13 Apps That Will Help You Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

The phrase "there's an app for that" is pretty much a well-worn cliché at this point. But if you're trying to lose weight and stick to a diet, there's definitely an app for that—actually, there are hundreds. But not all of them work. In fact, many of them are based on shoddy research or advice from self-styled "experts" who don't actually know what they're talking about.

That said, apps can help some people lose weight. A 2019 paper published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth found that people who tracked their food daily using My Fitness Pal lost the most weight compared to those who used the app less diligently. Researchers found the combination of using a food diary and developing tailored goals were key in helping people lose weight.

“We have very strong evidence that consistent tracking—particularly of diet, but also one’s weight—is an essential element of successful weight loss,” study co-author Gary Bennett, a psychology professor at Duke University, explained to Futurity. “Consumers should look for apps that make it easy for them to track on a consistent basis.”

We’ve put together a list of the best weight loss apps on the market. They’ll help you hit your nutrition goals, get the most out of your workouts, and even keep you hydrated. However, people with a history of disordered eating may be triggered by counting calories or macronutrients. If you have experience disordered eating habits, it’s best to work with a registered dietitian to find a plan that works for you.