The 5 Best Weight Loss Programs in 2024

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A quick look at the best weight loss programs

Most flexible: WeightWatchers | Skip to review

Best weight loss app: Noom | Skip to review

Best for meal planning: PlateJoy | Skip to review

Best with GLP-1 medication support: Calibrate | Skip to review

Best for diabetes: Mayo Clinic Diet | Skip to review

Every year, millions of adults in the United States try to lose weight.

Along with exercise, dieting is one of the most common methods used to promote weight loss.

However, not all diets are created equal, which can make it challenging to find a weight loss program that’s safe, sustainable, and effective.

This article looks at five of the best weight loss programs in 2024, as well as other eating patterns that are worth considering.

What is a weight loss program vs. a diet?

Weight loss programs are commercial diet plans that require a membership or subscription fee and typically offer more structure than lifestyle diets, such as the Mediterranean diet or plant-based diet.

Weight loss programs typically provide guidance on which foods to eat or avoid, how frequently to exercise, and how to monitor your progress.

Some programs also provide personal coaching, peer support, or resources aimed at helping you build healthy habits in the long run.

On the other hand, lifestyle diets usually offer more general guidelines on which foods are permitted, giving you a bit more wiggle room when making your meal plan.

Which one is right for you?

While some people might enjoy the flexibility of a lifestyle diet, others might find that not having a clear set of rules or regulations to follow can be a bit confusing.

In some cases, weight loss programs may actually make it easier to follow a certain eating pattern by providing additional resources and support to help you stay on track.

They might also be a better fit for those who prefer a diet plan with more structure, especially as you’re first getting started with your weight loss journey.

Still, keep in mind that not all commercial weight loss programs are safe and effective, especially long term. They can also be expensive and may not be the right fit for everyone.

How we chose the best weight loss programs

The weight loss programs below were chosen based on the following criteria:

Nutritional quality: Weight loss programs are nutritionally balanced and designed to meet nutritional needs.
Sustainability: Weight loss programs are not overly restrictive, are easy to stick with, and are designed to support long-term weight loss.
Effectiveness for weight loss: Weight loss programs have all been studied for their ability to promote weight loss.
Additional health benefits: In addition to supporting weight loss, some programs may offer health benefits for other conditions.
Dietitian review: All the programs below were reviewed by registered dietitians Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, and Kelli McGrane, MS, RD.
Vetting: The programs and products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Healthline’s picks for the best weight loss programs

Most flexible

WeightWatchers

How it works: WeightWatchers is a well-known diet program that uses a points-based system to promote long lasting, sustainable weight loss.
Price: plans start at $23 per month

GET STARTED WITH WEIGHT WATCHERS

Healthline's review

On WeightWatchers, each food and drink is assigned a Points value based on its nutritional content, and each member is allotted an individualized Points budget each day.

Some foods are also considered ZeroPoint foods, meaning they don’t count toward your daily Points budget.

Because of this, WeightWatchers may be a good option for people who want a little more structure and guidance for weight loss while still being able to dine out and enjoy their favorite foods.

Memberships start at $23 per month and include access to the digital app, which provides tracking tools, educational resources, and community forums to help you reach your goals. WeightWatchers offers plans with access to in-person workshops and one-on-one coaching as well.

Recently, it also launched WeightWatchers Clinic. This program offers access to prescription weight loss medications for those who qualify, along with insurance coordination and ongoing support from a board certified clinician.

Learn more about WeightWatchers in our expert review.

Effectiveness

According to WeightWatchers, members can expect to lose 1 to 2 pounds (lb) (0.5 to 1 kilograms [kg]) per week, though this will vary from person to person.

Some studies from 2020 and 2021 have also shown that WeightWatchers is beneficial for promoting both short-term and long-term weight loss.

However, one study was funded by WeightWatchers, which may have influenced the results.

customized to fit your needs using points-based system
several plans to choose from, some of which include group workshops or personal coaching
offers access to prescription weight loss medications for those who qualify
simple and flexible

may be more expensive than other diet programs, depending on the plan you choose
requires use of a smartphone or tablet

Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Food tracking: yes
Support: community features, health coaching, app, meal plans, recipes, goal setting
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods

Best weight loss app

Noom

How it works: Noom is a digital app focused on promoting long-term, sustainable weight loss by helping users build healthy habits.
Price: plans start at $70 per month

GET STARTED WITH NOOM

Healthline's review

Noom is a weight loss app that’s designed to address the why behind your habits, and in turn, hopefully lead to lasting behavior changes.

The app requires a monthly subscription to use, which starts at $70 per month. Your subscription includes access to a virtual coaching team, interactive daily lessons, food and activity tracking tools, and a library of recipes.

The program encourages users to log their daily intake in the app and prioritize foods with a low calorie density. Foods are categorized as orange, yellow, or green based on their nutritional value.

In addition to weight loss, Noom also addresses other aspects of health, including physical activity and mood.

For those who may need additional support, Noom recently introduced Noom Med, which includes access to prescription weight loss medications for eligible members.

Learn more about Noom in our hands-on review.

Effectiveness

To promote weight loss, Noom helps users reduce their calorie intake by encouraging consumption of foods with a low calorie density.

According to Noom’s website, users can generally expect to lose 1 to 2 lb (0.5 to 1 kg) per week, though this may depend on several factors, including your starting weight, diet, goals, and activity level.

Limited research suggests that the diet could be effective for maintaining weight loss and may help reduce the number of binge eating episodes in adults with binge eating disorder.

However, it’s worth noting that the authors of both studies above work for Noom, and this could present a conflict of interest.

no foods completely off-limits
includes support from virtual coaching team
access to weight loss medications available for qualified candidates
provides daily lessons and tools to promote weight loss

requires smartphone or tablet to use
relatively expensive compared with other plans
may set users' initial calorie goals too low

Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Food tracking: yes
Support: community features, health coaching, app, meal plans, recipes, goal setting
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods

Best for meal planning

PlateJoy

How it works: PlateJoy is a meal planning app designed by dietitians to help make healthier eating easier and more convenient than ever.
Price: starts at $4.99 per month when you sign up through Healthline; $13 per month otherwise

GET STARTED WITH PLATEJOY

Healthline's review

PlateJoy is one of the most customizable meal planning apps, as it builds weekly menus to fit your schedule, dietary preferences, and health goals.

You can even specify portion sizes for each member of your household and select recipes based on the types of kitchen equipment you have on hand.

In addition to weekly meal plans, the app provides curated shopping lists, which you can bring with you to the store or sync with popular grocery delivery services, such as Instacart and Amazon Fresh.

PlateJoy typically costs $12.99 per month, but if you sign up through Healthline, you can subscribe for just $4.99 per month.

It’s worth noting that PlateJoy is owned and operated by Healthline Media.

Read about our experience trying PlateJoy in our hands-on review.

Effectiveness

Although there are no studies on the effectiveness of PlateJoy specifically, meal planning has been associated with successful weight loss, a reduced risk of obesity, and improved diet quality.

The app also offers options for people following plant-based and ketogenic diets, two diet patterns that have been associated with weight loss.

Plus, PlateJoy provides detailed information on the nutritional content and ingredients for each recipe and includes Balanced Plate badges to aid in building a nutritionally balanced meal plan.

customized weekly meal plans
virtual pantry and curated shopping lists to help reduce food waste
good for individuals and families
Balanced Plate badges to make it easier to build nutritionally balanced meal plans

includes some recipes that may be more time consuming to make
requires monthly subscription cost

Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Food tracking: no
Support: app, meal plans, recipes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods

Best with GLP-1 medication support

Calibrate

4.7 (491+) from Calibrate

How it works: Calibrate is a comprehensive program that claims to support metabolic health and promote long-term weight loss through a combination of lifestyle changes and prescription medication.
Price: plans start at $146 per month

GET STARTED WITH CALIBRATE

Healthline's review

Calibrate’s weight loss program is designed to address the four pillars of metabolic health: food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health.

Members also have regular video calls with a personal coach to monitor their progress and set goals.

Calibrate prescribes GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, for members. These injectable medications were originally developed to treat diabetes and have also been shown to support weight loss.

However, keep in mind that the program has strict eligibility criteria, most of which are related to your age, body mass index, and health status.

Additionally, the program is very expensive, with prices starting at $146 per month.

Effectiveness

According to a 2022 report published by Calibrate, members lost an average of 15% of their body weight after completing the 1-year program.

The program encourages many healthy habits that can support long-lasting weight loss, including regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and increased fiber and protein intake.

Additionally, the medications that the program prescribes have been shown to decrease food cravings and appetite and to enhance feelings of fullness, resulting in weight loss over time.

However, keep in mind that GLP-1 medications have been associated with weight regain after discontinued use. Some people may also experience side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Therefore, before you sign up, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional to determine whether Calibrate is a good option for you.

guarantees at least 10% weight loss
encourages gradual diet and lifestyle changes
doesn't exclude or eliminate any foods
support from personal coach and initial visit with physician included in membership

expensive
strict list of eligibility criteria
involves the use of injectable medication, which may be associated with side effects
requires a 1-year membership

Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Food tracking: no
Support: health coaching, professional support (MD), app, recipes, goal setting
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods

Best for diabetes

Mayo Clinic Diet

How it works: The Mayo Clinic Diet is an eating plan originally developed by experts at the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit hospital system that is considered a leader in medical research.
Price: $19.99 per month for the digital platform

GET STARTED WITH MAYO CLINIC

Healthline's review

The Mayo Clinic Diet focuses on developing healthy habits that are important for people with diabetes, such as exercising daily and not skipping meals.

It also promotes nutritious ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while limiting added sugars and saturated fat from full fat dairy and high fat meats.

The Mayo Clinic Diet has a digital platform, which starts at $19.99 per month for an annual plan and includes educational content, food tracking tools, and sample meal plans for high protein, Mediterranean, and keto diets.

There’s also a book, “The Mayo Clinic Diabetes Diet,” which outlines guidelines specifically for diabetes.

Effectiveness

Although there aren’t any peer-reviewed studies on the Mayo Clinic Diet specifically, studies show that following a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat may aid weight loss. High fiber diets have also been linked to better blood sugar management.

The diet also encourages limiting intake of added sugar. While more research is needed, diets high in added sugar have been associated with a greater risk of obesity.

You can learn more about the Mayo Clinic Diet on the Mayo Clinic’s website or find valuable information in books on the topic.

supports blood sugar management
can be followed using guidelines outlined in book or online platform
encourages healthy habits

monthly subscription cost for digital platform

Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes, for digital platform
Food tracking: yes
Support: community features, app, meal plans, recipes, goal setting
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods

How these weight loss programs compare

Diet	Requires monthly subscription	Summary
WeightWatchers	yes, starts at $23 per month	app that uses points-based system to promote weight loss
Noom	yes, starts at $70 per month	digital app designed to promote healthy habits
PlateJoy	yes, starts at $4.99 per month	meal planning app developed by registered dietitians
Calibrate	yes, starts at $146 per month	combines diet and lifestyle strategies with prescription medications
Mayo Clinic Diet	yes, starts at $19.99 per month	focuses on habits that are important for managing type 2 diabetes

How to choose a weight loss program

There are a number of factors to consider when finding a diet or weight loss program that works for you. Here are a few key considerations:

Lifestyle and preferences: To improve your chances of losing weight and keeping it off, it’s important to choose a diet that can easily fit your lifestyle and food preferences.
Realistic approach: Similarly, look for a diet program or pattern that’s realistic and sustainable. Steer clear of diets that are overly restrictive or promise a quick fix for rapid weight loss.
Effectiveness: Select a program that’s backed by research and has been shown to be effective for weight loss.
Whole foods approach: Look for a program that emphasizes eating whole foods, and be cautious of those that require you to purchase expensive products or supplements to get results.
Lifestyle approach: Weight loss is about more than just what you eat. It’s important to choose a program that incorporates other healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and mental wellness practices.

If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications, be sure to consult a trusted healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

Our picks for the best diets in 2024

While some people may prefer commercial weight loss programs, there are many other options available that can help you lose weight.

In fact, following a healthy eating pattern might be a better choice for some. In addition to being more budget-friendly, these eating patterns also often offer more flexibility than many commercial weight loss programs.

Here are a few of our top picks to consider:

Mediterranean diet: The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the eating patterns of the Middle East and Mediterranean and prioritizes nutritious whole foods. Not only can the Mediterranean diet lead to weight loss, but it may also help prevent chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Plant-based diet: Plant-based diets are less restrictive than vegan diets and are rich in fiber to keep you feeling full. Studies show that plant-based diets may be more effective for weight loss than conventional diets and may even lead to greater improvements in blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation.
Low carb diet: Low carb diets are often recommended to improve insulin sensitivity and help manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms. Reviews published in 2019 and 2021 found that following a low carb diet could help increase weight loss, balance hormone levels, and improve fertility in people with PCOS.
DASH diet: The DASH diet was specifically designed to support heart health and has been shown to decrease blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, all risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, a 2020 review showed that the DASH diet could also lead to significant reductions in body weight and belly fat.
MIND diet: The MIND diet may help support brain health and preserve brain function as you age, making it a great option for older adults. While limited research is available on the MIND diet for weight management, both the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet have been associated with increased weight loss.
Vegetarian diet: Vegetarian diets emphasize nutrient-dense plant foods and can be easily adapted to fit your personal tastes and preferences. Research suggests that following a vegetarian diet can also be an effective way to boost weight loss and improve diet quality.

Meal planning and meal delivery services support your weight goals

Often, the hardest part of following a diet is figuring out what to cook. But meal delivery services can make it easier than ever to stick to the diet pattern you choose.

For a more affordable option, consider downloading a meal planning app instead.

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»MORE:Learn how to lose weight the healthy way, the Wellos™ way

Frequently asked questions

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for weight loss. Therefore, the most effective weight loss program for you may depend on your goals, needs, and preferences, as well as whether you’re able to follow it in the long term.

In Healthline’s internal review of diets, the Mediterranean diet and the plant-based diet scored the highest, with an overall rating of 4.8 and 4.9 out of 5, respectively. In terms of commercial diet programs, Calibrate had the highest rating, receiving a score of 4.2 out of 5.

WeightWatchers uses a simple points-based system to help you learn to make healthier choices. Research from 2021 suggests that it may be similarly effective for long-term, sustainable weight loss as other commercial weight loss programs.

The best way to keep weight off long term is to make sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle. This may include exercising regularly, eating fewer processed foods, or enjoying more healthy homemade meals instead of dining out.

Many factors can make it harder to lose weight, including several medical conditions.

You may want to consider consulting a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, to determine whether other factors may be involved and develop a plan to help you reach and maintain a moderate weight.

The bottom line

There are many weight loss programs available, so it’s likely you’ll be able to find something that can work for you.

When picking a diet, look for a program that’s realistic, sustainable, and backed by research.

Be sure to incorporate other healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and mindful eating, into your daily routine to maximize weight loss and improve your overall health.