Best Weight Loss Programs for Women

The best weight loss program depends on a person’s particular needs. There is no such thing as one ideal program for everyone.
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A quick look at 5 of the best weight loss programs for women
Best for long-term weight loss: Noom | Skip to review
Noom
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Best affordable: WeightWatchers | Skip to review
WeightWatchers
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Best for meal planning: PlateJoy | Skip to review
PlateJoy
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Best for medication: Calibrate | Skip to review
Calibrate
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What is the difference between a weight loss program and a diet?
Weight loss programs are holistic methods of weight loss and maintenance and aim to support people through lifestyle changes and diet to help them reach their weight goals.
These programs are often subscription-based and provide access to courses, materials, and professional coaching. Weight loss programs are a good choice for people who need a more structured approach than following a diet.
On the other hand, diets are programs that only change the foods a person eats. Diets are a good choice for people more confident in making dietary and lifestyle changes. People can often find diet plans for free online.
Our picks for the best weight loss programs
Noom

Subscription cost $70 per month or $209 per year
How it works Noom is a digital app focused on promoting long-term, sustainable weight loss by helping users build healthy habits.
Food tracking yes
Support community features, health coaching, app, meal plans, recipes, goal setting
Healthline visitors get a free 14-day extended trial.
GET STARTED WITH NOOM
Noom is a popular weight loss program that aims to change how people think about food.
This is a subscription-only model, starting at $70 per month, or $209 per year.
Noom uses psychology, technology, and human coaching to help support people on their weight and fitness journeys: It uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people make lasting, healthy, changes, and supports people with a team of professionals.
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
As well as providing a holistic weight loss program, Noom also offers subscriptions that aim to help stress and anxiety, as well as a program that provides access to GLP-1 medication.
GLP-1 medication
Read our in-depth review of the Noom diet here.
in-depth review of the Noom diet
How effective is Noom?
Noom states that most people will lose 1 to 2 pounds (lb) per week. However, the amount a person will lose while using this subscription will depend on their starting weight, goals, and diet.
A 2023 study found Noom participants maintained 65% of their weight loss after 1 year, and 57% after 2 years, making this program more effective than many diets.
2023 study
does not limit which foods people can eat
offers CBT techniques and human support to change eating habits
studies show that people maintain the majority of their weight loss after two years
provides daily lessons and courses to help support health journeys
requires a smartphone or tablet to use
more expensive than some other weight loss programs
does not limit which foods people can eat
offers CBT techniques and human support to change eating habits
studies show that people maintain the majority of their weight loss after two years
provides daily lessons and courses to help support health journeys
requires a smartphone or tablet to use
more expensive than some other weight loss programs
Supported devices: Apple, Android
Number of users per account: 1
iPhone rating: 4.7
Android rating: 4.4
Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods
Physical activity encouraged: yes
International availability: yes
AAPI-Founded
Supported devices: Apple, Android
Number of users per account: 1
iPhone rating: 4.7
Android rating: 4.4
Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods
Physical activity encouraged: yes
International availability: yes
AAPI-Founded
WeightWatchers

Subscription cost approximately $15–$65 per month
How it works WeightWatchers is a well-known diet program that uses a points-based system to promote long lasting, sustainable weight loss.
Food tracking yes
Support community features, health coaching, app, meal plans, recipes, goal setting
GET STARTED WITH WEIGHT WATCHERS
WeightWatchers uses a Points system, allocating a certain amount of daily Points to each person depending on their starting weight and goals. Every food has a certain amount of Points, including ZeroPoints food.
This program may be best for those who prefer a structured diet that does not restrict the type of food a person can eat. People who follow WeightWatchers can still eat out, as the company provides a calculator to convert each meal into Points.
Membership starts at $23 per month, however WeightWatchers often has promotions that bring membership down to as little as $10 per month.
The company has also recently launched a WeightWatchers Clinic, which provides GLP-1 medication to people with type 2 diabetes or those with overweight to help manage symptoms and promote weight loss.
type 2 diabetes
Read our in-depth review of WeightWatchers here.
in-depth review of WeightWatchers
How effective is WeightWatchers?
According to the company, people who use the WeightWatcher’s Points system lose 3.5 times more weight than following standard nutritional guidance.
According to a 2023 trial, over half of the participants experienced significant weight loss while using WeightWatchers. A majority of the participants reported increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, physical activity, and well-being.
2023 trial
does not restrict what type of food a person can eat
allows people to eat out while still losing weight
offers 24/7 community and professional support
a more affordable monthly subscription
requires a smartphone or tablet
does not restrict what type of food a person can eat
allows people to eat out while still losing weight
offers 24/7 community and professional support
a more affordable monthly subscription
requires a smartphone or tablet
Supported devices: Apple, Android
Number of users per account: 1
iPhone rating: 4.8
Android rating: 4.5
Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods
Physical activity encouraged: yes
International availability: yes
Women-Founded
Supported devices: Apple, Android
Number of users per account: 1
iPhone rating: 4.8
Android rating: 4.5
Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods
Physical activity encouraged: yes
International availability: yes
Women-Founded
PlateJoy

Subscription cost $12.99 per month
How it works PlateJoy is a meal planning app designed by dietitians to help make healthier eating easier and more convenient than ever.
Food tracking no
Support app, meal plans, recipes
GET STARTED WITH PLATEJOY
PlateJoy offers custom meal planning and personalized grocery lists. While not strictly a weight loss program, this service can help support healthy meal choices, making it a good choice for those who do not need a lot of support.
The company creates a personalized weekly meal plan using over 50 data points, taking into account each person’s preferences. When the service generates a grocery list, it takes into account the ingredients and food a person already has, and people can automatically schedule delivery through Instacart and Amazon Fresh.
PlateJoy is suitable for most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
A PlateJoy membership costs $12.99 per month, $69 every 6 months, or $99 per year.
How effective is PlateJoy?
There are no studies on PlateJoy’s effectiveness. However, an older study found that meal planning is associated with a healthier diet and lower weight.
older study
automatically takes into account the food people already have
suitable for most dietary requirements
offers automatic delivery from Instacart or Amazon Fresh
does not offer as much support as other services
automatically takes into account the food people already have
suitable for most dietary requirements
offers automatic delivery from Instacart or Amazon Fresh
does not offer as much support as other services
Supported devices: Apple, Android
Number of users per account: 1
iPhone rating: 4.7
Android rating: 4.5
Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods
Physical activity encouraged: no
International availability: no
Women-Founded
Supported devices: Apple, Android
Number of users per account: 1
iPhone rating: 4.7
Android rating: 4.5
Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods
Physical activity encouraged: no
International availability: no
Women-Founded
Calibrate

How it works Calibrate is a comprehensive program that claims to support metabolic health and promote long-term weight loss through a combination of lifestyle changes and prescription medication.
Food tracking no
Support health coaching, professional support (MD), app, recipes, goal setting
GET STARTED WITH CALIBRATE
Calibrate is a holistic weight loss program that combines diet, lifestyle changes, and GLP-1 medication to help people reach their health and fitness goals.
The company offers popular weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, to people who are eligible.
Ozempic
Wegovy
Mounjaro
Zepbound
Calibrate also offers 1:1 coaching with professionals on its platform.
The company will navigate insurance on a person’s behalf to cover the cost of any medication.
Calibrate costs $199 per month, with an initial 3-month commitment.
How effective is Calibrate?
Calibrate states that its members lose an average of 16% of their body weight after 1 year, and 18% after 2 years.
While there have been no studies on Calibrate, research states that people who take Ozempic – one of the medications Calibrate offers – can lose up to 15.3 kilograms with 68 weeks of treatment.
15.3 kilograms
offers medication that can help people lose weight sustainably
offers 1:1 coaching
accepts insurance for drug costs
the program itself is not covered by insurance
more expensive than other weight loss programs
offers medication that can help people lose weight sustainably
offers 1:1 coaching
accepts insurance for drug costs
the program itself is not covered by insurance
more expensive than other weight loss programs
Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods
Physical activity encouraged: yes
International availability: no
Requires a monthly membership or subscription: yes
Nutritional quality: based mostly on whole foods
Physical activity encouraged: yes
International availability: no
Comparing the best weight loss programs for women
The following table compares the weight loss programs in this article.
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses diets that fit the following criteria:
Weight loss: MNT only chooses weight loss diets that have support from scientific evidence.
Healthy eating habits: MNT only chooses diets that promote healthy eating habits and do not ask people to restrict their calories severely or promote disordered eating.
Sustainability: MNT only chooses diets that are sustainable to follow for the time it takes for a person to reach their weight goal.
Nutritional quality: MNT only chooses diets that meet the average person’s nutritional needs.
What to look for in a weight loss program
The NIDDK recommends people should discuss their weight loss plans with a healthcare professional. They may be able to help people choose a weight loss plan that fits their lifestyle and any health conditions they may have.
NIDDK
The NIDDK also states a person should choose a weight loss program that includes:
lifestyle counseling
guidance about sleep, stress, and the pros and cons of weight loss medication
feedback and monitoring through the weight loss program
realistic weight loss goals and plans
People should avoid diets that severely restrict calories unless they are under the supervision and recommendation of a doctor. People should also avoid diets that promise fast, unsustainable results within a time and ones that do not offer a mix of all the macro- and micronutrients they need.
Our favorite weight loss diets
Weight loss programs are not suitable for everyone, as some may prefer changing their diet. Some evidence-backed diets that can help manage weight include:
Low carb: A low carb diet reportedly works by reducing the body’s dependence on carbs for energy. The low carb model can help rapidly reduce weight for the first 6–12 months. Most people replace calories from carbs with calories from fat or protein.
Low carb
6–12 months
protein
DASH: This diet focuses on vegetables, fruits, and nutrients. The DASH diet is not only an effective method for weight loss, but it also lowers blood glucose levels, triglycerides, LDL-C, and insulin resistance.
DASH
effective method
Mediterranean: The Mediterranean diet prioritizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses. Research has shown that it is as effective as low carb diets, can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and protects heart health.
Mediterranean
as effective
MIND: This diet combines the Mediterranean and DASH diets and includes foods that help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that people on this diet can lose up to 5 kg while eating 250 calories fewer than usual per day.
MIND
up to 5 kg
Vegetarian: The vegetarian diet focuses on vegetables, fruits, and alternative meat and protein sources such as tofu. Research shows that people who follow a calorie-restricted vegetarian diet can lose up to 6.2 kg over 24 weeks, with better insulin sensitivity and hormonal profile.
Vegetarian
tofu
up to 6.2 kg
We have rounded up the best meal delivery services for weight loss and different dietary requirements:
The Best Meal Delivery Services for Weight Loss
The Best Meal Delivery Services for Weight Loss
The Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services
The Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services
The Best Mediterranean Meal Delivery Services
The Best Mediterranean Meal Delivery Services
The Best Low Carb Meal Delivery Services
The Best Low Carb Meal Delivery Services
Learn how to lose weight the healthy way, the Wellos way
Frequently asked questions about weight loss programs
There is no weight loss program that is best for everyone. People should consider the type of diet the program offers, the amount of support and guidance available, and whether they can easily find the food the diet tells them to eat.
A person may wish to discuss with a healthcare professional to find out which is the best weight loss program for them. Alternatively, people may wish to try several different programs.
There is no weight loss program that is best for everyone. People should consider the type of diet the program offers, the amount of support and guidance available, and whether they can easily find the food the diet tells them to eat.
A person may wish to discuss with a healthcare professional to find out which is the best weight loss program for them. Alternatively, people may wish to try several different programs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that quick weight loss is not sustainable, and people are more likely to gain back the weight they lose if they follow a diet that severely restricts calories to gain quick results.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC says that individuals who lose a maximum of 1 to 2 pounds per week are more likely to maintain their weight loss.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that quick weight loss is not sustainable, and people are more likely to gain back the weight they lose if they follow a diet that severely restricts calories to gain quick results.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC says that individuals who lose a maximum of 1 to 2 pounds per week are more likely to maintain their weight loss.
The CDC does not recommend fast weight loss. Losing weight fast is more likely to be unsustainable, leading to people gaining back the weight they lose once they no longer restrict their calories.
CDC
According to the CDC, the maximum weight a person should lose per week is 1–2 pounds. Therefore, depending on how much weight a person wants to lose, it may take several weeks to months to reach their goal.
Learn more about losing weight quickly.
losing weight quickly
The CDC does not recommend fast weight loss. Losing weight fast is more likely to be unsustainable, leading to people gaining back the weight they lose once they no longer restrict their calories.
CDC
According to the CDC, the maximum weight a person should lose per week is 1–2 pounds. Therefore, depending on how much weight a person wants to lose, it may take several weeks to months to reach their goal.
Learn more about losing weight quickly.
losing weight quickly
Summary
A person’s age, gender, race, starting weight, and other factors can influence how effective a weight loss program will be. The weight loss programs in this article are suitable for females, but not specifically for females only. Anyone can follow and benefit from them.
A person should not expect immediate results from starting a program. It can take several weeks or months to see weight loss results. People should also note that a weight loss program is not a long-term solution or replacement for a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Before starting any weight loss program, a person needs to talk with their healthcare professional.