Noom alternative: Which weight loss app will help me lose weight in the long term?
Noom is one of the most popular weight loss apps. It uses a subscription-based model and gamification elements designed to appeal to young adults.
If you’re seeking a Noom alternative, you can find out how it compares to Weight Watchers or explore options in this article, including Oviva. The Oviva app is available if you’re eligible for our weight management service. Eligibility criteria include a BMI over 30 and at least one weight-related health condition, like diabetes, asthma or heart disease.
Key Takeaways
- Some of the best Noom alternatives to consider include MyFitnessPal, NHS Weight Loss Plan, Second Nature and Oviva.
- All these weight loss apps are available to download on Android and iOS.
- The Oviva app is available if a doctor refers you to our NHS-approved weight loss programme. It allows you to access personalised coaching.
- Oviva can help you achieve sustainable weight loss through weight loss medication and lifestyle changes, such as nutrition and exercise.
The most popular Noom alternatives compared
| Noom | MyFitnessPal | NHS Weight Loss Plan | Second Nature | Oviva | |
| Approach | Traffic light calorie counting system | Calorie counting | 12-week weight loss plan | Long-term lifestyle changes | Long-term lifestyle changes |
| Basic Costs | £56 per month | Free with ads and limited features. £15.99 per month for premium. | Free | £45 per month. Available via NHS in limited locations. | Available via an NHS referral. |
| Target Demographic | Anyone who wants to lose weight. | Anyone who wants to lose weight. | Anyone who wants to lose weight. | Must qualify via health quiz. | People who are living with obesity. |
| Reviews (Google Play) | 4.2 Stars | 4.5 Stars | 4.6 Stars | 4.4 Stars | 4.6 Stars |
| Consulting/Coaching? | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Recipes? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vegetarian/Vegan? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Based on research completed October 2024
Noom vs MyFitnessPal vs NHS Weight Loss Plan vs Second Nature vs Oviva
The following sections will help you find a Noom diet alternative by exploring some of the most popular weight loss apps, how they work, their approach, and who they target.
Choosing the best weight loss app is essential because various options have different approaches. You should focus on an affordable service with rounded features and a robust data security approach, prioritising sustainable weight loss and management rather than simple or short-term solutions.
How does Noom work?
Noom is a popular weight loss app with gamification elements, which has helped it reach a large number of young adults. It operates on a subscription-based model and promotes healthier food choices with a traffic light system. Foods in the green category are encouraged, yellow foods can be eaten in moderation, and red foods should be kept to a minimum.
The app provides daily lessons and interactive challenges to keep users engaged. Users can also track food, exercise, and weight. Personal coaching is also available.
The Noom programme includes community features that allow users to interact with each other. The app also offers a variety of recipes for healthy meals and a ‘Noom Vibe’ system designed to reward healthy habits, including workouts and daily steps.
Noom’s playful, youthful approach has made it very popular with Millennials and Gen Z users who are looking to lose weight and improve their health.
How does MyFitnessPal work?
MyFitnessPal is an app focused on food, exercise, and calorie tracking. Users can easily track nutrition by searching for food items in the MyFitnessPal database or scanning barcodes on packaging. The app automatically tracks calories and macros for items you add.
Users can access a database that includes meal plans and recipes. The app can also be paired with wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, to track workouts and steps. A built-in database can also quickly add a number of activities.
The app will calculate your ideal daily calorie intake based on your height, weight, weight loss goals and the speed of weight loss you’re aiming for. A weekly report helps you understand the foods you eat most frequently and the macronutrients you consume. Users can also add friends and share progress using a social media-style profile system.
The basic version of the app is free and includes nutrition and exercise tracking. Some advanced features are locked behind a paywall, with MyFitnessPal Premium offering a collection of workout routines, personalised macro tracking, and in-depth nutrition insights. Premium users also benefit from the removal of ads from the app.
How does the NHS Weight Loss Plan work?
NHS Weight Loss Plan is an app designed to help users adopt healthier habits. These include eating a more nutrient-rich diet, increasing physical activity, and building healthier eating habits. An optional feature tracks food calories, but this can be easily turned off.
The app’s main feature is a 12-week weight loss plan complete with guides to help users understand and follow it. Users can add their meals to a food tracker, monitor their weight and waist circumference, and set a personal mission to aid with motivation.
A weekly check-in feature helps to keep users on track and reflect on the previous week’s progress. Meanwhile, a free BMI calculator will not only calculate your BMI but also make a recommendation for a percentage of weight loss that would benefit your health.
Additional features include advice, tips, and progress reports. The NHS Weight Loss Plan app is completely free and has no additional costs, but it should be noted that it does not provide personalised coaching, access to weight loss medication, or extensive community features.
How does Second Nature work?
Second Nature is a weight management programme and app that qualifies potential users via a pre-registration health quiz. It’s usually a paid service, but Second Nature also partners with the NHS as part of the health service’s diabetes prevention programme. However, the NHS-funded plans are limited by location.
Second Nature is a programme designed by dietitians and psychologists. The app focuses on health, well-being, and weight loss. It does not use calorie counting, points, or traffic light systems. Instead, it prioritises education and healthier lifestyle habits.
The service provides weight loss medication for eligible people, and the app includes tracking features. Users can access a large number of recipes, and there is a strong focus on eating whole foods and steering away from ultra-processed foods.
It should be noted that the Second Nature programme is a paid service unless you have free access via the NHS, which is limited by location. However, it does take a sensible approach to promoting long-term health and sustainable weight loss rather than quick fixes.
How does Oviva work?
Oviva is an NHS-approved weight management service, which can be accessed for free via a referral from your doctor if you’re living with obesity and have at least one other weight-related health condition. Oviva’s team of healthcare professionals includes doctors, nurses and psychologists, and they’ll support you on your weight loss journey.
The Oviva app provides access to features like food tracking, exercise tracking and weight loss advice. You’ll also receive personal coaching via the app. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for a Noom coach alternative or a programme that breaks from “one size fits all” solutions or methods like calorie counting and food-scoring systems.
Oviva’s service focuses on sustainable weight loss, and there’s no rigid diet to follow or gimmicks around which foods you can eat. Instead, you’ll learn to adopt an approach that works for you and suits your circumstances. There’s an emphasis on creating a healthy diet plan that suits you and developing the knowledge to make better choices.
AI technology provides instant feedback on the foods you eat, while we can provide access to weight loss medication via NHS prescriptions. You can also use the app to set goals, track your mood, and access lessons from experts with real human interactions.
Sustainable weight loss with Oviva
If you’re looking for a great Noom alternative, the outlined options above have something to offer. However, if you’re living with obesity, based in England and can obtain a referral from your doctor, you could benefit from the free, NHS-approved Oviva app, complete with personalised coaching, food tracking and access to weight loss medication.
Oviva provides personalised coaching tailored to your specific needs. Our team of healthcare professionals and experts can help you access weight loss medication (if eligible), adopt a healthier lifestyle and focus on methods that can be sustained over time.
With Oviva, you’ll work with a coach to set goals and learn to develop healthy habits that can be followed over the long term. This leads not only to short-term weight loss results but also long-term weight management. You do not need to take it from us; 97% of Oviva users would recommend us to others, and we’ve helped more than 500,000 people across Europe.
Monitor your goals
Receive personalised recommendations to help you to work towards your goal. Log your food, mood, water intake, exercise and other health metrics using the Oviva app.
Keep a food journal
Snap photos of your daily meals effortlessly within the Oviva app.
Get meal analysis
Get an in-depth meal analysis instantly with a daily summary of your diet.
Stay connected
Connect with your Oviva coach anytime through the app.
Browse learning resources
Written by Oviva’s team of experts, explore advice on nutrition, exercise, and motivation to guide you through the programme and maximise long term weight maintenance.
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