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There's no getting around it; weight loss can be very hard, but it isn't impossible. One of the best ways to make real progress toward your weight loss goal is by recognizing that you can't do it alone. To see results, and to enable sustainable lifestyle change, you may need the help of a credible weight loss program with access or actionable advice for adding well-balanced healthy meals to your everyday nutrition.
The Best Weight Loss Programs - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Weight Loss Program: Noom
- Best Weight Loss Program for Meal Planning: Diet-to-Go
- Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Program: Nutrisystem
- Best Plant-Based Weight Loss Program: Hungryroot
- Best Weight Loss Programs for Women: Noom
- Best Weight Loss Program for Seniors: Nutrisystem
- Best Weight Loss Program for PCOS: DoFasting
- Best Weight Loss Program for Heart Health: Hungryroot
- Best Diet Program for Weight Loss: Trifecta
- Best Weight Loss Program with Coaching: Future
- Best Weight Loss Program for Athletes: Joggo
- Best Customizable Weight Loss Program: Caliber
- Best Weight Loss Programs for Men: Trifecta
- Best Medical Weight Loss Program: BistroMD
- Best Affordable Weight Loss Program: WeightWatchers
Luckily, there are a number of weight loss programs to choose from. Of course, these work best when you combine the nutritional guidelines offered with regular cardiovascular exercise and resistance training, and using accountability tools like a fitness tracker to monitor your progress. You may even consider weight-loss supplements, but these aren't a quick fix and should only be used in tandem with a well-balanced diet and exercise.
We're here to help get you started with a handy guide to some of the best weight loss programs available today to give you a safe and healthy beginning on your weight loss journey.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Disclaimer: Always make sure to consult with your doctor before starting a new diet. Any weight loss that totals more than one to two pounds per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.
Best Overall Weight Loss Program - Noom
How it Works: Weight loss isn't merely about eating right and exercising. It's also about changing your entire psychological relationship with food. We love the Noom program because they recognize that and seek to aid you in this process by helping to educate and inform you about the connections between food, stress, and boredom. Noom is easy to follow and sorts your food choices into color-based categories for portion size and visibility. The program includes fitness tracking tools and personalized daily lessons to help you make sustainable lifestyle changes. That way, you're not just losing weight but potentially managing your stress levels better.
What We Like
- Emphasis on weight loss and stress reduction
- Personalized lessons
- Great app for logging meals, exercise, etc.
- Highly personalized
- Focus on long-term change
What We Don't Like
- Not as recommended if you're looking for prepared meals, meal replacement, etc.
- Requires a little time spent with the app each day
Read our full Noom review.
Best Weight Loss Program for Meal Planning - Diet-to-Go
How it Works: Diet-to-Go is a customizable weight loss program that ships chef-prepared portion-controlled meals to your home each week, making it incredibly simple and convenient for you to plan and eat more well-balanced meals. Diet-to-Go meals are tasty, nutrient-rich, totally personalized (so those with restrictions or on a vegetarian diet can input these specifications), and ready to heat and eat in minutes.
What We Like
- Very convenient
- Personalized to your tastes
- Delicious, chef-prepared meals
- Access to community resources and programs
What We Don't Like
- Less emphasis on exercising as part of your weight loss plan
- Higher price point
Read our full Diet-to-Go review.
Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Program - Nutrisystem
How It Works: Nutrisystem is a ready-made meal delivery service with individualized plans featuring nutritional guidance and ready-to-heat-or-eat portioned meals and snacks shipped straight to your home every four to six weeks. They have several meal plans, including gender-based, partner plans, diabetes-focused, over 55, and a Quick9 plan intended to be a weight loss program to help you lose up to nine pounds in two weeks. On Nutrisystem, you'll be eating up to six meals of your choosing per day, including desserts and snacks. Lastly, you'll have access to NuMi SmartAdapt™, Nutrisystem's custom app that provides progress tracking, community engagement, and free healthy recipes.
What We Like
- Convenient, easy-to-follow meal plans and guidance
- Specialized meal plans for different dietary needs
- NuMi SmartAdapt™ that can help track your goals
- Brand recognition and positive customer reviews
What We Don't Like
- Highly-processed meals (but still better than most frozen options)
- Not sustainable long-term
- Can get expensive
Read our full Nutrisystem review.
Best Plant-Based Weight Loss Program - Hungryroot
How It Works: Looking for organic, plant-based foods and recipes to help you achieve holistic health? Try taking the Hungryroot quiz, which will ask you some basic questions about your dietary preferences, weight loss goals, and the number of people you’re feeding. Based on your responses to the introductory quiz, a personalized load of groceries and recipes will be delivered each week, providing you with everything you need to make simple meals at home. This isn’t the only service of its kind, but what sets Hungryroot apart is your ability to focus only on wholesome and plant-based foods, making this an outstanding selection for almost any lifestyle or dietary preference.
What We Like
- Whole, organic food options
- Emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables
- Weekly deliveries that are customized to your tastes
- Ability to skip a week as needed
- No delivery fee
What We Don't Like
- Some of the recipes will require you to contribute some extra ingredients
- The packing isn’t eco-friendly
- This isn’t the most budget-friendly grocery delivery service
Best Weight Loss Program for Women - Noom
How it Works: Noom is a diet program that works by reframing your entire psychological relationship with food. It's a weight loss program that can work for anybody, but we especially love Noom's commitment to helping women experiencing perimenopause or menopause by giving them the tools to address common issues like stress eating, hot flashes, and sleep issues that can lead to weight gain. The program also includes fitness tracking tools and personalized daily lessons to help you make sustainable lifestyle changes. Noom is never restrictive when it comes to dieting and can be canceled easily at any time.
What We Like
- Excellent tool for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause
- Emphasis on weight loss and stress reduction
- Great app for logging meals, exercise, etc.
- Focus on long-term dietary changes
What We Don't Like
- Not as recommended if you're looking for prepared meals, meal replacement, etc.
- Requires a time spent with the app each day
Best Weight Loss Program for Seniors - Nutrisystem
How It Works: For seniors looking to lose weight, it’s great to have nutrient-rich food items with reasonable portions. And, it’s especially helpful to have meals that require little or no prep work. Enter Nutrisystem, which delivers pre-made meals accompanied by individualized nutritional guidance. Foods are shipped every few weeks, providing you with a stockpile of read-to-heat meals and no-prep snacks. We especially like that, among the various meal plans available, there is a special option for Over 55, making it incredibly easy for seniors to get nutritional guidance that’s appropriate to their stage in life.
50% OFF NUTRISYSTEM
What We Like
- Convenient, easy-to-follow meal plans and guidance
- Little or no meal prep required
- Special meal plan made just for seniors
What We Don't Like
- Highly-processed meals (but still better than most frozen options)
- Definitely on the pricey side
Best Weight Loss Program for PCOS - DoFasting
How it Works: DoFasting is an app that guides you through intermittent fasting. Using the app, you can tailor your eating habits to accommodate any number of fasting options, meaning there are options to fit any level of fasting experience. It’s ideal for beginners as well as pros, and the app provides excellent guidelines to help you navigate your fasting journey. The app will also let you set small goals, measure week-to-week progress, and make note of positive changes to your dietary habits. There are also exercise plans and recipes included to help you maximize your metabolism, a key issue for anyone with PCOS.
TAKE THE QUIZWhat We Like
- Multiple levels of fasting available
- Helpful guidance for beginners and experienced fasters alike
- Works well for managing metabolic issues
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you’re looking for pre-made meals
- Fasting is definitely not for everyone
Best Weight Loss Program for Heart Health - Hungryroot
How It Works: Hungryroot is a grocery delivery service that does all the meal prepping and planning for you after you take the introductory quiz. This quiz will ask a few questions about your goals, preferences, amount of people you're feeding, and dietary restrictions. Then your customized groceries and recipes will be delivered weekly for simple, home-cooked meals. You can even add extra grocery items to your weekly shipment, such as healthy snacks, fruit, or additional servings of heart-healthy veggies. Hungryroot relies on your feedback, so if any food or recipes aren't to your—or our family's—taste, they can adjust it for you.
Our main reason for selecting Hungryroot for this category is their commitment to sustainable, organic food products. Organic foods have a higher potential for aiding in heart health because they are grown without the use of harsh chemicals or fertilizers. Additionally, organic meats, dairy, and eggs tend to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are better for your heart than most fats. If you want to learn even more, read our full Hungryroot review.
What We Like
- Heart healthy organic food options
- Cross-over meal-prep and grocery service
- Weekly deliveries that are customized to your tastes
- Ability to skip a week as needed
- No delivery fee
What We Don't Like
- Not all available foods are organic and some recipes require extra ingredients
- Packaging does contain some single-use plastics
Best Diet Program for Weight Loss - Trifecta
How It Works: Trifecta is a meal service that offers fully-prepared, chef-designed meals shipped to you weekly. You can even customize the number of entrees delivered, ranging from 5 to 14, with the option to add breakfast meals. The first step is building your plan by choosing from several popular weight loss diets, including paleo, Whole30, and keto. There are also high-protein vegan and vegetarian meal plan options.
Trifecta features a rotating menu of macronutrient-balanced and portion-controlled meals that are high in protein and low in calories for weight loss success. If you've ever been interested in a weight loss diet, like Whole30, but were intimidated by meal prep, Trifecta makes it easy for you. Trifecta also has an app ($9.99/month) to help you stay motivated and connect with others using this service.
What We Like
- Diet-specific, pre-made meals
- Macro-balanced and portion-controlled for weight loss
- Ability to select the amount of entrees per delivery
- Tie-in app available
- Meals are dietitian-approved
What We Don't Like
- Not as customizable as other plans
- More expensive than other options
Best Weight Loss Program with Coaching - Future
How It Works: Future is an app-based training program that pairs you with a personal trainer who can help you customize a workout plan to fit your preferences, goals, and lifestyle. Once you sign up, you can find a coach based on your training style—do you want a drill sergeant, a cheerleader, or someone you joke around with?—who will then complete an introductory FaceTime session (you'll have monthly check-ins with your coach after the initial meeting) and design a program based around HIIT (high-intensity interval training), strength, or endurance, using the equipment that you have available. Don't gel with your coach, no problem. You can switch coaches as desired, no questions asked.
So, why are we recommending this program? Exercise is just as crucial for your goals as diet and can help you sustain your weight loss for longer. A well-balanced diet can work wonders for your weight loss, but when paired with regular exercise and a coach in your corner, the sky's the limit for your health and weight loss goals.
What We Like
- Customized workouts designed by certified personal trainers
- Ability to record yourself for form checks
- Train whenever is convenient for your schedule
- Trainers will accommodate travel schedules
- Easy-to-use app (now available on iOS and Android)
What We Don't Like
- You will most likely need to monitor your own nutrition
- Can be expensive (but is still less than most gym-based trainers)
GET FIRST MONTH FOR JUST $19: Future
Read our full Future review.
Best Weight Loss Program for Athletes - Joggo
How it Works: Joggo is an app designed for runners that allows you to personalize your running regimen. Don't feel intimidated. You don't have to be a regular runner to use this service, as Joggo has beginner-friendly options. With this app, you'll receive a comprehensive training program created by an elite trainer that includes easy-to-follow workouts and a personalized meal plan that considers your dietary needs. Additionally, the app can track running metrics like distance, speed, activity history, and total weight loss. There is also auto-guidance and educational content available to you. Athletes who don't think of themselves as "runners" can also benefit from this program, especially if they wish to devote more energy to cardio.
What We Like
- Great for beginners and advanced runners who want to dial-in their training
- Provides a full training program with suggested workouts and meals
- App can track running metrics and weight loss
- Access to guidance and educational content
What We Don't Like
- This program may not work for athletes who aren't interested in running/cardio
- You will need to purchase and prep your meal plan yourself
Best Customizable Weight Loss Program - Caliber
How It Works: Caliber is an online coaching program with a "results guarantee" that pairs you with a one-on-one coach who will design a customized program and help keep you accountable and on track toward your weight loss goals. Your 30-minute consultation is free, and once you commit to the Caliber program, you'll be given a goal assessment and granted access to the app. The app features information and lessons and allows you to communicate directly with your trainer. Your trainer can then customize your workout plan to fit whatever equipment you have available and a nutrition plan that matches your dietary needs.
What We Like
- Free consultation
- Results in 12 weeks or your money back
- Workouts customized to your equipment and needs
- Ability to speak to your coach through the app
- App provides weekly lesson, tips, and guidance
What We Don't Like
- Customer support only available through email
- No online community to interact with
Best Weight Loss Program for Men - Trifecta
How It Works: Trifecta is a meal service that offers fully-prepared, chef-designed meals shipped to you weekly. You can customize the number of entrees delivered and add optional breakfast meals to your order. Trifecta's unofficial motto is "Eat like you train," which is why it's used by elite bodybuilders and strongmen like Jay Cutler, Mike Rashid, and Brian Shaw. Trifecta features a rotating menu of macronutrient-balanced and portion-controlled meals that are high in protein and low in calories for the male athlete looking to gain lean muscle while losing weight. Trifecta also has an app ($9.99/month) to help you stay motivated and connect with others who have similar goals.
What We Like
- Diet-specific, pre-made meals
- Macro-balanced and portion-controlled for weight loss
- Ability to select the amount of entrees per delivery
- Tie-in app available
- Sponsored by elite athletes
What We Don't Like
- Not as customizable as other plans
- More expensive than other options
Best Medical Weight Loss Program - BistroMD
How It Works: BistroMD allows you to select a program from six meal plans designed by doctors and prepared by chefs, including gluten-free and diabetic, and then choose the number of meals you'll receive. The full plan has seven days of three-daily-meal options, or you can opt for only five days or just lunches and dinners. You can also add the EATS (essential and tasty snacks) program to cover all your healthy snacking needs. With over 150 meals to choose from, there is bound to be something delicious that strikes your fancy. If not, you can always customize and adjust your menu by setting taste preferences and swapping what meals you'll be receiving.
What We Like
- Doctor-designed and chef-prepared meals
- Access and control your weekly menu, as well as set taste preferences
- Focused on weight loss
- Support available from registered dietitians
- Option to add on healthy snacks
What We Don't Like
- Not for those who need a higher calorie intake
- Frozen meals may lose some nutritional value
Best Affordable Weight Loss Program - WeightWatchers
How it Works: WeightWatchers is one of the longest-running, successful, and most acclaimed weight loss programs in the country. It's not hard to see why: The program encourages simple yet substantial lifestyle changes that can be easily sustained, including self-monitoring, an emphasis on sensible meal-planning, and a balance between discipline and flexibility. The new simplified program provides customized plans, allowing you to continue enjoying foods you love (think ice cream, burgers, etc.) while still keeping tabs on nutrition. It's also a fantastic value and offers premium discounts for longer plans.
Also note that WeightWatchers has advanced considerably in recent years, and now offers an incredible app (over 1-million 5-star reviews) experience to help you log your meals and connect with other program participants. Choose from three different plans, all available at different price points, which offer a variety of perks like in-person meetings.
What We Like
- Affordable with discount options
- Highly personalized approach
- Emphasis on sensible nutrition and meal prepping
- Great app experience; user-friendly
- Easy ways to connect with other participants
What We Don't Like
- Requires you to be consistent with logging and tracking what you eat
- Takes a little set-up time for your personalized program to be ready
GET FIRST MONTH FREE: WeightWatchers
Read our full WeightWatchers review.
How to Choose a Weight Loss Program
Weight loss systems work in many different ways, and there isn't necessarily one top weight loss program above all others. It's more about what works best for you and your goals. With that said, here are a few characteristics that effective weight loss programs tend to have in common.
- Sustainability: A focus on sustainable behavior changes, as opposed to short-term fixes, will keep you from going in circles. Choose a weight loss program you can stick to that is effective in changing your lifestyle, rather than simply moving the scale.
- Safety: Your weight loss program should provide advice about if and when to discuss weight loss goals with your doctor. It should also suggest weight loss at a healthy pace. Losing weight the wrong way or too quickly can lead to malnutrition and eating disorders.
- Credibility: Does the program provide input from registered dietitians? Find out who the experts are behind the program and make sure they are credible sources.
- Clear Expectations: Make sure the program you choose has clear expectations for reasonable outcomes. You should have a firm grasp on the timeline for your weight loss and a clear plan on how you will achieve it.
- Exercise: Choose a plan that puts an emphasis on consistent exercise and sound nutrition.
- Tools/Education: The plan should encourage you to self-monitor your progress and make you the center of the experience. Experts are great and can help guide you, but gaining a solid understanding of your own nutrition will help you be successful in the long run, long after the plan has ended.
- Cost Nutrition plans and workout programs for weight loss—like the ones we've recommended on our list—can be expensive when you factor in the cost of food or the ability to connect with an elite training coach. A lot of these programs are membership-based and will have recurring payments to account for. It can be an investment, but if you're serious about your fitness goals, the financial commitment is worth it. A few programs, like Noom and Weight Watchers, offer free trial periods or discounts.
The Best Way to Lose Weight Successfully
Once you’ve chosen a weight loss program, you’ll want to use it in a way that is successful and sustainable. Here are some tips for how to lose weight effectively on a weight loss program:
- Eat a variety of foods: Reducing the amount of food you eat doesn’t mean you have to reduce the types of food you eat. Maintaining variety will increase your chances of success. Restricting or cutting out entire foods or food groups is incredibly unsustainable. Focus instead on moderation.
- Find motivation: There is no doubt that weight loss programs can be difficult, especially when first starting out. Create small goals for yourself and help motivate yourself to do them with little rewards. Whether this means buying certain things at different milestones or tracking progress with photos and documenting your journey to make it more enjoyable, find what works for you and implement it.
- Make it fun: Some people follow plans with friends to make the process more social. Others blast music while meal planning as a stress reliever. Whatever you need to do to make the process enjoyable—do it!
FAQs About Weight Loss Programs
Which Weight Loss Program Has the Best Results?
While we consider Weight Watchers to be the first among equals, the reality is that the most effective weight loss program is going to vary from person to person. It's important to seek a credible, sensible weight loss program that aligns with your specific lifestyle and your goals.
Are weight loss programs worth the cost?
Ultimately, this is something you have to decide for yourself. However, through consistent adherence to a weight loss program, you can certainly see real, potentially life-changing results.
What weight loss program do doctors recommend?
Our list includes a number of weight loss programs that emphasize a balance between sensible eating and consistent exercise, along with realistic expectations about weight loss results. These are all in line with medical recommendations.
What is the Best Free Weight Loss Program?
Some weight loss programs will have options for free trials or significant discounts to get you started before investing your money. You may be able to find weight loss apps or programs that are truly "free," but they may not have the same amount of features and guidance as the programs on our list.
How Fast Can I Lose Weight Using a Weight Loss Program?
The tried-and-true key to weight loss is creating a calorie deficit or expending more energy than you consume. Weight loss programs with low-calorie, portion-controlled meals with an emphasis on exercise will likely result in weight loss. Realistically, you should only be aiming to lose about one to two pounds per week, this may not seem fast, but it's the healthiest and most sustainable route to take.
Our Final Takeaway
Weight loss programs—fad or otherwise—have been around for decades. But which one works the best and guarantees you'll lose weight? The answer is more simple than you might think. The weight loss programs that actually work will be the ones you can stick with long term. This is also referred to by dietitians and nutrition coaches as "diet adherence" or the process of self-monitoring, maintenance, and preventing relapses in unhealthy eating habits. It's easy to get frustrated or discouraged when trying to build a meal plan by yourself; this is where meal programs can be helpful, as they eliminate the guesswork and time commitment of shopping, meal prepping and planning, or cooking. The training-based programs can be just as beneficial by bringing elite personal trainers straight into your living room via your smart device. Weight loss may feel like a solo effort—and in many ways, it is—but having a community to keep you motivated and accountable and help you along your journey will lead to more sustainable success.
References
- Mei, S., Ding, J., Wang, K., Ni, Z., & Yu, J. (2022). Mediterranean Diet Combined With a Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Pattern in the Treatment of Overweight Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients. Frontiers in nutrition, 9, 876620. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.876620