Noom

What is Noom?

Noom is a psychology-based weight loss and wellness app that combines food logging, personalized coaching, and behavioral science to help users develop healthier habits. Founded in 2008 by Saeju Jeong and Artem Petakov, Noom differentiates itself from traditional diet apps by focusing on the psychological aspects of eating and lifestyle change. Rather than just counting calories, Noom teaches users why they make certain food choices and how to modify behaviors for long-term success.

What distinguishes Noom is its cognitive behavioral approach to weight management. The app delivers daily lessons based on psychological principles, helping users understand their relationship with food, identify triggers for unhealthy eating, and develop sustainable habits. This educational component, combined with human coaching support and a supportive community, addresses the mental aspects of weight loss that calorie counting alone cannot solve.

Noom has grown to serve millions of users seeking lasting weight loss rather than quick fixes. The program typically runs 16 weeks, though many users continue beyond the initial program. Clinical studies have shown Noom users achieve meaningful weight loss, with the app’s approach receiving recognition from healthcare professionals who appreciate its focus on behavioral change over restrictive dieting.

Key Features

• Daily Lessons: Psychology-based educational content delivered in bite-sized articles covering nutrition, behavior change, and mindset.
• Food Logging: Comprehensive food tracking with a database of hundreds of thousands of foods and barcode scanning.
• Color-Coded System: Foods categorized as green (eat freely), yellow (moderate), and orange (limit) based on caloric density.
• Personal Coaching: Access to trained coaches who provide guidance, accountability, and support through in-app messaging.
• Group Support: Small group communities led by coaches where users share experiences and encourage each other.
• Weight Tracking: Daily weigh-in logging with trend visualization and progress tracking toward goals.
• Exercise Logging: Activity tracking integration with automatic calorie adjustments based on exercise.
• Meal Planning: Recipe suggestions and meal ideas aligned with the color-coded food system.
• Progress Insights: Analytics showing patterns in eating, weight trends, and behavioral progress.
• Habit Building: Tools and exercises for developing sustainable healthy habits beyond the program.

Recent Updates and Improvements

Noom continues refining its approach based on user feedback and emerging behavioral science research.

• Noom Med: Introduction of medically-supervised weight loss program including GLP-1 medication options.
• Enhanced Coaching: Improved coach matching and more personalized coaching interactions.
• Mood Tracking: Expanded features for tracking emotional states and their connection to eating.
• Updated Curriculum: Refreshed lesson content incorporating latest behavioral psychology research.
• Improved Food Database: Expanded and more accurate food logging with better restaurant menu coverage.
• Noom Mood: Separate app for mental wellness extending Noom’s behavioral approach to stress and anxiety.
• Better Integration: Improved syncing with fitness trackers and health platforms.
• Flexible Plans: More subscription options including monthly and shorter-term commitments.

System Requirements

iOS

• iOS 14.0 or later
• iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
• Approximately 150 MB storage
• Internet connection required

Android

• Android 8.0 or later
• Approximately 100 MB storage
• Internet connection required

Web

• Modern web browser
• Available at noom.com
• Limited functionality compared to app

How to Get Started with Noom

Signup Process

1. Download Noom from App Store or Google Play
2. Complete the initial assessment quiz (10-15 minutes)
3. Receive personalized program recommendation
4. Choose subscription plan
5. Set weight loss goal and timeline
6. Begin daily lessons and food logging

Getting Started

First Week Tips:
1. Complete daily lessons each morning
2. Log all food and drinks consumed
3. Weigh yourself daily at consistent time
4. Read and respond to coach messages
5. Participate in group discussions
6. Focus on green foods for easy wins
7. Don't aim for perfection - aim for progress
8. Set up activity tracking integration

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Psychology-Based: Addresses mental aspects of eating that other apps ignore, promoting lasting change.
• Educational: Daily lessons teach principles applicable beyond the program for lifelong habits.
• Human Support: Real coaches and community groups provide accountability and encouragement.
• No Forbidden Foods: Color system encourages moderation rather than restriction.
• Research-Backed: Approach supported by clinical studies showing effectiveness.
• Comprehensive: Combines food logging, education, and coaching in one platform.
• Personalized: Program adapts based on individual responses and progress.

Cons

• Expensive: Subscription costs $60-200+ depending on plan length, significantly more than basic trackers.
• Time Commitment: Daily lessons and logging require 15-20 minutes minimum each day.
• Coach Variability: Coach quality and responsiveness can vary between individuals.
• Calorie Focus: Despite psychology focus, still fundamentally based on caloric deficit.
• Auto-Renewal: Subscription auto-renews and cancellation process receives complaints.
• Not for Everyone: Those with eating disorders should consult professionals before using.

Noom vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Noom?

Noom is ideal for:

• Emotional Eaters: Those who eat in response to stress, boredom, or emotions benefit from psychological approach.
• Yo-Yo Dieters: People who’ve lost and regained weight need sustainable behavioral solutions.
• Learners: Those who want to understand why they eat, not just what to eat.
• Accountability Seekers: Users who benefit from coach check-ins and community support.
• Long-Term Thinkers: People focused on permanent lifestyle change over quick results.
• Busy Professionals: Those wanting structured, app-based programs without meetings.

Noom may not be ideal for:

• Budget-Conscious: The subscription cost is significantly higher than basic calorie trackers.
• Simple Trackers: Those just wanting food logging without educational content.
• Eating Disorder History: Those with ED history should consult professionals first.
• Quick Fix Seekers: Those wanting rapid weight loss without behavioral work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Noom cost?

Noom pricing varies by plan length. Monthly plans typically cost around $60/month. Longer commitments (4-12 months) reduce the monthly rate significantly, with annual plans averaging $17-20/month. Pricing may vary based on promotions and the assessment results. A 14-day trial is usually available for a small fee. Be aware of auto-renewal policies when subscribing.

Does Noom actually work for weight loss?

Clinical research supports Noom’s effectiveness. A study published in Scientific Reports found 78% of Noom users lost weight over 9 months. Another study showed users lost an average of 5% body weight. Success depends on engagement with lessons, consistent food logging, and coaching interaction. Like any program, results vary based on individual commitment and circumstances.

What is Noom’s color-coded food system?

Noom categorizes foods into green (low caloric density, eat freely), yellow (moderate density, eat in moderation), and orange (high density, limit portions). This teaches awareness of food choices without forbidding any foods. Green foods like vegetables and fruits fill you up with fewer calories. The system promotes balanced eating rather than restriction.

How is Noom different from calorie counting apps?

While Noom includes calorie tracking, its primary focus is psychological education and behavior change. Daily lessons teach why you eat, how to recognize triggers, and strategies for lasting change. The coaching and community support address emotional aspects of eating. Traditional calorie apps only track intake without addressing the behavioral patterns driving food choices.

Can I cancel my Noom subscription?

Yes, you can cancel Noom subscriptions through the app settings or by contacting support. However, many users report difficulty with the cancellation process, and refund policies can be strict. Review the subscription terms carefully before signing up, and cancel before renewal if you don’t wish to continue. Some users recommend contacting support directly for cancellation confirmation.

Final Verdict

Noom represents a meaningful evolution in weight loss apps, recognizing that sustainable change requires addressing psychology, not just calories. The daily lessons, coaching support, and community features create a comprehensive program that genuinely differs from simple food logging apps. For users who’ve struggled with traditional dieting, Noom’s behavioral approach offers a promising alternative.

The program’s strength lies in teaching transferable skills. Rather than creating dependency on point systems or meal plans, Noom aims to help users understand their eating patterns and develop self-sufficient healthy habits. The investment of time in daily lessons and money in subscription costs reflects the program’s positioning as a serious intervention rather than casual tracking tool.

Noom isn’t for everyone, and the cost is significant compared to free alternatives. But for those who’ve failed with calorie counting alone and recognize that their eating challenges are behavioral rather than informational, Noom provides tools that address the real problem. The key is genuine engagement with the psychological content, not just logging food. For committed users willing to invest time and money in lasting change, Noom delivers a unique and effective approach to weight management.