Losing weight can be challenging, requiring the right combination of diet, exercise, and quality sleep. As a certified nutrition coach and clinical weight loss practitioner, I believe weight loss programs can help men reach their weight loss goals, foster a positive relationship with food, and develop healthy habits to keep the weight off long term in a sustainable way.
Weight loss programs can help men narrow down their goals and set small, reasonable steps toward achieving them. These programs provide tailored meal planning services, professional guidance, community engagement for motivation, and workout plans designed to suit your unique requirements. Additionally, the best weight loss programs offer accountability and customized advice based on metrics like age, height, and weight, empowering men to navigate the intricacies of weight management more effectively.
I’ve found that people see success when they are able to integrate these weight loss programs into their everyday lives. In this article, we explore the best weight loss programs for men, highlighting the ones that promote a holistic approach and a long-term sustainable method for weight loss. We narrowed that list down to the top eight weight loss programs for men.
Best weight loss program for men overall
Noom earns our pick for the best overall weight loss program for men due to its unique combination of personalized coaching, behavioral science, and educational content. Noom’s platform is available through their comprehensive app, which offers a suite of tools to help individuals achieve their body composition goals. You can read our full review of the program below.
Our picks for the best weight loss programs for men
- Best overall: Noom
- Best online: Future
- Best meal delivery: Trifecta
- Best for men who like to cook: Home Chef
- Best for men over 50: Nutrisystem Men’s 50 and Over
- Best fasting: Simple App
- Best cardio: Joggo
- Best affordable: WeightWatchers
Compare weight loss programs for men
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| Noom | Future | Trifecta | Home Chef | Nutrisystem Men’s 50 and Over | Simple App | Joggo | WeightWatchers | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Price | Ranges from $17.42 up to $70 per month based on plan | $199 per month | Plans start at $110.99 per week | Meals starting at $7.99 | Meals start at $12.86 per day | $29.99 for 4-week plan, $59.99 for 12-week plan | $33 for one-month, $46 for three months, $66 for six months | Price varies based on subscription length, but includes a one-time WW membership fee and recurring monthly payment. The standard monthly fee is $23. |
| Free trial | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coaching | Yes | Yes | For premium users | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best overall weight loss program for men: Noom
Key product features
What you should know
Noom is designed to help you develop healthy and sustainable habits to lose weight, and keep it off long-term.
- Noom focuses on the psychological aspects of eating and lifestyle changes, helping users understand and modify their habits for long-term success.
- Noom’s pricing varies depending on how long you commit—one month is $70, but if you commit for a full year that price comes down to $17.42 a month.
- Our testers appreciated the color-coded approach to food groups according to their caloric and nutritional density, however, it’s important to remember that the colors don’t necessarily reflect good or bad food choices, more so how frequently the foods should appear in your diet.
Why we like Noom as best overall
Noom is a subscription-based weight loss app that’s designed to help change the way you think about food. What makes this service different from other weight loss programs we’ve tested is its psychology-based approach, encouraging lifestyle changes rather than restrictive diets. Noom achieves this through daily mini-lessons rooted in behavioral science to help people understand why they eat a certain way, identify potential food triggers, or teach them how to build sustainable habits.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Obesity Science and Practice examined 840 individuals who had lost at least 10% of their body weight using Noom’s program. The study found that, on average, 65% of initial weight loss was maintained after one year and 57% after 2 years. (1) The study attributed this success to the habitual behaviors that Noom teaches, such as healthy snacking and routine exercise.
“Weight loss is much more than calories in, calories out. It’s the habitual behaviors we practice daily that allow us to be successful long term with weight loss and, ultimately, weight loss maintenance,” notes Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
Noom’s standout feature is their color-coded, “traffic-light” food system, which separates food into categories based on their caloric density. You are then advised on the percentages of each food group to consume based on your personal goals. Some research has shown that this “traffic-light” method of labeling foods can be an effective way of encouraging people to decrease unhealthy food choices. (2, 3) Some experts are a little more cautious.
“Simply categorizing foods by calories without concern for nutrients is limiting,” Mohr adds. “Nuts, salmon and avocados, for example, are wonderfully healthy foods but are also in an ‘eat less often’ color category.”
To break it down: Noom categorizes foods into three colors. Green foods are the least calorically dense and have high nutritional value. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, and nonfat dairy are included in this category. Yellow foods fall in the middle of calorie density and include lean meats, eggs, legumes, beans, and low-fat dairy. Finally, orange foods are calorically dense and should be eaten sparingly. Orange foods include oils, fried foods, nuts, seeds, pastries, sweets, and high fat meats like bacon, ham, sausage, and pepperoni.
It’s important to mention that these color designations do not indicate “good” or “bad” foods, and instead suggest how much of each type should be included in your daily diet.
“This approach can help your mindset around thinking that there are no ‘bad’ foods, but rather learning to eat in moderation, and making the most nutritious choices.”
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN, Fortune Recommends Advisor
One of the potential drawbacks of Noom is having to log all of your meals manually, which can become tedious. However, Noom does have a robust food database, so you should be able to find all the foods you eat in their system.
Check out our full Noom review for more information.
What customers are saying
From the customer reviews I’ve read on third-party websites such as Trustpilot, many Noom users have found success using their program.
“I love the support I get from my Coach Shelby. She asks me to reflect on my progress, we discuss how to navigate potential problems. She is very helpful. I’ve tried many different weight loss programs over the years, and they’ve all failed. Noom works!”
Joanne H., Trustpilot
Another recent reviewer on Trustpilot, Jane, writes, “The app is great and grounded in solid theory and practice. It is still frustrating to be ‘stuck’ circling around the same weight. However, I can tell that my body feels different in my clothes…so SOMETHING good is happening.”
There have been a few less positive reviews due to app issues experienced by some consumers.
User KB writes, “Started well for 2-3 months and really enjoying it ….until recently! Lessons keep re-setting back to the start and non AI help has not responded to sort this. Followed instructions to reset it, worked ok for one day, now back to square one. Requested coach help to reset it to where it should but no response so far. Very disappointed now so canceled subscription.”
Specs
| Price | Ranges from $17.42 up to $70 per month based on subscription plan |
| Free trial | Yes, 14 days |
| App | Yes |
| Coaching | Yes |
Best online weight loss program for men: Future
Key product features
What you should know
Future is a virtual training platform that pairs you with one of their 75+ unique coaches to best suit your personal needs and fitness goals. Additionally, you have unlimited access to messages with your coach for any questions, concerns, or motivation you may need.
- The app features weekly customized workouts based on your schedule and the equipment available to you (perfect for individuals who travel and utilize hotel gyms).
- Future is currently priced at $99 for the first month and then $199 per month from then on, which is a premium price point.
- Future is best for men with a busy schedule seeking an online personal trainer to help them achieve their health and fitness goals.
Why we like Future as best online
Future is a virtual personal training app designed to help people achieve their health and fitness goals. It’s our top pick for the best weight loss workout program for men due to its diverse range of coaches who can cater to your needs whether you’re a complete beginner or an elite athlete. Incorporating an exercise training program into your routine is a proven component of a successful weight loss plan. (4)
Using Future’s app, you’ll be paired with a coach based on your answers to a short questionnaire about your health and fitness goals. While Future initially suggests a coach for you, you can choose which coach you want to work with. Then, you’ll have a video consultation with your coach so they can learn more about you, your training experience, the fitness equipment that’s available to you, and your goals.
“Compatibility with your coach is important to the overall success,” Mohr notes. “Just like you want to be compatible with a partner, co-worker and friends, you should feel the same about your coach in how they support and challenge you.”
From this initial session, your coach will design a personalized weekly workout plan. Your coach is available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, including going over your form and technique to make sure you’re doing your exercise correctly and make adjustments as needed.
Our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, tried Future and chose her coach, a former soccer player, because they both enjoy HIIT workouts.
“I liked that my coach created my workout plan and that they could accommodate the exercises for whatever equipment I had. When I went on vacation, my coach designed body weight workouts since I didn’t have access to a gym.”
Team Product Tester
With Future, your coach is available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, including going over your form and technique to make sure you’re doing your exercise correctly. However, our tester felt this was impersonal since her coach wasn’t actually watching her work out. “My coach would occasionally provide feedback through pre-recorded videos, but otherwise, I didn’t feel very accountable to her,” she noted.
At $199 per month, Future may not be the most budget-friendly program, but I think this app is a great alternative to in-person personal training, especially if you have a specific training goal in mind.
Check out our full Future review for more information.
What customers are saying
Several customer reviews on Trustpilot show consumers really enjoyed the personalized coaching they received from Future.
“Future’s app is smooth, easy to use, and illustrates techniques well with video,” notes Prateek K. “Even as someone who has worked out for years, the trainers in the videos use impeccable form and allow you to introspect on your movement. The coaches are the stars. My coach is incredibly knowledgeable, has a track record of athletic success, and has tailored my schedule for my own goals. He pushes me, and I’ve seen substantial progress. I recommend Future to anyone that’s serious about getting fit.”
“I love the future app! My coach Matt M has helped me set realistic goals that have had huge positive impacts on my health! With his help I have run my first half marathon!”
Samantha F., Trustpilot
While it seems that many individuals had good experiences with their coaches, there were a few reviews that said otherwise. Some consumers had difficulties communicating with their coaches and receiving programming that didn’t suit their needs. Note that if you have any issues with a particular coach, you can swap coaches at no additional cost.
Specs
| Price | $199 per month |
| Free trial | No |
| App | Yes |
| Coaching | Yes |
Best weight loss meal delivery program for men: Trifecta
Key product features
What you should know
Trifecta is a meal delivery service that offers fresh, chef-prepared meals designed to suit your dietary needs. The meals will be delivered right to your door-step on a weekly basis, conveniently supporting a healthy lifestyle.
- Trifecta meals are fresh, never frozen, and specially curated by chefs to ensure optimal taste and nutrition.
- Pricing starts as low as $110.99 per week and increases in cost based on how many meals you want in each delivery. Options include seven, 10, or 14 entrees per week as well as the option to add breakfasts. (If you opt for plant-based meals, your cost will start at $104.93.)
- While Trifecta is priced slightly higher than competitors, we feel the quality and convenience justify the cost, especially for those seeking nutritious, time-saving meal options.
Why we like Trifecta as best meal delivery
One of the biggest challenges in any weight loss journey is finding nutritious and convenient meal options that don’t compromise on taste or quality. Enter Trifecta, a premier meal delivery service for weight loss is designed to make healthy eating easier and more enjoyable. Specializing in chef-prepared meals that are never frozen, Trifecta ensures that each dish retains its nutrition and flavor profile from kitchen to consumer. This commitment to freshness is reinforced by their use of high-quality organic ingredients, which is appealing to health-conscious individuals and performance based athletes seeking convenient and nutritious meals.
Trifecta offers two main options for consumers to choose from: meal plans and meal prep. The meal plans feature as few as seven and up to 21 pre-made meals per week, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These plans cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences with options like clean, paleo, keto, and plant-based meals.
While not personalized to individual factors like age or metabolism, Trifecta accommodates limited requests such as omitting shellfish or pork.
Alternatively, Trifecta’s meal prep program provides cooked bulk items rather than pre-made meals. This option allows customers to mix and match proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables according to their preferences and dietary needs. Offerings include grilled chicken breast, pulled pork, grilled salmon, grass-fed burgers and steaks, brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and a variety of vegetables—all delivered fully cooked and ready to heat and eat. Although intended for immediate consumption, items can be frozen for up to three months to extend their shelf life.
When signing up for Trifecta, customers are enrolled in an auto-renewal program with weekly shipments. However, Trifecta understands you may need to skip, pause, or even cancel your subscription based on your schedule and what’s right for you. Trifecta recommends that any changes to your subscription plan be made up to a week before the next delivery date to ensure your food hasn’t already shipped.
Starting at $110.99 for seven meals, Trifecta charges a hefty price tag. Though, the commitment to quality, customization, and customer satisfaction makes Trifecta a preferred choice for those seeking nutritious, hassle-free meal solutions delivered straight to their door.
The company also stands behind their service with a money-back guarantee, offering refunds for up to seven meals if the initial order doesn’t meet expectations.
Check out our in-depth Trifecta review for more information.
What customers are saying
Third-party customer reviews on Trifecta are generally positive.
“I am a returning customer. My previous experience two years ago was awesome. At that time I was following a vegan diet and the meals were both nutritionally sound and delicious. Ingredients have been high quality as well. Now I’m 75 with osteoporosis and need to be careful shedding a few pounds. Dave gave me excellent nutritional advice to plan my meals so that I’m able to prevent bone loss while shedding pounds. Trifecta has always maintained great customer service and I’m excited to restart enjoying Trifecta’s excellent meal service again! I highly recommend this service to anyone who loves delicious, nutritious meals but doesn’t have time or desire to cook them.”
MaryAnne N., Trustpilot
Verified customer Jennifer writes, “I just wanted to say that Trifecta has excellent customer service. FedEx did not deliver my package on Saturday like they were supposed to so I didn’t receive it until Monday. When it arrived everything was hot, not just warm but hot. I had to throw it all away. When I called Trifecta, very apologetic (even though not their fault) and immediate refund, no problem. Very impressed with the customer service both times I have called.”
There are negative reviews criticizing certain flavors, especially within the plant-based meals. Of course, taste preferences vary widely between individuals. We did appreciate seeing that Trifecta’s customer service team personally responded to each complaint and did their best to make it right.
Specs
| Price | Plans start at $110.99 per week |
| Free trial | No |
| App | Yes |
| Coaching | Available to premium users |
Best weight loss program for men who like to cook: Home Chef
Key product features
What you should know
Home Chef is a leading meal delivery service renowned for its customizable menus, fresh ingredients, and easy-to-follow recipes that simplify home cooking.
- With options for oven-ready meals and express meals that can be prepared in 15 minutes, Home Chef provides flexibility and convenience for even the busiest lifestyles.
- Family meal plans offer meals starting at $6.99 per serving. Although grocery shopping for yourself might be cheaper, you miss out on the convenience of having meals delivered directly to your door.
- Home Chef is ideal for busy individuals or families seeking convenience without compromising on the quality and freshness of meals.
Why we like Home Chef as best for men who like to cook
Home Chef stands out as the best weight loss program for men who like to cook. This meal delivery service offers customizable, chef-inspired meal kits that make healthy eating enjoyable and convenient, allowing users to take control of their diet while also honing their culinary skills.
Each week, Home Chef offers a diverse menu featuring over 35 meals and 18 extras, ensuring a wide range of unique flavors to choose from. The service also accommodates both individuals and families with varying appetites and schedules, allowing you to easily adjust the number of meals you want each week or skip a week entirely if you’re busy or traveling. According to Home Chef, each meal should take about 15 to 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
When your box arrives, you can expect each meal to include pre-portioned ingredients, carefully packed with dry ice for freshness. In addition, every meal comes with a recipe card, which we recommend adding to a binder for easy reference. This way, you can easily recreate your favorite dishes in the future by picking up the ingredients at your local grocery store.
In addition to meal kits, Home Chef also offers oven-ready meals for when you don’t have time to cook for yourself. These meals come pre-portioned with fresh ingredients in an oven-safe tin. Each oven-ready option maintains the same high standards of quality and flavor as Home Chef’s traditional meal kits, ensuring that even during busy days, you can still enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals without compromising on taste or health benefits.
Ultimately, Home Chef not only provides convenient and enjoyable meals, but also empowers men to improve the overall quality of their diet. By cooking at home rather than relying on take-out or fast food, you’re able to avoid the excess calories associated with these alternatives, making it easier to achieve and maintain your weight loss goals.
Visit our full Home Chef review for more information.
What customers are saying
Many customers praise Home Chef for its diverse weekly menu, delicious meals, and easy-to-follow recipe cards.
“We have been getting Home Chef for over a year now and absolutely love every meal. They are very delicious.”
Peggy D., Trustpilot
Verified customer William B. notes, “Deliveries have been on time and almost perfect as far as ingredients go. Meals are tasty and the variety of choices is very generous. Tried one of the family packs and was pleased with the ‘leftovers.’ Made for a quick reheat and eat when we were short on time.”
There are reports of occasional quality control issues where customers receive meals they didn’t order or incorrect recipe cards. While Home Chef provides all recipes on their app and website for easy access, such discrepancies can still be frustrating inconveniences for customers.
Cherie M. writes, “We love the recipes and the convenience. The gluten free options are great, however with a little tweaking, many more recipes could be made gluten free. We have had many issues with missing or wrong meals, missing protein and missing recipe cards lately. Hopefully this can be corrected. We used the service for a long time with no issues. Now it’s almost every week.”
Specs
| Price | Meals starting at $7.99 |
| Free trial | No |
| App | Yes |
| Coaching | No |
Best weight loss program for men over 50: Nutrisystem Men’s 50 and Over
Key product features
What you should know
Nutrisystem is a weight loss program that provides pre-packaged meals and snacks delivered right to your door.
- You’ll have the opportunity to select your meals or save time by having their team choose your breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner meals for you.
- Nutrisystem offers a variety of monthly subscriptions for men. The Nutrisystems Men’s 50 and Over plan starts at $12.86 per day.
- Nutrisystem is best for men with busy lifestyles who find it challenging to plan and prepare well-balanced meals, as well as men who are looking for a structured meal plan to help them achieve their weight loss goal.
Why we like Nutrisystem Men’s 50 and Over as best for men over 50
Nutrisystem’s Men’s 50 and Over plan is specifically designed to address the unique dietary needs of men in this age group. As you age, your metabolism will naturally slow. This makes maintaining a healthy weight more challenging. (5) This meal delivery service offers pre-packaged, portion-controlled meals that take the guesswork out of meal planning and calorie counting. This convenience is particularly beneficial for men over 50 who lead busy lives or have limited time to prepare healthy meals.
Nutrisystem is unique because it functions as a 28-day weight loss program, with meals delivered every four weeks. It’s meals include breakfast, lunch, dinners, snacks, and desserts, whereas many other meal delivery services don’t offer the same variety.
A huge benefit of using Nutrisystem is that every diet plan is designed by dietitians. The ready-made meals are appropriately portioned and contain lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs. In addition, Nutrisystem has recently released its line of “hearty-inspirations,” which are high-protein meals designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Consuming a higher-protein diet, combined with resistance training, can aid you on your weight loss journey for many reasons.
Firstly, it can help enhance your body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free muscle mass. It also has a higher thermogenic effect than carbs and fats, meaning it burns more calories as it digests. (6) Clinical trials have also reported that high-protein diets can help prevent weight regain after weight loss. (7) This is likely due to proteins’ satiating effect, meaning they can help you feel full for longer periods of time, which generally leads to reduced overall calorie intake.
Nutrisystem is not cheap. The basic package starts at $389.99 per-month. Nutrisystem also charges a $125 cancellation fee if you cancel your auto-delivery program after the first seven days and before paying for your second shipment.
Another drawback of Nutrisystem is that, being pre-prepared meals, many are frozen and contain processed ingredients. This may not appeal to those who prefer fresh, whole foods or are concerned about sodium and preservative content.
See our complete Nutrisystem review for more insights on this brand.
What customers are saying
While the reviews on the Nutrisystem website are extremely positive, Trustpilot customers are more mixed in their feedback.There are a large number of reviews from consumers who had issues with customer service, especially when attempting to cancel their subscription. Many of these reviews mention that you need to read the fine print carefully to avoid the $125 cancellation fee.
“I’ve tried many diets and exercise programs over my lifetime. I’ve done Atkins, Low-Carb, and intermittent Fasting. I’ve also done P90X, P90X3 (3 times), and cycling. Nutrisystems was the easiest and fastest way to lose weight, and I am now 67 years old. I started at 220, and my goal was 195. I haven’t been under 200 for over 15 years. Achieved the goal due to the portions, exercise, and food quality. This is one diet that works, just like the commercials say. All you need is the discipline to stay on it.”
Gregory M., Trustpilot
In most cases, users who were upset were upset because of the advertising fees.
Verified Trustpilot customer Bobby says, “Nutrisystem used deceptive advertising to make you think you are getting a discount and they make it very difficult to cancel an order. You cannot do it online. You have to do it by telephone and the rep continues to try to dissuade you from canceling. And, to top it off there is a hidden $125 cancellation fee.”
Specs
| Price | Plans starting at $12.86 per day |
| Free trial | No |
| App | Yes |
| Coaching | Yes |
Best fasting weight loss program for men: Simple App
Key product features
What you should know
Simple is a helpful intermittent fasting app that allows you to track your fasts, food intake, and hydration levels. It also provides healthy recipes, workout plans, and education content in the form of informational articles and videos.
- The free version of Simple offers outstanding value and is highly effective for most users. Additionally, the option to upgrade for more personalized guidance is a nice feature, providing access to enhanced tools like daily actions to help users achieve their goals.
- Available to both free and paid users, the AI coach “Avo” is helpful and provides valuable advice and feedback.
- We appreciate that Simple takes a holistic approach to weight loss, delivering healthy recipes, workout plans, and educational content to support users in achieving their health and fitness goals.
Why we like Simple App as best fasting
Simple is our choice for the best weight loss program for fasting—designed to help you lose weight and foster a healthier relationship with food through expert guidance, education, and accountability.
Fasting has proven to be an effective strategy for weight loss. A systematic review of 27 trials focused on intermittent fasting for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals showed weight loss ranging for 0.8% up to 13% of body weight across all trials (8). This statistic underscores the potential of intermittent fasting to help individuals achieve significant weight loss goals.
“Intermittent fasting is one tool in a toolbox that may be able to support weight loss goals,” Mohr explains. “Data suggests it may support weight loss outcomes, but it’s not a tool for everyone. It helps by limiting your overall calorie intake by giving you a set of guidelines of when you “can” and “can’t” eat. The Simple App is designed to support these efforts.”
I tested this intermittent fasting app myself, and after downloading it, I was asked a series of questions about my age, current weight, dietary preferences, eating habits, sleep patterns, activity level, and goals. This information enables Simple to create a customized plan tailored to your needs.
For those with weight loss goals, you can input your target weight and optionally include a deadline or event you’re preparing for. I set my weight loss goal to 200 pounds (I’m currently 212 lbs.), and Simple generated a timeline for when I could expect to reach my target. The app noted that reaching this goal will depend on various factors, including nutrition, exercise, and holistic factors like sleep.
In terms of fasting, Simple offers customizable fasting plans designed to suit your needs. You can choose from various fasting windows and schedules to find a routine that fits your lifestyle. For my plan, I chose the standard 16:8 plan, which involves a 16-hour fasting window followed by an 8-hour eating window.
After using the app for a few weeks, I felt it had two standout features. The first is its meal-logging capabilities, something that’s often missing in other fasting apps. Logging meals is straightforward, and you can enter an entire meal description directly into the app rather than log individual foods. Simple will then score it as low, fair, good, or optimal, offering insights into your meal’s nutritional content. Logging a meal after starting a fast will end the fast, so it’s better to edit an existing entry to include additional food.
“It’s important to log foods when fasting because you want to ensure you are getting the right amount of calories in such a small period of time.”´
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN, Fortune Recommends Advisor
If you’re looking for weight loss support, we found Simple to be one of the most affordable options on our list at only $29.99 a month; that monthly price decreases the longer you commit to. For instance, a three-month plan is $59.99; a six-month plan is $79.99; and a nine-month plan is $99.
Another neat feature is Simple’s AI assistant, Avo, which provides answers and guidance on healthy recipes, workout suggestions, and improving meal scores. With Avo, you can log meals by taking photos or describing them in the app. This feature had me returning to the app frequently to ask Avo any nutrition-related questions I had. This definitely led to increased accountability on my part, and studies indicate that apps with high usability significantly aid users in achieving their health goals. (9)
Overall, Simple stood out for its comprehensive and user-friendly approach to intermittent fasting and weight loss.
What customers are saying
Trustpilot reviewers seem to enjoy the Simple App, highlighting its effectiveness in helping them achieve their weight loss goals and develop healthier eating habits through fasting.
“One of the best apps ever! Most charge a ton but this one is free unless you want more of the app. I started in May because my kiddos were getting baptized and I wanted to wear loose a little and yea I lost a couple of lbs, I’m thankful I found this app! I definitely recommend 10/10.”
Betsy, Trustpilot
Another verified reviewer, Denise B., adds, “I like the tutorials about what is happening in my body at different stages. Also, I needed more fiber, and this app reminds me to incorporate this into meals. Tracking my movement is making me more active, too.”
For areas of improvement, some consumers seem to have found issues with the functionality, especially regarding logging food.
Bonnie S. writes, “I am finding this diet extremely frustrating. The software never seems to get it right as when I enter water or tea they AI interprets it as having broken fast, three hours early. This has happened almost every single day even though I have not missed a single day of 16 hour fasting.”
Specs
| Price | $29.99 for 4-week plan, $59.99 for 12-week plan |
| Free trial | Yes |
| App | Yes |
| Coaching | Yes |
Best weight loss cardio program for men: Joggo
Key product features
What you should know
Joggo is a personalized running app designed to help users achieve their fitness and weight loss goals through custom training plans, progress tracking, and motivational support.
- Joggo offers tailored running programs based on your fitness level, goals, and overall running experience.
- Joggo is priced at $33 per month, which feels a bit steep for what this app offers compared to others on our list. However, if you opt for a six-month plan, the cost drops to $11 per month, more in line with how we feel Joggo should be priced.
- The app is best suited for those who want to combine exercise with weight loss efforts. The app tracks your runs, including distance, pace, and improvements over time.
Why we like Joggo as best cardio
Joggo is a running app designed to help you reach your running and weight loss goals with a subscription-based service. It provides a personalized running program with week-by-week workouts, detailed warm-up and cool-down exercise videos, and educational content focused on nutrition, breathing, weight loss, and motivation.
Even better, Joggo also offers the free option to include a personalized weight loss nutrition plan that’s curated to complement your running routine and achieve your ideal body composition. Every plan is completely customized, considering your current fitness level, health, physical condition, and any injuries you might have. Fitness professionals create each of Joggo’s training programs, ensuring they are safe and effective. This is important, especially if you have a specific running goal, so you can work your way up and without injury.
When you create your Joggo account, you’ll complete an introduction survey that will gather information from you about your goals, body composition, experience level, and where you like to run. You will then have the option to follow your personalized plan, use the free-run feature, or select from Joggo’s list of pre-designed workouts. Most of the pre-designed workouts are for specific goals like Couch to 5K or 5K to Half-Marathon.
Remember, even something as simple as walking can help you reach your weight loss goals, and Joggo may help motivate you to hit your daily step goals.
Our app tester, a certified personal trainer, enjoyed the wealth of information and tips the app provided about running-related topics and nutritional information. She says, “The meal plan comes with meal ideas, snacks, and a shopping list, so it’s really easy to follow.” She also commented on the training plan she received, saying, “The workouts are varied enough, so I didn’t get bored. Sometimes, there was a mixture of running and strength training, which I enjoyed because those challenged me more.”
“While simply receiving a meal plan isn’t a long term weight loss solution, if it’s adequately designed with nutrient dense foods and appropriate calorie levels, could help support weight loss goals if it offers a bit of needed guidance around nutrition. However, everybody is unique, so general meal plans without understanding activity levels, age, preferences and food choices, they’re not a long term solution.”
Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor
While you perform your running workouts, the Joggo app will track your distance, monitor your speed, and provide helpful audio cues throughout your workout. While this app does not offer individual support from a live coach, the app is much less expensive than conventional personal training ($33 for one month, $46 for three months, and $66 for six months) and only requires a pair of running shoes to get started.
Joggo has many of the same features as other online personal trainer apps, like custom training and nutrition plans, goal setting, and progress tracking. However, Joggo is unique because the online training coach offers a vast library of educational material to help you learn how to continue your fitness journey independently. In this library, you’ll find material on injury prevention, flexibility, how to eat for your specific goal, and much more.
What customers are saying
From our personal testing and the online customer reviews, it’s clear Joggo is beginner-friendly, but experienced runners can also use it.
“I’m not a runner at heart but I used to do it because I know it’s good for me. This program has changed that – I love the short challenging mid-week running sessions. Interval running and uphills are a killer, but they’re only 20min (not counting warm-up and cool-down time), so easy to fit in my day, and mentally very doable. The optional mini workouts in between runs are great too, and so easy to fit in my day too. Within 3 weeks, my endurance had improved, and I feel more energized. And I find myself looking forward to my next running session!”
Rachel P., Trustpilot
Unfortunately, some users note that the nutrition plans are sometimes unrealistic.
Verified Trustpilot user ER notes, “Was really interested in this until I got to the last page of my “personalized plan” and was told optimal weight loss would be to eat as low as 1,000 calories a day. Awful diet culture recommendation to expect someone to be running and eating that low. Also just not long term attainable.”
Specs
| Price | $33 for one month, $46 for three months, $66 for six months |
| Free trial | No |
| App | Yes |
| Coaching | Yes |
Best affordable weight loss program for men: WeightWatchers
Key product features
What you should know
WeightWatchers (WW) is a flexible weight loss program that combines a personalized Points system with detailed tracking tools and community support to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. The tools allow you to log your food, physical activity, and weight loss progress.
- WW provides a strong support network through in-person and virtual meetings and an active online community.
- The monthly subscription fee ranges from $11 to $23, and you can choose between a one-month, six-month, or one-year subscription.
- WW may be best for men looking to lose weight without utilizing conventional calorie and macronutrient tracking methods. WW also helps people develop a better relationship with food, emphasizing healthy choices rather than extreme calorie restriction.
Why we like WeightWatchers as best affordable
With prices as low as $11 per month for an annual subscription, WeightWatchers is our top pick for the best affordable weight loss program for men. Its cost-effective weight loss program is centered around its patented Points system, aimed at helping individuals achieve their weight loss or maintenance goals. This system categorizes foods based on nutritional value, simplifying healthy eating choices and promoting a diet rich in whole foods.
To begin with WW, users answer questions about their age, weight, food preferences, and activity level. Based on this information, the app generates a personalized Points budget, which users track throughout the day using the WW app. Tracking everything consumed is crucial for success with WeightWatchers, as accuracy enhances the program’s effectiveness.
Alongside the Points system, WW provides coaching through personalized guidance and offers both virtual and in-person workshops. During these meetings, WW coaches facilitate interactive sessions where members can engage, seek advice, and receive motivation through the WW app, fostering a supportive community environment. Although attending these workshops isn’t mandatory for weight loss success, many WW members rave about this aspect of the program, saying it’s their favorite feature.
“Accountability and connection are tools that support long term goals, whether it’s weight loss or really anything else,” Mohr notes. “When we feel connected to others and feel accountable as well, desired results are more likely.”
Our tester, a group fitness instructor, shared insights after trying WW for herself, “I appreciated using points instead of calorie counting. WW has a robust database for packaged foods like popcorn or bread, but logging homemade meals became tedious due to manually inputting ingredients.”
Despite the simplicity of the points system, as a clinical weight loss practitioner, I believe WW falls short in educating users on fundamental nutrition principles such as macronutrient balance and how to structure well-balanced meals. WW also includes a list of ZeroPoints whole foods like lean meats, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables, which are intended to promote healthy eating habits. However, these foods are not zero calories, which may inadvertently lead to overconsumption and hinder weight loss efforts.
“Maintaining a consistent calorie deficit while trying to lose weight and still consuming nutritious balanced meals is what’s most important,” Burgess adds.
WW also has its own membership service. It’s a membership status awarded to individuals who reach and maintain their goal weight while using the WW program. To achieve Lifetime status, members must meet their goal weight (within a healthy body mass index (BMI) range) and maintain it for six consecutive weeks. Lifetime members enjoy the benefit of free meetings and digital tools as long as they stay within two pounds of their goal weight, providing ongoing support to help them sustain their weight loss.
What customers are saying
WeightWatchers is an iconic weight loss program that has been utilized by millions of users worldwide.
“I’ve been on Weight Watchers off and on for years. It works if you follow the plan and continue once you reach your goal. If you stop doing the program of course you’ll gain the weight back. Once you reach lifetime it’s free as long as you’re within 2 lbs of your goal weight. So why wouldn’t you continue it? If you stop and go back to your old lifestyle of course you’ll gain it back.”
Aimee W. Trustpilot
Many customers on Trustpilot report issues when attempting to cancel their subscriptions, citing a lack of communication from the company regarding billing. They also mention that the cancellation process can only be done over the phone, which is inconvenient.
Verified user Charlet E. says, “This company has a very old and good reputation, however, they put you on auto-renew, and, when it renews, it is typically for 3 to 6 months at a time. You cannot get a refund once they start billing, or re-start billing. They do not send notifications that they are rebooting your billing, either. Cancellation is made as difficult as possible.”
Specs
| Price | Price varies based on subscription length, but includes a one-time WeightWatchers membership fee and recurring monthly payment. The standard monthly fee is $23. |
| Free trial | No |
| App | Yes |
| Coaching | Yes |
How we test weight loss programs for men
We’re dedicated to investigating, reviewing, and testing all our recommended weight loss programs. Our commitment is reflected in our meticulous evaluation process, which analyzes each program’s design, coaching quality, and overall value. Our number one goal is to thoroughly assess the customer experience when using these programs, ensuring our readers are able to find the one that best suits their needs.
For a comprehensive overview of our testing processes, please visit our full testing methodology page.
Testing criteria
Program design—30%
The program design of a weight loss app is critical to an individual’s success. It provides the framework that guides users through their weight loss journey, typically involving personalized coaching, nutrition, workout plans, goal setting, and progress tracking, ensuring users are informed, motivated, and ultimately successful.
- Explanation
- Adaptability
- Sustainability
- Realistic expectations
Value—30%
There are dozens of weight loss programs which promise incredible results, however only a select few prove effective. That’s why we focus on programs that provide excellent value and a holistic approach to weight loss.
- Fair price
- Tracking capabilities
- Tools and recipes
Extra options—20%
Everyone’s weight loss journey is different. For this reason we explored a diverse range of weight loss programs, including diet apps, meal delivery services, workout apps, and others. Our focus was on programs that adopt a holistic approach, providing users with multiple tools to achieve their weight loss goals.
- Coaching and community support
- Education
- Workouts
- Sub-factor
Customer experience—20%
A quality customer experience is essential for adherence to a weight loss program. We vetted the programs on our list to ensure they prioritize ease-of-use, a friendly user-interface, and overall customer satisfaction.
- Reliable technology
- Reviews
- Customer service
- Free trial periods
How to choose the best weight loss program for you
Choosing the best weight loss program for your needs involves considering factors like your current lifestyle, personal preferences, and health goals.
First, it’s important to determine which type of weight loss program would best set you up for success. For example, if you have an extremely busy lifestyle and don’t have the time to plan and prepare your own meals, then utilizing a meal delivery service like Trifecta or Nutrisystem may make sense.
On the other hand, if you prefer to cook your own meals, then I recommend looking for guidance on healthy meal prep, appropriate portion sizes, calorie count, and macronutrient content. A nutrition app such as Weight Watchers or Noom may be a better fit.
Finally, if you feel like you have a healthy diet and are more inclined to lose weight through exercise, then a fitness app such as Future or Joggo might be better for you. These programs can help you develop a fitness regimen so you can reach your weight loss goals.
Once you’ve determined which style of weight loss program is right for you, it’s time to consider factors such as whether or not the program has a social support group, any professional guidance, or how well it fits within your budget. I also encourage people to read customer reviews, as they are often full of individuals with similar needs and experiences as your own. These reviews provide valuable insight into how well the program worked for them, what to expect, and whether the company behind the app, meal delivery service, or workout plan has quality customer service.
Benefits of weight loss programs for men
Dietary guidelines
Whether it’s a specific weight loss app or a meal delivery service, these programs may provide nutritional guidelines, including calorie and macronutrient recommendations. By emphasizing a well-balanced and calorie-controlled diet, they can help men establish and maintain a calorie deficit which is essential for weight loss, but not too much of one to where you are inadvertently under eating and slowing your metabolism down. (10)
Exercise recommendations
A few of the weight loss programs on our list, such as Future and Joggo, provide men with structured workouts, including a combination of aerobic exercises and resistance training that may help burn fat and enhance total daily calorie expenditure. Not only will this increase caloric output, but it will as aid in the preservation of lean muscle mass. (11)
“Losing fat, while maintaining lean mass, is considered the holy grail in the weight loss world,” Mohr adds. “It’s possible, but takes a measured approach to nutrition, with a heavy focus on resistance training, along with other behavioral strategies. Apps that can support both those behaviors can best support men who are attempting to lose weight.”
Behavioral modifications
In my opinion, weight loss programs such as Noom do a phenomenal job of addressing habits, attitudes, and behaviors that are related to food consumption, physical activity, and program adherence. When used properly, these programs are powerful tools that men can use to set realistic weight loss goals, encourage mindful eating, and promote physical activity. Some examples may include eating only when seated at the table, not eating while watching TV, removing snack foods from the pantry, understanding when you are truly hungry, and eating out only once per week.
Education and accountability
A number of the apps on our list provide information about nutrition, metabolism, and various lifestyle factors that impact weight loss. These apps may also help improve individual accountability through notifications encouraging users to log their meals, stay hydrated, track workouts, and get adequate sleep.
Community support
Research has shown that a key component for compliance with a weight loss program is community support (12). Whether it’s through a coach with Future or a peer support group from WW, these support systems can help men stay motivated and accountable throughout their weight loss journey.
Long-term maintenance strategies
While there are various weight loss programs available that will help men to lose weight, the majority of the ones on our list offer additional guidance on how to best transition from a weight loss phase into a maintenance phase. These programs emphasize practical and sustainable advice on maintaining the results you worked so hard to achieve.
FAQs
What is the fastest way for a man to lose weight?
An approach that is most sustainable to you leads to long-term success. However, there are some factors you can take to ensure you are losing weight the rigt way. Decreasing your caloric intake, keeping protein intake high, and increasing your energy expenditure through exercise can all contribute to improvements in body composition. A quality weight loss program should be safe, healthy, effective, and affordable, ensuring both long-term compliance and weight loss maintenance.
Which weight loss program has the best results for men?
Unfortunately, there is no one program that is the ‘most effective’ way for men to lose weight. Weight loss can be achieved through a number of different ways and individual responses to different programs may vary. As a general rule of thumb, the best weight-loss plan is the one you can stick to, as consistency is key.
Where do men lose weight first?
Research indicates that men tend to first lose weight from areas where excess body fat is commonly stored, such as the abdomen. (13) However, it’s important to understand that fat loss cannot be localized or targeted through exercise and diet alone. The idea of spot reduction, or targeting specific areas of the body for fat loss, is not achievable without medical intervention.
How many pounds can men safely lose each week?
According to the National Institutes of Health’s guidelines on obesity, one to two pounds per week is considered a safe rate of weight loss. (14) It’s important to recognize that during the first week or two of weight loss, you may experience a significant reduction in water weight that exceeds these guidelines. However, after this initial adjustment, aiming for sustained weight loss within the recommended range is crucial for long-term success.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria uses her extensive nutrition and performance knowledge every day. She has a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She’s an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago and Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses. She also sits on the advisory board for both the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the National Advisory Council of the First Responder Institute.
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Dr. Christopher Mohr is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker, performance coach, and registered dietitian. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and more to help busy executives all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Pete Nastasi, CPT, CSNC
Fortune Recommends Fitness and Nutrition Writer
About Author
Pete Nastasi is a NASM-certified sports nutrition coach, personal trainer, and the owner of N2 Nutrition and Performance. Pete helps individual clients achieve their sports performance and weight-loss goals through a personalized approach centered around diet optimization, easy-to-follow workout routines, and healthy lifestyle habits.