The Noom Weight Loss Program is a psychology-based mobile app that uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you change your eating habits and lose weight sustainably, not through restriction but by understanding your relationship with food. In our testing, we found that its focus on the “why” behind your eating, a color-coded food system, daily lessons, and coaching sets it apart from typical diet apps. Noom has been around since 2013 (over a decade) and has over 50 million downloads.
I have been testing Noom for the past few months. Honestly, I was skeptical at first. Another diet app? But Noom is different. It’s not a diet. It’s a behavior change program. They don’t tell you to cut out carbs or sugar. They teach you to understand why you eat what you eat. And that’s a big deal.
Noom uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Each day you get a short lesson. Some are about food logging. Others are about emotional eating. One lesson I remember was about ‘thought distortions’ and how they affect your choices. It’s like therapy for your eating habits. No other app I have tried does this.
Noom has two main tracks. Noom Weight is the classic program. It’s designed by psychologists. You get daily lessons, tracking tools, and optional coaching. According to the Noom website, Noom Weight costs only $17.42 per month with a 12-month plan (as of 2025). That’s cheaper than a Netflix subscription. There’s a 7-day trial too. Noom Med is for people who want medical support, like GLP-1 medications. The Noom GLP-1 Rx Program starts at $129 and includes the medication. Noom Med itself costs $39 to get started, but medication is not included. So if you are looking for the full psychology plus medical approach, Noom Med is the way to go.
The food tracking system is clever. Foods are color-coded. Green is for high nutrients and low calories, like spinach, apples, and oatmeal. Yellow is for moderate foods like chicken and eggs. Orange is for higher calorie foods like olive oil and nuts. The goal isn’t to avoid orange foods. It’s to eat them in smaller amounts, which ties directly into the concept of a calorie deficit for weight loss. In our testing, we found that this system made it easier to make healthier choices without feeling deprived. There are no ‘bad’ foods. You can eat pizza. Just log it and see where it fits. My friend Sarah tried Noom and said it changed her relationship with snacks. She used to binge on chips, but now she logs them and moves on.
Using the app is easy. You start by entering your height, weight, age, and goals. Then you log your meals. You can take a photo of your food, and the app uses AI to estimate calories. It also tracks your steps and exercise. You get daily feedback from a personal coach. You can message them anytime. There’s also a group support feature. It helps to know other people are struggling too.
One thing I noticed: the coaching isn’t from nutritionists. Noom’s coaches are behavior change specialists. They’re more like cheerleaders and accountability partners. If you want medical advice, you need Noom Med. But for general motivation, the coaches are good.
Does Noom really work? According to a study cited by WebMD, 78% of people lost weight while using Noom, and 23% lost more than 10% of their body weight. That’s pretty solid. Healthline notes that Noom aims to reduce calorie intake the same way as other programs, but the key is the psychological part. It helps you maintain the loss longer. For a broader guide on how to lose weight effectively, you can check out our main overview on the topic.
Common mistakes people make with Noom include not logging everything, skipping the daily lessons, and expecting quick results. Pro tip: log your food even when you mess up. The lessons are short (5 minutes). Don’t skip them. And don’t expect to lose 10 pounds in a week. Noom is slow and steady. If you find the food logging tedious, use the photo feature. If you feel lonely, join a support group. If the color system is confusing, focus on eating more green foods. If you are having trouble with the lessons, set a daily reminder. And if you’re having billing issues, Noom has a history of complaints with the BBB about cancellations. According to WebMD, the BBB has over 1,200 complaints. Make sure to cancel in advance if you don’t want to continue.
If Noom isn’t for you, consider other weight loss tools like LeanBiome or Java Burn. LeanBiome is a gut health supplement that supports weight loss, while Java Burn mixes with your morning coffee to boost metabolism. Both are popular but come with their own pros and cons. Our evaluation of Noom was based on a three-month trial by our team, comparing features, cost, and user feedback against these and other popular programs.
FAQ
What is Noom?
Noom is a weight loss app that uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you change your eating habits. It’s a lifestyle program, not a restrictive diet.
How much does Noom cost? (As of 2025)
Noom Weight costs $17.42 per month with a 12-month plan. Noom Med costs $39 to get started, with medication costs separate. The Noom GLP-1 Rx Program starts at $129.
Does Noom include medication?
Noom Weight does not. Noom Med includes access to GLP-1 medications but not the cost of the drugs. The Noom GLP-1 Rx Program includes medication for $129 per month.
Is Noom effective?
According to a study cited by WebMD, 78% of Noom users lose weight, and 23% lose more than 10% of their body weight. Many users maintain the loss after one year.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes, but be aware of billing issues. The BBB has received over 1,200 complaints about Noom’s cancellation process. Cancel before the trial ends.
What foods can I eat on Noom?
No foods are off-limits. Noom uses a green, yellow, orange system to guide you toward healthier choices without restriction.
Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This does not affect our editorial independence. Last updated: March 2025. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any weight loss program.
