Motivation checklist for weight loss app
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Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are weight loss apps accurate?
Due to human error in self-reporting, apps for weight loss may underestimate calorie targets and overestimate calorie burns for the day. The only way to be completely precise with tracking your food is to use a food scale and measuring cups. These interventions are not required to lose weight, but they are the best way to use weight loss apps accurately.
Why might you not be losing weight with an app?
There are several reasons why you might not be losing weight if you’ve been using a weight loss app. You might be tracking your food inaccurately or measuring portions incorrectly. You might be restricting yourself too much and overeating later, or the app may be overestimating your total exercise calorie burn.
What are the downsides of tracking your food?
For some, tracking food can be stressful. If you find that using a weight loss app increases anxiety with food, it may be time to reevaluate.
The best weight loss app for someone comes down to personal preferences, readiness to change and compatibility with the different features available.
How do I know if I need to lose weight?
You might know that you need to lose weight because your doctor or dietitian has recommended it, your body mass index (BMI) is above 25 or you have a pre-existing condition like diabetes or heart disease that may warrant weight loss.
Sources
Footnotes
- Laing BY, Mangione CM, Tseng CH, et al. Effectiveness of a smartphone application for weight loss compared with usual care in overweight primary care patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2014;161(10 Suppl):S5-S12.
- How to lose weight safely. National Health Services. Accessed 9/8/2023.
References
- Peterson ND, et al. Dietary self-monitoring and long-term success with weight management. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2014;22(9):1962-7.
- Carels RA, et al. Can following the caloric restriction recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans help individuals lose weight?. Eat Behav. 2008;9(3):328-35.
- Ghelani DP, et al. Mobile Apps for Weight Management: A Review of the Latest Evidence to Inform Practice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020;11:412.
- Ufholz, K, et al. The Efficacy of Mobile Applications for Weight Loss. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep. 2023:17;,83–90.
- Murakami K, et al. Prevalence and characteristics of misreporting of energy intake in US adults: NHANES 2003-2012. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015;114(8):1294-1303.
- Svetkey LP, et al. Cell phone intervention for you (CITY): A randomized, controlled trial of behavioral weight loss intervention for young adults using mobile technology. Obesity. 2015;23(11):2133-2141.
- Ferrara G, et al. A Focused Review of Smartphone Diet-Tracking Apps: Usability, Functionality, Coherence With Behavior Change Theory, and Comparative Validity of Nutrient Intake and Energy Estimates. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2019;7(5):e9232.
- Michael JD, et al. 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS Guideline for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Circulation. 2014;129:S102–S138.
- Foster D, et al. Multidisciplinary Team-Based Obesity Treatment in Patients With Diabetes: Current Practices and the State of the Science. Diabetes Spectr. 2017;30(4):244-249.
- Leidy HJ, et al. The effects of consuming frequent, higher protein meals on appetite and satiety during weight loss in overweight/obese men. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011;19(4):818-24.
- Miller T, et al. Resistance Training Combined With Diet Decreases Body Fat While Preserving Lean Mass Independent of Resting Metabolic Rate: A Randomized Trial. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2018;28(1):46-54.
- Samantha HL, et al. Using apps to self-monitor diet and physical activity is linked to greater use of disordered eating behaviors among emerging adults. Preventive Medicine. 2022;(155):106967.
- Moon J, et al. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173.
- Laing BY, et al. Effectiveness of a smartphone application for weight loss compared with usual care in overweight primary care patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2014;161(10 Suppl):S5-12.
- de Freitas PP, et al. The transtheoretical model is an effective weight management intervention: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2020;20(1):652.
- Shcherbina A, et al. Accuracy in Wrist-Worn, Sensor-Based Measurements of Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure in a Diverse Cohort. J Pers Med. 2017;7(2):3.
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Caroline Thomason Contributor
Caroline Thomason is a media dietitian in the greater Washington, D.C. area. She writes for top-tier media outlets, partners with brands as a nutrition expert and runs a nutrition private practice. In her private practice, she works with women who want to stop dieting and find confidence with food. She has completed and written hundreds of media interviews and freelance articles for top-tier media outlets since becoming a media dietitian.
Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true crime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it).
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
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