Do you want to go from fat to fit? When fitness meets technology, we are offered a continuous stream of new apps that facilitate weight loss. Among those currently in the market, which are the best free weight loss apps?
These weight management apps run the gamut of calorie logs, fitness trackers, food databases, and workout guides. But can it really help you shed those pounds? And how do you tell if it actually works?
With these questions in mind, we have compiled 21 free weight loss apps that will suit various needs and preferences, describing each app’s unique features, selling points, and downsides. Important weight management considerations and useful tips were also included.
Look into these apps, weigh them against your needs, preferences, and weight management goals, and then choose the best one that suits you.
21 Top Free Weight Loss Apps
Traditional weight loss typically hinges on eating habits and exercising. It’s an attempt to burn more calories than you consume, a process that can be daunting to keep track of manually. But now, with technological advances, we can manage weight loss digitally.
Check these 21 free weight loss apps:
1. Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin is a free weight loss app that rewards users for their daily steps. By converting steps into a virtual currency, Sweatcoins offers incentives like fitness gear and discounts, making weight loss an engaging and achievable goal. With real-time tracking and personalized goals, it promotes an active lifestyle for long-term weight management.
For more details of the app, read the full Sweatcoin review here.
Pros: It motivates users to become more physically active by offering rewards, which can improve their fitness and overall health.
Cons: Ensure Sweatcoin is running in the background, as some phones may turn off this function.
2. MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is like having a nutritionist in your pocket. It offers a massive food database, making it easier to count calories and keep track of your intake. This app has an excellent recommendation, as the American Journal of Preventive Medicine gave it two thumbs up.
The app has been incredibly popular for years. While I haven’t used it over the last 5 years, I’ve been an avid user for years prior. It’s incredibly convenient, and you can add entire meals without adding the ingredients separately.
Pros: You’ll adore its barcode scanner feature—no manual logging needed, and it plays nice with Fitbit. Plus, you’ll learn a lot about your nutrient intake.
Cons: The app has ads. You may need to shell out a few bucks for some premium features.
3. Lose It!
If you’re after a personalized experience, Lose It! might be your ideal weight loss companion. It tailors your weight loss plan based on your BMI, target weight, and timeline. Fitness experts far and wide have a soft spot for this one.
Pros: The user-friendly interface, the barcode scanner, and motivational badges for weight loss success make this app a winner.
Cons: Want meal planning and detailed nutritional insights? That’ll cost you extra.
4. Weight Diary
Simplicity is the name of the game with Weight Diary. This nifty little app focuses on tracking weight fluctuations and keeps your eye on the prize with beautiful visual progress graphs.
Pros: Its straightforward design means it’s super user-friendly. Seeing your progress visualized can keep you motivated, too.
Cons: It’s great at what it does, but it doesn’t have food or exercise trackers. If you’re after those, you’ll need another app.
5. WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined)
WW, the new name for Weight Watchers, is like your personal cheerleader, combining science-backed strategies with your preferences to help you lose weight and keep it off. Doctors have backed this app for its comprehensive approach to weight loss.
Pros: You can connect it to your fitness tracker, join a supportive community, and access many resources, including tasty recipes and fitness challenges.
Cons: The innovative points system needs to be clarified, and you’ll need to subscribe to unlock some features.
6. Cody
On your marks, ready, set, Cody! Yes, it’s more than an app: it’s your friendly fitness companion. Cody prides itself on its unique approach to weight loss, offering workout programs with community support. You’ve got expert trainers guiding your every move right in your pocket.
Pros: The diversity of workout classes is a real standout. Plus, there’s the invaluable community vibe for that much-needed motivational boost.
Cons: Though the workouts are dynamite, it’s a letdown that Cody doesn’t help you track your calorie intake or diet.
7. Nike+ Training Club
The Nike+ Training Club app is an all-in-one fitness station with expertly crafted workouts. It doesn’t matter if you’re just lacing up or a regular gym rat; this app accommodates all.
Pros: It has a vast selection of workouts, from strength to mobility. The bonus? It syncs with Apple Health to monitor your progress.
Cons: You’ll miss a comprehensive food tracking feature, which might be a deal-breaker for those seeking a complete weight management app.
8. MyNetDiary
Craving for details in your diet tracking? Meet MyNetDiary, your weight loss diary on steroids. With an all-encompassing calorie and exercise tracker, it propels diet tracking into the stratosphere.
Pros: Its stellar food database and barcode scanning for swift food logging would impress any health guru. Plus, seeing your nutrient intake laid out daily and weekly is something special.
Cons: It’s not all sunshine, though. The tracking depth could feel like diving into the deep end for some, particularly newbies. The free version also leaves you wanting more.
9. Cronometer
Tracking calories has never been easier. Cronometer raises the stakes by monitoring over 60 nutrients. It’s like having a nutritional microscope on your plate.
Pros: Detailed food tracking, sync capability with fitness trackers, and an extensive plant-based food list. Great for all, but especially the veggie lovers.
Cons: All those microscopic details could be a bit much for those wanting a simple weight loss tracker. While the free version is serviceable, the golden features are in the Gold version.
10. Fooducate
Ever wished for a diet coach and calorie counter? Your wish is Fooducate’s command. This app is key to making healthier food choices and staying on the weight loss path. Don’t just take our word for it – USAToday, The New York Times, and Dr. Oz are fans too.
Pros: Its ability to grade food based on nutritional value after scanning barcodes is genius. Personalized eating and exercise tips are the cherries on top.
Cons: Despite these pluses, nutrient tracking might only satisfy some. And for detailed analytics, you’d need to shell out for a premium account.
11. BetterMe
Jump into the vast fitness world with BetterMe, an app that simplifies the journey. It’s as if a personal trainer has materialized right within your smartphone.
Award-winning BetterMe has made a significant impact with its unique feature – predicting your future appearance based on your current lifestyle choices.
Pros: The crystal ball-like feature certainly adds an element of fun and motivation. Plus, the plans adapt to different dietary and fitness levels.
Cons: Some find the user interface a bit daunting at first, but hey, isn’t learning half the fun?
12. 8fit Workouts & Meal Planner
The 8fit app provides a fusion of custom-made workouts and meal plans designed to make your weight loss journey as holistic as possible. Unsurprisingly, The Guardian listed it among the “Top Ten Fitness Apps.” You’ll love how 8fit caters to the time-pressed among us with short, potent workouts.
Pros: Perfect for busy bees who still want to keep fit and eat right.
Cons: The meal plans could use a pinch more variety, but that’s only for those who crave constant change.
13. Lifesum
Lifesum is more than a weight loss app; it’s your champion for healthier living. It provides diet plans, fitness tracking, and drool-worthy healthy recipes. Wired UK knew what they were doing when it included Lifesum in its “Best Fitness Apps for 2021” list. A feature that sets Lifesum apart is its extensive food database, making counting calories and nutrients a cinch.
Pros: An impressive food database and yummy recipes make the health journey much more enjoyable.
Cons: Most of its features require an internet connection – something to bear in mind if you’re low on data.
14. Strava: Run, Ride, Swim
Enter Strava: part weight-loss app and a social network for fitness enthusiasts. It’s not just about weight loss; it’s about joining a community.
With tracking capabilities encompassing a range of activities – think running, swimming, cycling – it’s no wonder Forbes has given it a thumbs up. Strava’s unique Segments feature allows users to compare performance over specific routes, adding a hint of competition.
Pros: It promotes a sense of community, adding a sense of solidarity to your fitness journey.
Cons: Given its wide range of fitness tracking, it may not cater to those exclusively focused on weight loss.
15. My Diet Coach
Instead of focusing on diet and workouts, the My Diet Coach app addresses the mental side of weight loss. We’re talking motivation, emotional eating, and food cravings. And it’s not just us who think it’s great; Healthline does, too! Want to visualize your weight loss? Create an avatar and watch it slim down as you do.
Pros: Perfect for those who need an emotional boost and help stay on track.
Cons: It might not be as detailed as some would like, especially about diet and exercise plans.
16. ActivityTracker Pedometer
How much do you move in a day? Enter ActivityTracker Pedometer, your new footstep-counting companion. Equipped with a user-friendly interface, it records your daily steps and activity without draining your battery. Highly rated on platforms like TechRadar, it boasts a unique feature – tracking your activity without requiring a fitness band.
Pros: Battery-friendly and a great way to visualize your everyday movement.
Cons: Those seeking more comprehensive fitness guidance may find the focus on steps alone too limited.
17. FatSecret
Imagine having a secret weapon in your weight loss journey. That’s FatSecret. This comprehensive weight loss app has features including a food diary, nutrition database, healthy recipes, and weight chart. FatSecret’s standout feature is its supportive community of users sharing their journey and tips.
Pros: Excellent for tracking and community support.
Cons: Some users find the recipe database less varied than other apps.
18. Fitatu Calorie Counter Link
Weight loss doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. Fitatu Calorie Counter simplifies it with an intuitive interface for logging your meals, exercises, and weight changes. Fitatu offers a unique European food database, providing a wide range of nutritional information.
Pros: Simplified tracking and a rich food database catered towards European users.
Cons: Non-European users may find some local foods missing from the database.
19. YAZIO Calorie Counter & Intermittent Fasting App
Combining the powers of calorie counting and intermittent fasting, YAZIO could be your one-stop solution. This innovative app provides individual meal plans, progress charts, and a nutritional tracker. Endorsed by Men’s Health, YAZIO’s unique aspect is its comprehensive focus on intermittent fasting alongside traditional calorie counting.
Pros: Great for those interested in intermittent fasting and standard dietary tracking.
Cons: Its extensive features might seem overwhelming for beginners.
20. Noom Weight Loss Coach
Rounding off this list is Noom Weight Loss Coach, a tailored program for losing weight. It offers users personalized meal plans and exercise goals. Plus, you can connect with a personal coach to ensure you stay on track.
Pros: Personalized approach and excellent customer support.
Cons: Requires an active internet connection for most of its features.
21. SparkPeople
SparkPeople is one of the most popular weight-loss apps, providing various tools to track your diet and exercise. It features meal plans, recipes, fitness tracking, and even goal setting–all designed to help you reach your weight loss goals. SparkPeople sets itself apart with its comprehensive program that supports nutrition and physical activity.
Pros: Comprehensive approach with plenty of helpful resources.
Cons: Some users find the user interface to be clunky.
Helpful Tips for Losing Weights, Apps or No Apps
Losing weight can be complex yet achievable with the right strategies. Here are six helpful tips, whether you’re leveraging weight loss apps or not:
- Mindful Eating: To lose weight, slow down and savor your meals. This practice, known as mindful eating, encourages increased awareness of hunger and fullness cues.
- Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes. Large portions have more calories, so use smaller plates and bowls and check food labels to understand better serving sizes.
- Regular Exercise: Don’t just count calories; make calories count. Regular physical activity, whether a brisk walk, cycling, or weight lifting, can boost your metabolism and speed up weight loss.
- Weight Loss Apps: Consider using a weight loss app like MyFitnessPal or Fitatu. They can track your caloric intake and physical activity and even offer meal suggestions tailored to your dietary needs.
- Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, thirst masquerades as hunger. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary snacking.
- Quality Sleep: Underappreciated but vital, sleep plays a crucial role in weight loss. A good night’s sleep helps regulate the hormones that control hunger and fullness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Free Weight Loss Apps
Do Weight Loss Apps Really Work?
Weight loss apps can track diet and exercise effectively and provide helpful tips and recipe ideas. However, its success depends on how you use it. It will not work unless you commit to the program and make sustained changes in your habits.
Is There A Totally Free Weight Loss App?
Many free weight loss apps, including MyFitnessPal, ActivityTracker Pedometer, and YAZIO, are available. Each offers different features, so try a few to find the one that works best for you.
What Are the Best Free Apps To Help You Lose Weight?
The best weight loss apps depend on your individual needs. Popular free apps include MyFitnessPal, YAZIO, and FatSecret. Each offers unique features to help users reach their health goals.
What App Pays You to Lose Weight?
Some apps, like HealthyWage, pay users to reach their health goals. However, these should be used cautiously. While they motivate in the short term, it’s important to maintain your progress even after you stop using the app. You can read more about the platform’s services in our HealthyWage review.
Conclusion – Free Weight Loss Apps
As with many regular and digital products and services, the “free” in these apps means basic features, which can be upgraded to paid premium subscriptions with more or special features. Explore these features in the app’s free versions to determine which matches your requirements.
Regardless of your fitness goals, make sure you get a doctor’s opinion before you embark on a weight loss program, as it will subject your body to a new diet and exercise regimen.
Lastly, whatever weight loss app you choose, remember that discipline and consistency are key to effective weight management, aside from having clear goals. These tools will assist us in our weight loss journey; our determination will make it successful.
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With HealthyWage, you can make a bet on yourself. Lose the weight you plan to lose, and get paid up to $10,000.
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.