Is The Lose It Weight Loss App Worth The Money?
With so much fitness information online, it can sometimes feel impossible to find reliable, affordable, and fun options. An important part of any fitness plan is nutrition. In fact, calorie counting can be a game-changer for weight loss. Experts like Alexia Alford, a nutrition specialist for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), say that weight loss success takes more than just exercise.
"There are many health benefits that can be gained by being more active and exercising, but relying on exercise alone will not help you lose weight," Alford told IAEA.
Thankfully, apps like Lose It! make tracking calories and macros easy. The app is designed to take the stress out of calorie counting. You provide the app with factors like your current height and weight, and it generates a plan customized to your goals. That takes out the complicated equations when making your own calorie plan, but is the app everything it's hyped up to be?
A lot of people swear by the Lose It! app
"By recording what and how much you're eating each day, you're then able to see patterns in your eating habits and make the necessary changes to keep you on track, moving towards your goals," Kelli McGrane, R.D. says on the Lose It! website.
The Lose It! weight loss app scored a User's Score of 9.1 out of 10 on Consumers Compare. The site praises the app for its community and blog features. Premium subscribers gain access to the Challenge tab, which allows users to compete towards certain goals alongside other users. The blog has a variety of articles about diet and exercise that can provide valuable information to beginners. The app also offers several community support groups. These groups offer accountability, tips, and support from actual Lose It! app users.
The Lose It! app seems to work for a lot of people, but that doesn't mean it's right for everyone.
The Lose It! app might not offer the best advice
While users of the Lose It! app gave it a 9.1 score on Consumers Compare, experts who reviewed the app were more critical, giving it a 7.7. A few reviews also urged readers to be wary of advice received from the groups, while a Trust Pilot review says that the information provided by some people in the chat may not be very reliable.
In fact, calorie counting may not be a great option for everyone. Nutrition Stripped, a blog run by registered dieticians, notes several issues with counting calories. Tracking every single thing you eat can be unsustainable and can even lead to disordered eating. According to NourishRX, constantly monitoring food intake can negatively impact both physical and mental health. They recommend focusing on the quality of nutrition rather than caloric amounts. VeryWellMind even claims that tracking calories can cause or worsen eating disorders.
If you need help with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).
Should you spend money on the Lose It! weight loss app?
If you do decide you want to incorporate a calorie counting app into your life, make sure to consult your doctor first.
The basic version of the Loses It! app is free and includes basic calorie tracking, access to their community, and Snap It feature. The Snap It smart camera feature allows you to log food just by taking a picture of it. According to Healthline, taking photos of meals can help you better visualize portion sizes and keep track of your eating habits. While even the basics can help you move towards your goals, the premium subscription adds even more helpful features. The Lose It! site lists a premium subscription at $39.99 per year. It includes advanced tracking features, meal planning, and the ability to sync the app with smartwatches.
If your fitness goals include tracking calories, Lose It! could be a great place to start. However, the free version may be enough for beginners. While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, always be cautious when going forward with a fitness plan. It may be safer to rely on your body's hunger cues and good nutrition (via NourishedRX). Regardless, pair solid nutrition with some of our favorite beginner workouts to start crushing your fitness goals.