Are you tired of fad diets and weight loss programs that don’t seem to work? If so, you might be wondering if Noom, the popular weight loss app, is the solution you’ve been searching for. Touted as the “Weight Watchers for Millennials,” Noom has taken the weight loss world by storm with its unique approach to behavior modification and personalized coaching.
In this blog post, we will dive deep into the Noom app, examining its features, pros and cons, and determining whether it’s worth the investment. Continue reading our full Noom review below.
What is Noom?
Noom is a health and wellness technology company that focuses on creating behavior change programs for weight loss, exercise, and disease management. The company was founded in 2008 by Artem Petakov and Saeju Jeong. The initial idea was to create a mobile app that would help users make healthier choices by tracking their exercise, food intake, and weight. They launched their first app, WorkSmart Labs, which later morphed into the Noom platform.
However, in 2012, Noom’s founders realized that simply tracking users’ habits wasn’t enough to help them make lasting changes. They pivoted the company’s focus to behavior change, incorporating insights from psychology and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This led to the development of personalized coaching programs and content, which would eventually become a core part of the Noom platform.
After they refined their focus on behavior change, Noom began to gain traction in the health and wellness market. The company’s offerings expanded, and they began to pick up traction in helping their clients develop healthy habits and stick to them.
What Does Noom Offer?
By focusing on the psychological aspects of weight loss, Noom aims to help users develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. Here are the main features Noom users can take advantage of:
Personalized Coaching
Noom assigns each user a personal Goal Specialist, who is a trained behavior change professional. Your Goal Specialist works with you to set realistic weight loss goals and helps you stay accountable by checking in regularly.
Customized Meal Plans
Based on your personal preferences and dietary needs, Noom creates a tailored meal plan to help you make healthier choices without feeling deprived of foods you love.
Food Logging
With an extensive food database, it’s super easy to log your meals and track your daily caloric intake. Noom uses a color-coded system to categorize foods into green, yellow, and red, which simplifies the process of choosing healthier options. It is more than just a calorie-counting scanner. While yes, it will tell you which foods are more calorie-dense (red color) and which food groups are great for eating (green color), you control the number of carbs, proteins and other food groups you eat daily.
Exercise Tracking
Noom allows you to log your workouts and track your progress, helping you stay motivated and on track with your fitness goals. Similar to food tracking, you can track everything from walking to water aerobics.
Educational Content
The app delivers daily lessons in the form of articles and quizzes designed to teach you about nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification, empowering you to make informed choices on your weight loss journey.
Virtual Support Group
Noom connects you with a group of fellow users who share similar goals, providing a supportive environment for sharing tips, successes, and struggles.
Who Should Use Noom?
If you are looking for a way to start living a healthier lifestyle and aren’t sure where to start, Noom could be a great option. Their program is suitable for a wide range of people.
Those That Want to Lose Weight
Noom primarily helps its users achieve sustainable weight loss through healthy habits and behavior change. With personalized meal plans, exercise suggestions, and coaching support to assist users in reaching their weight loss goals, everyone has a different program to fit their health goals.
People That Need Support and Accountability
Noom provides users with access to one-on-one mobile coaching and a supportive community of other Noom users. This is a great perk for individuals who need motivation, encouragement, and accountability to stay on track with their health goals and don’t have time to make it to the gym on a regular basis.
Individuals Struggling With Chronic Conditions
With specialized programs for individuals dealing with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, Noom really is a great option for people looking to make changes but need to be conscious of how it affects a chronic condition. The platform provides guidance on managing these conditions through lifestyle changes and helps users track relevant health markers.
People That Want to Adopt Healthier Habits
Noom encourages users to make healthier choices when it comes to their nutrition, physical activity, and overall lifestyle. The platform can be beneficial for individuals looking to improve their eating habits, increase their activity levels, or develop a more positive mindset around health and wellness.
Those That Want a Mobile-First Experience
Noom is primarily a mobile app-based platform, making it convenient for individuals who prefer to access their health and wellness tools on the go. Maybe your work hours don’t line up with your gym schedule, or you want to keep your exercise routine up on vacation. Wherever you are, Noom is there to help you.
How To Utilize The Noom Program
Now that you know the key components and history of Noom, how does it actually work for the consumer?
Here are the steps that are taken for a new person signing up for Noom.
Step One: Take a Quiz
Like most health apps these days, you’ll start off with a quiz so the Noom experts can get to know you a little better. It comes with questions like gender, age, weight loss goals, height, weight, etc. Noom also wants to know your current activity level, health concerns and a few other behavioral questions so they can build a customized plan for your specific needs. Once you have completed the quiz, you will get an output of the number of calories you should be eating and other suggestions for changing your eating habits to kick off your health journey.
Step Two: Download the App and Create a Profile
Once you have filled out the quiz, you’ll want to download the app from the App or Google Play store. Like any other app, you will create a login either with your email address or social media account. The Noom app works best on a phone because there is a step counter. However, it can be downloaded on a tablet.
Once you create an account, you will see your custom plan. The plan will include an estimated timeline to reach your goals and an overview of the program’s features.
Step Three: Pick a Plan
Noom offers various subscription plans, usually with different billing cycles (e.g., monthly, quarterly, or annually), so you can choose the plan that best fits your budget and commitment level. Keep in mind that Noom typically offers a free trial period, so you can test the program before fully committing.
Step Four: Meet Your Dedicated Coach
Once you’ve signed up for Noom, you’ll be assigned a personal coach within the app. The process of meeting and interacting with your coach typically follows these steps:
Your personal coach (Goal Specialist) will introduce themselves to you via the in-app messaging feature, usually within the first few days after signing up. Your coach will ask about your personal goals, preferences, and any specific concerns or challenges you may have.
Your coach will work with you to set personalized short-term and long-term goals, as well as help you develop action plans to achieve those goals. They will provide tailored advice and recommendations based on your unique needs and circumstances.
Step Five: Start Your Personalized Program
Once you’ve picked out a plan, you’re ready to kick off your personalized health program. Your Goal Specialist will regularly check in with you to monitor your progress, provide guidance, and offer support. These check-ins occur through the in-app messaging feature, allowing for convenient communication.
As you progress through the program, your coach may adjust your goals or action plans based on your feedback and progress. They will be there to support you through any challenges or setbacks, offering guidance and encouragement.
In addition to your Goal Specialist, Noom also offers group coaching through the app. You’ll be placed in a group with other Noom users who have similar goals, allowing you to share experiences and work together as accountability and support partners.
More Noom Details
Here are a few more details about Noom before you decide if it is right for you.
Pricing
Most paid phone apps usually have an introductory trial, and Noom is no different. You can test out Noom for free for 7 days. The pricing structure may vary depending on promotions and offers available at the time of sign-up.
Noom typically offers a few subscription options, usually billed on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
Here’s their current pricing structure:
- Monthly plan: The monthly plan is often the most expensive option on a per-month basis, usually costing around $59 per month. This plan offers flexibility for those who want to try Noom without a long-term commitment.
- Quarterly plan: The quarterly plan typically costs around $99-$129 for three months, which equates to approximately $33-$43 per month. This plan provides a more affordable per-month rate than the monthly plan, with a commitment of three months.
- Annual plan: The annual plan offers the best value on a per-month basis, with a cost of around $199-$219 for a full year. This equates to about $16-$18 per month. This plan is ideal for those who are committed to using Noom for an extended period.
Food Categories
Noom approaches food differently than other diets. As mentioned early, the app uses a stop light system for grading foods. Here’s the basic breakdown.
- Green: Green foods are what you would imagine—the good food that fuels your body, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other food that is low in calories but fills you up.
- Yellow: The yellow foods are going to be foods like legumes, avocados, lean meats, fish and other foods that tend to be more calorically dense but still healthy in small doses.
- Red: Red foods are going to be anything processed, red meats and full fat dairy. These are foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients.
Pros of Noom
Trying to decide if Noom is for you? Here are some of the program’s highlights.
- Comprehensive Approach: Noom doesn’t just focus on calories. Its focus on both the physical and psychological aspects of weight loss sets it apart from other programs, addressing the root causes of unhealthy habits.
- Personalized Coaching: The one-on-one support from a trained professional can be invaluable in helping you stay accountable and motivated.
- User-Friendly Interface: Noom’s app is easy to navigate, making it simple to log meals, track exercise, and access educational content. It is great for people with busy lives but still want to take their health journey seriously.
- Flexible Meal Plans: Noom’s customized meal plans cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring that users don’t feel deprived of their food choices while pursuing their weight loss goals.
Cons
Here are some of the biggest complaints reviewers have when using Nooom.
- Price: Noom’s subscription-based model can be pricey compared to other weight loss apps, with monthly fees ranging from $45 to $89.
- Time Commitment: To get the most out of Noom, users need to invest time in logging meals, reading articles, and engaging with their Goal Specialist and support group.
- Limited Face-to-Face Interaction: While Noom’s virtual support can be beneficial, some users may prefer the in-person support offered by other weight loss programs.
FAQS
Still have questions about if Noom is right for you? Here are a few commonly asked questions.
Is Noom easy to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel a few different ways. You can reach out to your Goal Specialist, and they will walk you through the cancellation process. You can also email the support email directly, or you can also cancel your subscription through the Apple App Store. In order to cancel without getting charged for the next month you must cancel at least 24 hours before the next billing cycle.
Can you drink alcohol on Noom?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using Noom, but the program encourages moderation and mindful consumption. Noom’s approach to weight loss and healthy living is based on behavior change and developing a balanced relationship with what you consume, rather than strict elimination or restriction.
Here are some tips for incorporating alcohol into your Noom plan responsibly:
- Track your consumption: Make sure to log your alcohol intake in the Noom app, as it will help you be mindful of the calories you’re consuming and ensure you stay within your daily calorie budget.
- Choose lower-calorie options: Opt for alcoholic beverages with fewer calories and less sugar, such as light beer, wine, or spirits mixed with calorie-free mixers like soda water.
- Practice moderation: Limit your alcohol intake to a reasonable amount, in line with standard health guidelines. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
- Plan ahead: If you know you’ll be consuming alcohol, consider balancing your intake by choosing lower-calorie or more nutrient-dense foods throughout the day.
Does Noom come with a meal plan?
Yes, Noom provides personalized meal plans as part of its program. When you sign up for Noom and complete the initial questionnaire, the platform uses your information, such as your age, gender, height, weight, and health goals, to create a customized meal plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Noom’s meal plans are designed to be flexible, allowing you to make adjustments and substitutions based on your preferences, dietary restrictions, or specific needs. This flexibility helps ensure that the meal plan remains sustainable and enjoyable over the long term.
Can you do the Noom program as a vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can definitely join Noom with a plant-based diet— remember, there are no foods off-limits. Your Goal Specialist will work with you to find new recipes and meet your goals. If you are interested in moving towards a more plant-focused diet, Noom provides recipe ideas for their premium users as well.
What are the most common reasons people don’t lose weight on Noom?
There are several common reasons why people might not lose weight on Noom, including:
- Inaccurate tracking: Failing to accurately log food intake or exercise can lead to an incorrect representation of daily calorie consumption, which may hinder weight loss progress.
- Inconsistency: Not consistently following the Noom program, such as skipping coaching sessions, not engaging with the in-app lessons, or frequently deviating from the recommended meal plan, can reduce the program’s effectiveness.
- Unrealistic expectations: Expecting to lose weight too quickly or setting unattainable goals can lead to disappointment and demotivation. Sustainable weight loss typically occurs gradually, so it’s essential to set realistic expectations and be patient.
- Underlying medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or insulin resistance, can make weight loss more challenging. If you suspect an underlying medical issue is affecting your weight loss progress, consult a healthcare professional for guidance and treatment.
- Insufficient sleep or stress: Lack of sleep and high stress levels can negatively impact weight loss by affecting hormones, metabolism, and appetite regulation.
- Inadequate physical activity: While Noom focuses on nutrition and behavior change, incorporating regular physical activity is also crucial for successful weight loss.
- Plateaus: Weight loss plateaus are common and can be discouraging. If you experience a plateau, consider reassessing your goals, adjusting your meal plan, or increasing your physical activity to help overcome it.
What is the average amount of weight Noom users lose?
This depends on where the person is eating in their Weight Loss Zone, but it ranges from half a pound to two pounds a week, according to Noom.
Noom: The Trending New Weight Loss App
Noom offers a unique, comprehensive approach to weight loss, focusing on behavior modification and personalized coaching to help users develop sustainable, healthy habits. Although the cost and time commitment may be a drawback for some, the app’s user-friendly interface, customizable meal plans, and supportive virtual community make it an attractive option for those looking to lose weight and keep it off.
The bottom line is that you have to be ready to let Noom work for you, just like any other diet. If you’re ready to invest in your health and commit to the process, the Noom diet may be the weight loss solution you’ve been looking for to kick-start your healthy lifestyle journey.
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