Special Report
The Best Apps for Achieving Weight Loss Resolutions
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Getting healthy is often the number one resolution people make for the new year. This is an ambitious and very broad goal that can be broken down into several smaller steps, such as exercising more and eating better to lose weight.
Different surveys show different numbers, but the undisputed consensus is that most resolutions fail by February. Hundreds of mobile applications are available to help people avoid that outcome – which is the fate of over 90% of Americans who make resolutions.
These apps generally track health habits – anything from how many steps a person takes a day to how many calories they consume with every bite. Some have features designed to keep users motivated, such as competing against other users and being paid for achieving various health goals.
There is some scientific evidence that weight loss apps may actually help people shed extra pounds. Closely monitoring diet and physical activity may promote weight loss by increasing awareness of targeted behaviors and progress.
To identify the best apps for achieving weight loss resolutions, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed all weight loss apps in the App Store and Google Play. In order to be considered, the apps must be available for free download (although they may include ads or offer premium membership) on both platforms, have at least 10,000 reviews on each, and have an average rating of 4.5 or higher.
We then calculated the Apple and Google share of total reviews for each app, multiplied that number by the individual store rating for each app, and then took the average of the two for each app.
In the few cases in which two apps had the same average rating, the one with more total reviews was ranked higher.
Click here to see the 16 best weight loss apps.
16. Daily Yoga – Workout & Fitness
> Average rating: 4.52
> Total reviews: 111,900
The Daily Yoga app, which is available in several languages, offers more than 500 asanas with instructions, over 50 yoga class plans and workshops, more than 200 video yoga classes, Pilates, meditation classes, and a pose base suitable for everyone from beginners to pros.
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15. Map My Fitness by Under Armour
> Average rating: 4.53
> Total reviews: 69,300
The app tracks and maps every workout. Users can also get feedback and stats to improve their performance. Map My Fitness Workout Trainer was voted the Best All-Inclusive Fitness App by Live Science.
14. Weight Loss Running by Verv
> Average rating: 4.53
> Total reviews: 82,100
Users can choose their personal trainer, depending on the style of coaching they prefer. Audio instructions for training and voice encouragements during runs are also available. The app can be synchronized with Apple Health, Fitbit, Runkeeper, and MapMyRun.
13. JEFIT Workout Planner Gym Log
> Average rating: 4.55
> Total reviews: 74,000
The JEFIT app offers a free fitness program database, which include beginner programs such as 5×5, 531, and three or four day splits to advanced bodybuilding, weightlifting, and kettlebell routines. There are more than 1,300 demonstrations on how to do specific exercises.
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12. MyPlate Calorie Counter
> Average rating: 4.57
> Total reviews: 38,300
This app’s database includes more than 2 million foods. Users have the option to create personalized foods and meals. They can also create custom exercises and integrate with Google Fit to track other physical activities and calories burned.
11. Fooducate Diet Health Tracker
> Average rating: 4.60
> Total reviews: 44,100
The Fooducate app allows users to scan more than 250,000 product barcodes to get information on the amount of sugar, trans fats, artificial sweetener, preservatives, and other ingredients they contain. The app grades each food and suggests healthier version of the same or similar foods.
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10. 30 Day Fitness Challenge
> Average rating: 4.60
> Total reviews: 686,200
The app offers daily workouts that can be done at home by anybody and at any time. The month-long challenge is designed by a professional fitness coach. The app can synchronize with burned calorie data on Google Fit.
9. WW – Weight Watchers
> Average rating: 4.60
> Total reviews: 823,700
The WW app includes more than 4,000 recipes for meals and snacks. You can use a barcode scanner to find information on more than 250,000 foods. WW also offers rewards points, which can translate to free real-life rewards, delivered to you.
8. Lose It! – Calorie Counter
> Average rating: 4.62
> Total reviews: 286,800
The apps works by having a user set a goal and then matching it with a personalized daily calorie budget and weight loss plan. Lose It! also connects to other devices, fitness trackers and apps for an all-in-one place to track health habits. Lose It! basic is free, but you can upgrade to Premium.
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7. Pacer Pedometer & Step Tracker
> Average rating: 4.62
> Total reviews: 631,900
The app tracks every time you take a step, whether it’s during a walk, run, or bike ride. You can participate in various challenges. The app syncs steps and calories with MyFitnessPal and Fitbit.
6. MyFitnessPal
> Average rating: 4.62
> Total reviews: 2,456,600
The app and website, which has been on the market since 2005, tracks a person’s diet and workouts to suggest calorie intake for their specific goals. It includes more than 6 million foods. It was Consumer Reports’ No. 1 rated diet app and PC Magazine Editor’s Choice Selection.
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5. Map My Walk by Under Armour
> Average rating: 4.63
> Total reviews: 278,700
Users can track and map every walk and get audio feedback for every mile they go. There is a Routes feature that suggests nearby places to walk. You can get notifications when it’s time to get new sneakers to avoid injuries. If you want to avoid the ads, you’ll have to become a premium member.
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4. 8fit Workouts & Meal Planner
> Average rating: 4.64
> Total reviews: 192,100
The free app, which is available in several languages, offers fat-burning exercises and HIIT workouts.The pro version, which requires subscription, includes nutrition tips about meal planning as well as healthy recipes. Videos and other programs are also available.
3. Map My Run by Under Armour
> Average rating: 4.67
> Total reviews: 461,600
Users of Map My Run are able to track and map every run. Feedback and stats are also provided to help improve performance. It was named one of the Top 10 Apps for Runners by The Guardian.
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2. Carb Manager: Keto Diet App
> Average rating: 4.78
> Total reviews: 176,600
The app, which is similar to keeping a food journal, has information on over a million foods and their net carb count. Articles, forums, recipes, curated meal plans, and meal planner are also featured. Exercise, cooking, and grocery shopping tips are also included.
1. Stronglifts 5×5 Weight Lifting
> Average rating: 4.87
> Total reviews: 100,700
The app is essentially a personal strength training coach. It offers exercises and guidance on how to do them, how much to lift, and how long to rest during the workouts, which are 45 minutes long and done three times a week.
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