Noom is a weight loss app that uses behavioral psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles to help you build healthier habits. Unlike traditional calorie-counting apps, Noom focuses on the psychological reasons behind eating habits and teaches you to change your relationship with food rather than just restricting calories. It costs approximately $70/month and offers a free trial — typically 14 days.
Does Noom Actually Work?
The research suggests yes — but with caveats. A 2016 study published in Scientific Reports found that 78% of Noom users lost weight over an 18-month period. The app works best for people who engage consistently with the daily psychology lessons and food tracking. Users who treat it as just another calorie counter tend to see less success.
How Noom Works
Noom assigns foods a color code: green (low calorie density, eat freely), yellow (moderate, eat mindfully), and red (high calorie density, eat sparingly). This is simpler and more flexible than strict calorie counting. You also complete daily psychology lessons (5–10 minutes each) that address the mental patterns behind overeating. Each user is assigned a personal coach who checks in weekly.
Noom Pros and Cons
| Psychology-based approach | Addresses root causes of overeating, not just symptoms |
| Personal coach included | Weekly check-ins with a human coach |
| Flexible — no banned foods | Color coding system, not strict restrictions |
| 14-day free trial | Enough time to assess whether the approach works for you |
| Expensive | ~$70/month is significantly more than basic calorie apps |
| Requires daily engagement | Less effective if you skip the psychology lessons |
Noom is genuinely effective for people who engage with the program fully. The $70/month price is hard to justify if you are not going to use the psychology lessons and coaching — but if you do, the research supports its effectiveness. Start with the free trial to assess whether the approach resonates with you before committing.
Written by the StackMyReferrals Editorial Team. We review products independently and only recommend products we believe are genuinely useful. When you sign up through our links, we may earn a referral bonus — this never affects our editorial opinion.