A relative newcomer that talks about a more psychological path to weight loss, but still has solid foundations in calorie counting and a traffic lights system for food.
1) What’s the Plan?
WW
Here’s the headline. No two plans are alike - no two people are alike, so the plan is all about YOU!
We call it Points® because that’s exactly what it is - a 100% individualised programme. Just answer some quick questions via our super-fast, super-clever Points® Engine, and you’ll get your unique Points Budget, plus an extensive ZeroPoint food list which include many fish, lean meat, wholegrains, and eggs . You can even add Points by moving more, drinking more (water), and eating non-starchy veg! Yes, it’s that simple and effective,
But what you eat is only part of your wellness story. There are four key pillars that are your “north star” to sustained success - food, activity, mindset and sleep.
Mindset is front, side, and centre - and every week you get a weekly technique on how to focus in order to stay on track, while regular activity and better sleep habits are reflected across the whole WW weight-loss programme.
Tell me more.
Noom
Noom takes a traditional approach with old-fashioned calorie counting and a daily calorie budget where all foods are assigned a red, yellow, or green rating - the template for a personalised daily calorie budget.
But its USP is based on “mindful eating” and the application of psychology to create sustained change.
In addition to a personalised daily calorie budget, the Noom app includes checklists, worksheets and digital messaging to help their members manage mental and emotional barriers to weight loss.
2) How much weight can I expect to lose?
WW
You can expect to lose around 1-2lbs per week. It’s a healthy weight-loss average at a very healthy rate, and the freedom and science-backed nature of Points makes that sustainable, so it’s weight loss that works, and success that lasts. Still thinking a quick fix is the answer? We suggest you read this first.
Noom
No different to WW - an average weight loss of 1-2lbs per week is the goal.
3) All I really need to know is what can I eat?
WW
We’ll keep it short and sweet - with Personal - and no food is off-limits. You’re the one that’s in control of what you choose to eat, plus when and how you add to Points. And that ZeroPoint food list is great for having more of what you love without breaking into your Budget. Bring it on!
Dietary requirements? We’ve got you covered with these FREE 5-day meal plans, including vegetarian, pescetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.
Noom
While Noom also has a “nothing is off-limits” message, that does come with some tighter restrictions! That traffic light system is the guide to your food choices within a calorie budget.
4) How do I track my food?
WW
The WW app will become your new best friend. And with good reason. Not only is it where you’ll complete that Points engine, but it opens a massive virtual door to super-easy, super-speedy food, water, activity, and sleep tracking. Download the WW app from the App Store and Google Play, and boom, there’s a built-in barcode scanner, meal planners and more.
Noom
Noom also likes a bit of app tracking. There are 3.7 million food options to track, and users can log weight, and track food, water and steps via the app.
5) Tell me more about the app
WW
You know we just told you the app is your new best friend and it’s a little bit amazing? Well first it’s the one great app for all members - no splits here. And on top all the essential tracking, scanning, and meal planning stuff, there’s all this:
- 24/7 live coaching support from a real human being
- Thousands of recipes, and the What’s in your fridge feature
- Weekly techniques, tips and motivation
- Inspiring,articles including member success stories and ambassador inspo
- Meditations from Breathe, fun guided workouts from Obe
- Members-only social community Connect, which covers anything from veggie meal plans to managing stress
- Support and specialist content across all life stages, from new mums to menopause
- Oh yes, you can even sync your fitness device so you can track every step
Whatever you need on your weight loss and wellness journey, if you’re a WW member it’s all there on the one app.
Noom
The Noom app includes checklists, worksheets and digital messaging to help their members manage mental and emotional barriers to weight loss. And as mentioned, there is a big emphasis on the user being very diligent with tracking. As a key element is philosophy, psychology, and science, there are daily cards with tips and motivation via the app, plus daily lessons, quizzes and motivational quotations.
6) What’s the deal with physical Workshops?
WW
Physical in-person workshops are still VERY much a WW thing! Led by expert WW Coaches trained in nutrition science, many have completed their own WW wellness journey so know what you’re facing and just how and when to motivate. If you still like to get all science-based behavioural techniques that support habit change while sharing tips, stories and successes with the group, then this is great for you. And yes, there is a weigh-in with your Coach. Find your nearest Workshop to accelerate your weight loss in a friendly, supportive environment.
But virtual workshops provide all the above - you just need to take accountability for your own weight tracking and find a class at the right time for you via the app.
Noom
This is not an option. Noom is all only virtual and app-based. After being a member for more than two weeks, you’ll be assigned a virtual support group.