How Does Noom Work? Here’s How to Lose Weight With This Popular App
It’s a new year, and many of us (including me!) are embarking on our annual attempt to lose the extra pounds we packed on over the holiday season — or, in my case, the weight that snuck up on us as we spent more time indoors snacking in front of the TV, thanks to COVID-19. If you’re thinking about trying a new weight loss program this year and have heard the buzz about Noom, one of the most popular diet apps out there, you might be asking yourself, “How does Noom work, anyway?”
Below, we’ve got answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Noom. (And be sure to check out these tips from their certified health coaches on how to reach your weight loss goals!)
What does Noom actually do?
What is Noom? First, here’s what Noom isn’t: Noom isn’t a meal delivery service, or a restrictive diet that dictates what you’re allowed to eat. (Spoiler alert: You can eat anything you want, in moderation, on Noom!)
Rather, Noom is a weight loss app that uses the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy to help you develop new habits and make healthier choices, so you can lose unwanted pounds, have more energy, and feel better about your body.
After you sign up, you’ll be matched with a virtual coach who offers encouragement and advice throughout the day, answering questions and cheering you on. You can also connect with other Noom users, as you’ll be added to group of dieters helping each other stay on track by sharing their wins — and their challenges.
What do you eat on Noom?
You can eat whatever you want on Noom. Really! Of course, that doesn’t mean you can scarf down doughnuts for breakfast and cheeseburgers for dinner every day — at least, not if you expect the scale to move in a downward direction.
With Noom, you’ll be counseled about choosing foods with a “low caloric density”, meaning they are higher in water and lower in calories by volume. Foods are categorized as red (try to limit consumption), yellow (eat with caution), and green (go ahead and enjoy!). Grapes, for example, have a low caloric density and are classified as a green food, while raisins are red — meaning they don’t deliver as much bang for your caloric buck.
You’ll be allotted a certain number of calories per day, based on your age, weight, and other individual factors. What foods you “spend” your calories on is up to you, but they’ll go further if you choose “green” foods throughout the day.
With Noom, you’ll also have access to your personal coach at all times — something Weight Watchers doesn’t offer. Personally, I’ve loved this aspect of Noom; it’s like having a wise and helpful friend to text with about my eating habits anytime I want. I’ve even joked that my Noom coach helps me more than my therapist!
How much weight do people lose on Noom?
Does Noom work? One study showed that among nearly 36,000 Noom users, 78 percent reported some amount of weight loss, with 23 percent losing more than 10 percent of their total body weight. Another study showed that 64 percent of Noom users lost five percent or more of their body weight over the course of 24 weeks. (For the less math-minded among us, five percent of 150 pounds is seven-and-a-half pounds. Not too shabby!)
Of course, how much weight people lose on Noom varies, and how much you lose will depend on what you eat and how faithfully you track your meals, as well as other factors like how much and what type of exercise you get. And it goes without saying that everyone’s physiology is different. Your age, genetics, hormones, and general health will all have an impact on how quickly you’re able to drop unwanted pounds — and how successfully you keep them off.
Want to try it for yourself? Start by clicking here to find out more!
