Looking to lose weight but unsure which app to choose? Here's a quick guide to help you decide.
- Lose It: Simple calorie tracking for beginners. Affordable premium at $39.99/year. Great for tracking calories and macros but focuses less on overall nutrition.
- MyFitnessPal: Comprehensive nutrition tracking with a massive food database. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts and those needing detailed insights. Premium costs $79.99/year or $19.99/month.
- WeFast: Focuses on intermittent fasting and mindful eating, specifically designed for women. Offers structured fasting plans and community support. Premium is $79.99/year or $9.99/month. Only available on iOS.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Lose It | MyFitnessPal | WeFast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Calorie tracking | Nutrition tracking | Intermittent fasting |
| Free Version | Food scanner | Basic tracking | Fasting timer |
| Premium Price | $39.99/year | $79.99/year or $19.99/month | $79.99/year or $9.99/month |
| Food Database | Large | 14M+ items | Limited |
| Device Compatibility | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | iOS only |
| Best For | Beginners | Fitness enthusiasts | Women focused on fasting |
Each app suits different needs:
- Choose Lose It for simplicity and affordability.
- Pick MyFitnessPal for detailed tracking and community features.
- Go with WeFast if you're into fasting and want a supportive community.
Consistency is key - select the app that aligns with your goals and daily habits.
Lose It: Simple Calorie Tracking
Lose It keeps things straightforward when it comes to weight loss. With over 57 million users shedding a collective 149 million pounds, the app focuses on calorie tracking to help users develop long-lasting habits with ease. In fact, research suggests that just three days of tracking can already lead to noticeable results.
Main Features of Lose It
Lose It’s database of over 56 million food items makes logging meals quick and simple. Whether you’re scanning barcodes, using AI-powered photo recognition, or logging entries with your voice, the process is designed to save time. The database includes fresh foods and restaurant meals, with verified entries that eliminate guesswork around portion sizes.
The app creates personalized calorie budgets tailored to your weight loss goals. It calculates daily calorie targets based on your current weight, desired weight, activity level, and how quickly you want to see progress. Users can also set custom macronutrient goals to fine-tune their balance of protein, carbs, and fats.
Lose It integrates seamlessly with Apple Health, Google Fit, and popular fitness devices like Fitbit, RunKeeper, and Nike+, automatically syncing workout data to adjust your calorie budget. Beyond food tracking, it also monitors water intake and sleep patterns, giving you a more complete view of your health. Plus, personalized search rankings make logging frequent meals even faster.
These features lay the groundwork for understanding the app’s benefits and areas for improvement.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use interface (4.8/5 rating) | Free version has limited features |
| Large food database minimizes errors | User-contributed entries may lack accuracy |
| Premium members see three times the weight loss | Premium costs $39.99 annually |
| AI-powered logging saves time | New users may face a learning curve |
| Strong device compatibility and offline search | Focuses more on calories than overall nutrition |
For $39.99 per year, a premium membership unlocks advanced tools like detailed nutrient tracking, custom goals, and enhanced reporting - an investment worth considering for those serious about achieving their weight goals.
Here’s a closer look at who might benefit most from Lose It.
Who Should Use Lose It?
Lose It is perfect for those who want to track their food intake without committing to a rigid diet plan. Its straightforward, data-driven approach appeals to users who prefer simplicity over structured meal plans or hands-on coaching.
"Calorie counters can be useful for individuals monitoring a chronic health condition, those who want to maximize athletic performance, and those who simply wish to have more mental or physical energy", says Sarah Herrington, a certified nutrition specialist and personal trainer.
The app’s integration with fitness devices and macro tracking makes it especially useful for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It’s also a great tool for people managing chronic health conditions, offering precise nutritional tracking and easily shareable reports for medical consultations.
Clayton, a user who lost 50 pounds with Lose It, shares his success story:
"I really like the food/calorie tracker and how easy it is to use. It's really eye-opening to see how much I was taking in throughout the day and how many calories were in foods that I considered not that bad. Once I was able to see this and hold myself accountable, it became much easier to lose the weight".
Registered dietitian Lena Bakovic highlights the app’s accountability benefits:
"One of the greatest benefits of using a calorie- or macronutrient-counting app is a sense of accountability and awareness for the user. I've had many clients tell me that once they logged their foods, they became aware of how much or how little of something they were eating".
That said, Lose It isn’t for everyone. Those looking for structured meal plans, recipes, or coaching may find it too basic. Additionally, individuals who prefer intuitive eating or have a history of disordered eating should consult a healthcare professional before using calorie tracking tools.
MyFitnessPal: Complete Nutrition Tracking
MyFitnessPal goes beyond counting calories, offering detailed nutrition tracking for millions of users. With over 200 million people on board and a strong community presence, it’s a go-to app for managing dietary goals.
Main Features of MyFitnessPal
One of MyFitnessPal’s standout features is its massive food database, boasting over 20 million items. From fresh produce to restaurant meals, the app provides detailed nutritional info for nearly any food you can think of.
It doesn’t stop at calories. MyFitnessPal tracks both macronutrients (like carbs, fats, and proteins) and micronutrients (such as vitamins and minerals). Users can set macronutrient goals by percentage, while Premium members have the added option of gram-specific targets. Premium users also enjoy advanced tools like setting calorie goals for individual meals, which can simplify meal planning and portion control. Plus, the app syncs with health devices to track weight, exercise, water intake, and even intermittent fasting.
The app’s social features are another highlight. You can connect with friends, share progress, and dive into community forums that cover everything from recipes to success stories. Using principles like self-monitoring and goal setting, MyFitnessPal keeps users motivated and engaged. It also integrates with other health apps and fitness devices, automatically syncing workout data. Additional tools like a barcode scanner and recipe importer make logging meals quick and easy.
These features set the stage for understanding the app’s strengths and limitations.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the advantages and drawbacks of using MyFitnessPal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive food database with 20+ million items | Free version includes ads and fewer features |
| Tracks both macros and micronutrients | Premium costs $19.99/month or $79.99/year |
| Strong community support with 200M+ users | Data accuracy can vary, especially for homemade meals |
| Highly rated: 4.7 stars from 1.8M App Store reviews | Can feel overwhelming for beginners |
The app’s active forums and social features add to its appeal, making it more than just a tracking tool.
Who Should Use MyFitnessPal?
MyFitnessPal works well for anyone looking to fine-tune their dietary habits. It’s particularly useful for those with specific nutrition goals, like keto or low-carb diets, as it offers detailed macro tracking. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can benefit from its goal-setting features, while its micronutrient tracking can help address more specific nutritional needs. The app is also a great fit for college students or anyone aiming to lose weight, as self-monitoring has been shown to support weight loss efforts.
Here’s what some users and experts have to say:
"The connection and encouragement truly motivate, as my before-and-after pictures speak for themselves!" - Tamiko G.
Registered Dietitian Stephanie Nelson highlights the benefits of food tracking:
"Studies show people who keep a food diary are more likely to hit their goals. MyFitnessPal simplifies nutrition and calorie tracking, provides the data you want, and helps you make sense of it all."
User Quincy D. shares how the app changed his habits:
"The biggest realization is that I can do better. It is actually possible to eat healthy, and the food can taste good. MyFitnessPal helped me overhaul my habits."
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WeFast: Fasting and Mindful Eating
WeFast steps away from the usual calorie-counting approach and instead focuses on intermittent fasting and mindful eating. Designed specifically for women, this app promotes lasting lifestyle changes through structured fasting plans and educational resources.
Main Features of WeFast
WeFast simplifies the process of intermittent fasting by offering personalized fasting schedules, reminders to stay on track, and tools to monitor your progress. It doesn’t just set schedules - it also explains the science behind fasting, helping users build a balanced relationship with food.
The app syncs with HealthKit to automatically track weight data, making it easier to see your progress. Beyond its technical features, WeFast connects users to a community of over 70,000 women with similar health goals, creating a supportive environment.
Another standout feature is its daily motivational content, which celebrates progress without judgment, helping users stay encouraged throughout their journey.
Pros and Cons
WeFast offers a refreshing take on weight loss, but like any app, it has its strengths and drawbacks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly rated: 4.9/5 stars from 9,000 reviews | Only available on iOS - no Android version |
| Specifically designed for women | Limited calorie tracking functionality |
| Provides daily motivational messages | Some users report occasional glitches |
| Easy-to-follow fasting plans | Fasting hours have limited customization |
| Strong community of 70,000+ women | Premium subscription required for full features |
Users love the app’s supportive tone and daily encouragement, though some wish for more flexibility in setting fasting hours. These features make it clear who will benefit most from WeFast's approach.
Who Should Use WeFast?
WeFast is ideal for women who prefer focusing on intermittent fasting and mindful eating rather than counting every calorie. It’s especially helpful for beginners looking for structure, guidance, and a sense of community as they adopt new eating habits.
If you value a supportive, non-judgmental approach to weight loss that prioritizes when you eat over how much you eat, WeFast might be a great fit. However, Android users, those who need detailed calorie tracking, or anyone requiring highly flexible fasting options may want to explore other apps.
Reported benefits include increased energy, better moods, improved self-confidence, and even clearer skin. With its fasting-first strategy, WeFast stands out as a unique option in the crowded world of weight loss apps.
Direct Comparison of All 3 Apps
Here's a side-by-side look at how Lose It, MyFitnessPal, and WeFast measure up. This breakdown can help you decide which app fits your weight loss goals and budget.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Lose It | MyFitnessPal | WeFast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Simple calorie tracking | Comprehensive nutrition tracking | Intermittent fasting & mindful eating |
| Food Database | Large database | 14+ million items | Limited food tracking |
| Free Version Features | Food scanner included | Basic tracking (scanner is premium) | Basic fasting timer |
| Premium Pricing | $39.99/year | $79.99/year or $19.99/month | $79.99/year or $9.99/month |
| Device Compatibility | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | iOS only |
| Target Audience | Weight loss beginners | Serious fitness enthusiasts | Women focused on fasting |
| Macro Tracking | Basic | Advanced & cleaner interface | Not available |
| Recipe Import | Available | From blog URLs | Not available |
| Intermittent Fasting | Basic intervals | Premium tracker | Core feature with personalized plans |
| Community Support | Standard | Large user base | Targeted women's community |
| App Store Rating | High ratings | High ratings | 4.9/5 stars (9,000 reviews) |
This comparison highlights how these apps cater to different weight loss needs and preferences.
Pricing is a key differentiator. Lose It offers the most budget-friendly premium plan at $39.99 per year, while MyFitnessPal charges $79.99 annually or $19.99 monthly. WeFast matches MyFitnessPal's yearly price but includes a $9.99 monthly option for added flexibility.
When it comes to food logging, MyFitnessPal shines with its massive database of over 14 million items. On the other hand, Lose It stands out in its free version by including a food scanner - something MyFitnessPal reserves for premium users.
Each app takes a unique approach to weight loss. Lose It simplifies calorie tracking, making it great for beginners. MyFitnessPal caters to those who need detailed nutrition insights, while WeFast focuses on intermittent fasting, emphasizing when you eat rather than what.
Device compatibility is another consideration. Both Lose It and MyFitnessPal work on iOS and Android, but WeFast is exclusively available on iOS.
For macro tracking, MyFitnessPal leads with its advanced and user-friendly interface. Lose It offers a more basic option, while WeFast doesn't prioritize this feature.
The apps also differ in community engagement. WeFast creates a dedicated space for over 70,000 women pursuing fasting goals. Meanwhile, Lose It and MyFitnessPal cater to broader audiences, offering standard community features.
How to Choose the Right App for Your Goals
Picking the right weight loss app comes down to your preferred method, budget, and how much detail you want in tracking. Different apps cater to different strategies and user needs, so finding the right fit is key.
Match Your App to Your Goals
The best app for you depends on your weight loss approach. For example:
- Lose It is great for beginners who are new to calorie counting. It's straightforward and has helped users shed over 100 million pounds.
- MyFitnessPal shines when you need detailed nutritional information. With over 14 million food items in its database, it's perfect for tracking macros, managing specific diets, or quickly finding restaurant nutrition details.
- WeFast is tailored for those focused on intermittent fasting. It prioritizes meal timing over calorie counting and is specifically designed with women in mind.
Keep in mind, WeFast is only available on iOS, while Lose It and MyFitnessPal are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Duke University Psychology Professor Gary Bennett highlights the importance of consistency in weight loss tools:
"Consumers should look for apps that make it easy for them to track on a consistent basis."
Choosing an app that fits seamlessly into your daily life can make sticking to your goals much easier. If you're looking for something that goes beyond just tracking calories or meals, bundled solutions might be worth exploring.
How Bundled Solutions Can Help
If no single app covers all your needs, an all-in-one solution might be the way to go. For example, the Growth Bundle combines WeFast with 11 other wellness apps in one subscription. This setup gives you access to tools for fasting, habit building, mood tracking, and mindfulness - all under one plan.
With this approach, you can address multiple aspects of weight loss, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For instance:
- WeFast supports your intermittent fasting goals.
- The Do App helps you establish healthy habits.
- Reflectly tracks your mood and emotional health.
- HealthView monitors your overall progress.
Instead of juggling multiple subscriptions, you get everything you need to support long-term lifestyle changes in one package.
Final Recommendations
Here’s how to decide which app suits you best:
- Lose It is ideal for beginners who want a simple, affordable calorie-tracking tool without extra complexity.
- MyFitnessPal is the go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts who need detailed nutrition data and don't mind paying for premium features.
- WeFast is perfect if you’re focused on intermittent fasting, own an iPhone, and want to connect with a community of like-minded women.
Each app has its strengths, so choose the one that aligns best with your weight loss strategy and daily routine.
FAQs
How do Lose It, MyFitnessPal, and WeFast differ in their weight loss strategies?
When it comes to weight loss apps, Lose It!, MyFitnessPal, and WeFast each bring something different to the table, catering to various needs and preferences.
Lose It! is all about simplicity. It offers personalized weight loss plans, an easy-to-use food logging system, and a barcode scanner that makes tracking calories a breeze. If you want a straightforward tool to help you stay on track, this app is a solid choice.
MyFitnessPal steps it up a notch with more detailed nutritional tracking. It includes features like macro goals, recipe imports, and access to one of the largest food databases out there. If you’re someone who wants to dive deep into your diet and understand every detail, this app might be your go-to.
WeFast takes a completely different route by focusing on intermittent fasting. It helps users plan and monitor their fasting periods, making it a great option for those who prefer a fasting-based weight loss strategy.
Each app offers its own strengths, so the best choice depends on whether you’re looking for simple calorie tracking, detailed nutrition analysis, or a fasting-centered approach.
What premium features do Lose It, MyFitnessPal, and WeFast offer, and how do they improve the weight loss experience?
Premium features in apps like Lose It, MyFitnessPal, and WeFast bring advanced tools to the table, offering a more tailored and detailed approach to weight loss.
With Lose It’s premium plan, you gain access to AI-powered meal planning, personalized coaching, and the ability to track hydration, sleep, and body fat. These features help you craft a plan that aligns with your specific goals. MyFitnessPal’s premium version offers macro and micronutrient tracking, custom meal plans, and an ad-free experience, giving you a clearer picture of your nutrition and progress. On the other hand, WeFast focuses on fasting, providing tools like custom fasting schedules and detailed progress tracking to refine your fasting routine for better outcomes.
While the free versions of these apps are helpful, the premium options take things up a notch by offering more precise and personalized tools, making it easier to stay consistent and work toward your goals.
What is the best weight loss app for beginners who want something simple and easy to use?
For those just starting their weight loss journey, the best apps are the ones that keep it simple and easy to use. Look for options that focus on essentials like basic calorie tracking or uncomplicated fasting plans. Choose tools with a clear layout, straightforward instructions, and minimal setup - these features make it easier to establish healthy habits without feeling overwhelmed.