Best Weight Loss Programs Of 2024, According To Experts

To find the best weight loss programs of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team worked with our expert panelists to evaluate a wide range of commercial weight loss programs.  We considered data points such as plan price, sustainability, low risk of complications and ease of use to determine our top picks.

A commercial weight loss program typically includes resources such as clear guidelines, pre-packaged meals, individual support and a way to track progress around weight loss goals. When choosing a commercial program, it’s a good idea to ask yourself how important pre-packaged meals may be to your success, as many of the programs without a pre-packaged meal plan require planning, prepping and cooking daily.

Another important caveat about commercial weight loss programs is that many of them are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means their claims are unsubstantiated by a reliable third party.

Most people can safely lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week. If the commercial weight loss program you’re eyeing is promising anything more than that, it’s best to proceed with caution, or better yet, talk with your doctor.

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While not everyone needs a commercial weight loss program to lose weight, research shows that they can be effective. A smaller, 2022 study of more than 300 adults found that commercial weight loss programs like WW—which was the program used in the study and the program that provided funding—that require a reduced amount of personal dietary self-monitoring (i.e., the programs do a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of food choices and meal planning) can produce “clinically significant weight loss”^[1]Tate DF, Lutes LD, Bryant M, et al. Efficacy of a Commercial Weight Management Program Compared With a Do-It-Yourself Approach: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8). .

At the end of the day, the effectiveness of any weight loss program has a lot to do with the individual—especially when it comes to long-term weight loss, which is often much harder to achieve than those short-term results. Research shows that long-term weight loss often requires the individual to make both dietary and cognitive changes, which typically means a reframing around habits, food choices and expectations.

While the weight loss programs on our list are not typically considered “fad” diets, there are always pros and cons to starting a structured diet plan. Some of the pros include:

• Even modest weight loss (say 5% of your total body weight), can decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases related to obesity (such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease).
• Low carbohydrate diets (like Atkins) have been shown to lower blood glucose and insulin, as well as help suppress appetite, in the short term.
• Lower fat diets can help lower cholesterol.
• Programs that provide shakes or ready-made meals may help individuals better estimate portion sizes and calories.
• More balanced diet programs (such as those that do not restrict either carbs or fats) may promote positive dietary changes and better physical wellness.

Some of the cons of weight loss programs include:

• Even if some dieters lose weight in the short term, there is evidence that dieting can result in weight gain in the long run.
• Chronic dieting may induce psychological deprivation.
• Dieting can make a person, particularly younger people, more prone to developing an eating disorder.
• Many factors that can induce weight gain (such as hormones, psychological factors, comorbid conditions, medications, etc) are not always addressed via a dieting program.

Because of the myriad pros and cons that surround weight loss programs, it’s always advisable to discuss your options with your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any diet plan.

While there are all sorts of weight loss programs available, experts agree that the best program for you is one that not only works for your lifestyle and personal health history, but also one that you feel like you can stick with. Because of this, talking with your doctor or a registered dietitian is a great first step in the process of finding the right weight loss program for you.

Additionally, most successful weight loss programs include at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise (such as brisk walking).

According to our panel of experts, no matter what weight loss program you and your doctor decide on, what truly helps with weight management in the long run are small lifestyle changes—such as increasing vegetable and fruit intake, staying physically active and limiting processed foods—that will eventually have a positive, cumulative effect.

The cost of weight loss programs can vary; some programs that offer an app or supplemental services may charge per month, while other commercial weight loss programs may only cost the price of either pre-made meals or snacks, or whatever your weekly grocery bill comes to.

How to Save Money on Weight Loss Programs

While many weight loss programs may offer discount codes for first time users, here are a few simple methods for saving money while changing your diet to reflect healthier choices:

• When adding more vegetables and fruits to your diet, consider canned and frozen produce, which is often just as nutritious as fresh.
• Consider buying certain items, such as grains and beans, in bulk, which is usually more cost-effective than buying smaller amounts at different times.
• Farmers markets and produce stands may offer in-season produce at a lower cost than grocery stores.
• Meal planning can help you get organized and buy only what you need while shopping.

Starting a new diet or weight loss program can feel exciting, but if you want that weight loss to stick, it’s important to practice safe methods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a few tried and true ways to approach weight loss safely and sustainably:

• Commit to your plan: Write down your reasons for wanting to start a weight loss program, and revisit those reasons often.
• Examine your lifestyle: Take time to note what your current lifestyle looks like in terms of your eating habits, exercise habits, work and family life, and then try to find a weight loss program that can work for all of these circumstances. For instance, if you’re the main cook in your family and your kids have a hard time with vegetables, how will you personally find ways to eat more vegetables during the day? Being honest with yourself about your particular challenges can also help you navigate possible obstacles.
• Set realistic, specific goals: If you are commiting to eating less fat, set specific goals such as replacing your morning omelet with oatmeal and blueberries. Instead of eliminating all treats, try limiting them to a certain number of servings each day/week.
• Identify support: Identify family members, friends, co-workers and even online support groups that can help you stick with your goals and aid in motivation.

The best weight loss program for you will boil down to a variety of personal preferences including cost, food options, preparation/meal planning, family obligations and diet choices (keto, low-fat, vegetarian, etc.). If you are considering a weight loss program but aren’t really sure where to start, talking with a registered dietitian can help shed some light on the direction you should take.