features a more intense support system with in-person/virtual workshops.
Does Weight Watchers Offer A Free Trial?
Yes, Weight Watchers has a free trial for new members available. Before paying a monthly fee, you can use the app and follow the program for 30 days to see if it fits your needs. Once the trial is completed, your card will automatically be charged the membership cost. You can use the trial for either the Core or Premium membership; you’ll simply need to select which option you want before signing up.
Community Support On Weight Watchers
When using Weight Watchers, you’ll have multiple options for community support. With a Premium membership, you have access to online or in-person workshops. These workshops allow you to meet with other Weight Watchers along with coaches. You can mingle with those who are on a weight loss journey while getting any questions answered that you may have by the coaches. There’s also a members-only social network for additional community support.
Using Meal Delivery Services While On Noom Or Weight Watchers – Is It Possible? YES!
Whether you follow Weight Watchers or Noom, you can more easily stay on track by incorporating a meal delivery service!
Many meal kit companies feature healthy, balanced kits and prepared meals that work well with multiple programs.
By ordering from companies like Green Chef meal kits or Factor prepared meals, you’ll save time creating your own recipes, grocery shopping, etc.
With meal kits and prepared meals at the ready, you’ll be less tempted to eat out at a restaurant that often has overly salty/greasy food, plus calorie counting will be much easier.
So, How Do Noom Vs Weight Watchers Compare?
| Feature | Noom | Weight Watchers |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Approach | Focuses on calorie and nutrient density, with a color-coding system to help users make healthier choices. | Uses a points system where foods are assigned a point value based on nutritional content. |
| Meal Plans | Customized meal plans based on individual needs and preferences, with a focus on portion control. | Offers flexibility with food choices within the assigned points limit. |
| Exercise | Includes a personalized exercise plan and encourages daily physical activity. | Encourages physical activity and assigns FitPoints for different activities. |
| Coaching | Offers personal health coaching through the app, with daily check-ins and support. | Provides access to community support and personal coaching depending on the plan. |
| Price | Monthly subscription fee for the app, which includes coaching. Food is not included. | Various plans available with different pricing. Food is not included. |
| Food Delivery | Does not provide food delivery. Users prepare their own meals based on the app’s recommendations. | Does not provide food delivery. Users prepare their own meals or can purchase Weight Watchers branded foods. |
So Which Is Better, Weight Watchers Or Noom?
Overall, both programs are effective in helping with weight loss, even though they each use very different methods. However, we found Noom to be a better option.
For one, Noom is less expensive per month. Additionally, we enjoyed learning about the psychology behind food choices and the daily lessons on the app. With the added support through coaching, additional ways to input foods into the app, and the goal of helping you make better food choices in the long run, it was a clear winner in our books.
