Noom is one of the most talked-about weight-loss programs right now. It markets itself not as a traditional diet but as a behavior-change system that uses psychology, daily lessons, food tracking, coaching, and group support to help people lose weight sustainably. The app promises to teach you why you eat the way you do and how to make small, lasting shifts instead of following strict rules.
Millions of people have downloaded Noom, and thousands post dramatic before-and-after photos online. At the same time, plenty of users quit early or feel the program didn’t live up to the hype. Reviews are very polarized—some call it life-changing, others call it overpriced and frustrating.
This review breaks down how Noom actually works, what real users experience, the typical results, the biggest strengths and weaknesses, and whether the cost matches the value for most people. The content is informational only and not medical advice. Weight-loss results vary widely—always talk to a doctor before starting any program, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.
How Noom Actually Works Day to Day
Noom starts with a detailed questionnaire about your age, weight, height, goals, habits, medical history, and lifestyle. It then creates a personalized daily calorie budget and assigns you a color-coded food system: green (eat more), yellow (eat in moderation), orange (eat less often). The focus is on calorie density rather than banning foods outright.
Every morning you get a short psychology-based lesson (usually 5–10 minutes) that introduces one small concept—things like why willpower fails, how emotions trigger eating, or how habits form. You log every bite of food, water intake, steps, and exercise. The app gives instant feedback on how your choices fit the color system and your calorie goal.
You also get a personal coach (a real human) who messages you a few times per week and a private group chat with other users at similar stages. Weekly weigh-ins and progress charts keep you accountable. The program is intentionally slow-paced to build habits rather than trigger fast, unsustainable drops.
Typical Weight-Loss Results People See
Users who finish at least 4–6 months and stay consistent usually report losing 10–20% of their starting body weight. Common numbers shared in reviews are 15–50 pounds over 6–12 months. Some people lose 80–120+ pounds when they continue for 18–24 months or longer.
Noom’s own published studies show average losses of about 5–7% of body weight at 6 months and 7–10% at 12 months among people who complete the program. Independent user reports (Reddit, Trustpilot, App Store reviews) generally align with these numbers when people actually engage with the lessons and logging.
The most important pattern: people who lose the most and keep it off are the ones who treat Noom as a 6–12 month lifestyle project, read the lessons carefully, message their coach regularly, and accept gradual progress (1–2 pounds per week on average).
Who Usually Gets the Best Results on Noom
People who succeed long-term tend to share a few traits:
- They actually read and reflect on the daily psychology lessons
- They stay consistent with food logging for at least 4–6 months
- They respond well to gentle, non-judgmental coaching
- They’re looking for gradual, sustainable change rather than crash dieting
- They’re willing to invest $30–$50 per month for 6–12 months
Noom usually works less well for people who:
- Want very fast results (10+ pounds per month)
- Hate logging every bite of food
- Prefer very structured meal plans over flexible guidelines
- Have a very tight budget
- Need intensive medical supervision for serious health conditions
The program is not a quick fix or medical treatment—it’s a habit-building system.
Biggest Strengths of Noom
The psychology-based daily lessons stand out as the strongest feature. They explain why most diets fail and teach practical ways to handle cravings, emotional eating, and plateaus. Many users say these lessons changed how they think about food long-term.
The personal coach (a real human) creates accountability that free apps can’t match. Good coaches offer tailored encouragement and help troubleshoot setbacks. Group chats provide motivation and a sense of community.
The color-coded food system helps people reframe choices without feeling deprived. You’re allowed orange foods—you just learn to balance them. This flexibility keeps many people from quitting.
What Long-Term Users Often Say They Value Most
- Daily lessons that actually make you think differently
- Having a real person checking in on you
- Flexible approach—no “off-limits” foods
- Gradual progress that feels sustainable
- Improved energy, mood, and relationship with food
These elements explain why some people stay with Noom for years even after reaching their goal weight.
Biggest Weaknesses and Complaints
Food logging is required every day, and many users find it exhausting after the first few months. The calorie budget can feel too low for very active people or those with larger bodies, leading to hunger or frustration.
Coaching quality varies a lot. Some coaches are excellent—responsive, encouraging, and insightful. Others are distant, give generic replies, or barely respond, which makes people feel unsupported.
The program costs $30–$70 per month depending on plan length, which feels expensive to some, especially if they quit early or don’t like the style. A few users also report boredom with repetitive lessons or feeling judged by the color system.
Most Common Reasons People Quit Early
- Frustration with daily food logging
- Calorie budget feels too restrictive
- Coach communication is disappointing
- Weight loss is slower than expected
- Monthly cost starts to feel too high
Quitting early usually leads to smaller or temporary results.
Comparison: Noom vs Other Popular Weight-Loss Programs
| Program | Monthly Cost (avg) | Coaching Style | Tracking Style | Psychology Focus | Typical 6–12 Month Loss (completers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noom | $25–$70 | 1-on-1 personal | Color system + calories | Very strong | 10–20% of starting weight |
| Weight Watchers | $20–$45 | Group + optional | Points system | Moderate | 5–15% of starting weight |
| MyFitnessPal | $0–$20 | None | Calorie counting | None | Varies widely |
| In-person dietitian | $75–$200/session | 1-on-1 professional | Varies | Varies | Varies |
This table shows where Noom sits in the market. It’s more expensive than basic tracking but cheaper than regular dietitian visits, with stronger psychology focus than most apps.
Realistic Expectations Before You Start
If you finish at least 6 months and stay engaged, you have a good chance of losing 10–30 pounds (or more if you have a lot to lose) and keeping most of it off if you continue the habits.
Results are gradual—expect 1–2 pounds per week on average, not 5–10 pounds per week.
The program works best when you treat it as a lifestyle project, not a quick fix.
People who expect fast, dramatic drops or who dislike daily logging usually quit early and see minimal long-term change.
Conclusion
Noom really works for a significant number of people—especially those who complete 6–12 months, read the daily psychology lessons, log food consistently, and stay in regular contact with their coach. Average weight loss for committed users is typically 10–20% of starting body weight, and many keep most of it off long-term when they continue the habits they learned.
The program’s strength is its focus on mindset and behavior change rather than strict rules, but it requires real daily effort, food logging, and a willingness to spend $30–$50 per month for several months. If you enjoy structured lessons, personal coaching, and gradual progress, Noom can be highly effective. If you hate tracking, want very fast results, or can’t commit to the time and cost, other approaches might suit you better. This article is informational only and not medical advice. Weight-loss results vary widely—consult a doctor or registered dietitian before starting any program to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual health situation.
FAQ
Does Noom really work for weight loss?
Yes — many users who finish 6–12 months lose 10–20% of their starting body weight on average. Results are best when people read the lessons, log food consistently, and engage with their coach. People who quit early usually see much smaller or temporary changes.
How much weight do people typically lose on Noom?
Completers often lose 15–50 pounds over 6–12 months, with some losing 80+ pounds over longer periods. Average reported loss is about 5–10% of body weight at 6 months and 7–15% at 12 months. Individual results vary widely.
Is Noom worth the monthly cost?
It’s worth it for people who like psychology-based learning, personal coaching, and daily accountability. If you only need basic calorie tracking and already understand healthy eating, free or cheaper apps may work just as well for you.
Do people keep the weight off after Noom?
Many who finish the program and continue the habits (mindful eating, regular weighing, balanced choices) keep most of the weight off long-term. People who stop tracking completely after canceling often regain some or all of it.
What is the biggest reason people succeed on Noom?
They read and apply the daily psychology lessons, stay consistent with food logging for several months, message their coach regularly, and accept gradual progress instead of expecting fast results. Consistency and reflection are key.
What is the biggest reason people quit Noom early?
Frustration with daily food logging, feeling the calorie budget is too low, disappointment with slower-than-expected weight loss, or not connecting with their coach. People who dislike tracking often drop out within 1–2 months.
Does Noom have a free trial?
Yes — Noom offers a short free trial (usually 7–14 days) that lets you try lessons and basic tracking. You must enter payment information to start, and it auto-converts to paid unless canceled before the trial ends.
Can Noom help if I have a lot of weight to lose (50+ pounds)?
Yes — many people lose 50–100+ pounds over 12–24 months when they stay consistent. The program works best with gradual changes, so patience is important. Work with a doctor if you have significant weight to lose or health conditions.
Is Noom better than Weight Watchers?
Noom is better for people who like psychology-based learning and 1-on-1 coaching. Weight Watchers is better for those who prefer a points system and strong group or meeting support. Both can work well — personal fit matters more.
What should I do if I’m not sure Noom is right for me?
Try the free trial and see if you like the daily lessons and coaching style. If you hate food logging or want faster results, consider other approaches (free tracking apps, in-person dietitian, or different programs). Give it at least 4–6 weeks to decide.
Dr. Usman is a medical content reviewer with 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic health topics. His work is based on trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Usman is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.