Noom and GOLO, both renowned weight loss programs, have garnered attention for their distinct methods of achieving the desired weight loss results. Noom, an app-based program, focuses on behavior modification and empowers users with a comprehensive system of food classification.
According to a 2022 study by Robyn Sysko from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the Noom weight loss program underwent a rigorous trial to examine its efficacy compared to a digital control over a 6-month intervention phase, with assessments extending to 30 months post-baseline. The study, which involved 600 participants, aimed to determine if Noom could assist in weight loss, long-term maintenance, adherence to lifestyle changes, and address barriers prevalent in traditional weight loss treatments.
On the other hand, the GOLO diet prioritizes insulin management and incorporates a structured eating plan. Based on a 2019 study by Buynak Clinical Research, the GOLO Weight Management Program, combined with the Release supplement, was assessed for its effects on weight and glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Over a 13-week treatment period, participants experienced significant weight loss, reductions in body measurements, improved glycemic control, and reduced insulin resistance, demonstrating the program’s potential benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
What is NOOM?
Noom is a reputable weight loss service that offers an app-based program focused on behavior modification. It utilizes a color-coded system to track food intake, categorizing foods into red, yellow, and green to promote healthier choices.
The program provides one-on-one coaching and a support community to assist individuals in their weight loss journey. Noom’s effectiveness lies in its approach to behavior change, as it aims to help individuals develop sustainable and healthy habits. This is achieved by promoting flexibility in dietary choices and encouraging daily engagement with the program.
Noom’s weight loss strategies focus on changing behaviors rather than eliminating specific foods, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a holistic approach to weight loss. The program has received positive reviews for its support system and its ability to help individuals develop lifelong healthy habits.
What is GOLO Diet?
The GOLO diet is a weight loss program designed to enhance metabolic function. It combines a specific eating plan with a weight loss supplement named “Release,” which offers additional support and potential benefits throughout the weight loss process.
The program has received positive feedback for its meal plans and effectiveness in achieving weight loss and preventing weight gain. However, negative reviews mention the side effects of the supplement, slow results, low-calorie intake, and slow customer service.
What are the differences between GOLO and NOOM?
The primary differences between GOLO and Noom are their pricing structures, community support, food tracking systems, emphasis on insulin management, supplement requirements, and customer feedback. Specifically, Noom operates on a subscription model costing $70 monthly or $209 yearly, while GOLO focuses on selling its “Release” supplement at $59.95 per month.
Considering the 2019 data, millennials in the U.S. spent an average of $62.73 per trip on vitamins and supplements. In contrast, older consumers (from the greatest generation) spent about $129.58 per trip. Both Noom and GOLO’s monthly costs exceed the typical single-trip expenditure on supplements by millennials but are in line with the spending habits of the older generation.
1. Differences in community support between GOLO and NOOM
Community support is pivotal in weight loss endeavors, offering motivation, guidance, and a sense of accountability.
Noom boasts a robust community support system via its app, enabling users to liaise with peers, share stories, and gain insights from coaches. In contrast, while GOLO does provide a platform for community interaction, its support framework is less comprehensive than Noom’s.
Nevertheless, both Noom and GOLO underscore the significance of community backing in augmenting the weight loss journey.
2. Differences in the food tracking systems of GOLO and NOOM
Both Noom and GOLO offer food tracking systems, yet their methods and philosophies differ. Noom uses a color-coded system, categorizing foods as red, yellow, or green, to guide users in making healthier food choices. For example, Noom classifies steak, bacon, and butter as red foods, while blueberries, apples, and spinach are labeled as green foods. This system helps individuals regulate their food choices and promotes positive behavior change.
Conversely, GOLO adopts a more structured approach, recommending three meals per day, each ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 calories. Their unique meal breakdown, represented by numbers like 2121, indicates the suggested servings of proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fats.
Additionally, GOLO integrates its Release and Go-digest supplements into the plan and utilizes tools like the SmartCard and the Metabolic plan (or GOLO for LIFE plan) to address insulin resistance and provide clear meal guidance.
The primary goal of both systems is to enhance users’ awareness of their consumption patterns, fostering accountability and aiding in effective weight management.
3. Insulin management differences between GOLO and NOOM
The GOLO weight loss program prioritizes the management of insulin levels as a core aspect of its approach. Central to GOLO’s strategy is addressing insulin resistance, a condition where cells struggle to efficiently absorb glucose, leading to elevated blood sugar.
This condition, according to Andrew M. Freeman from Southeastern Regional Medical Center, is linked to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues. To counteract this, GOLO’s supplement, Release, is designed to regulate insulin and support a healthy glucose metabolism.
The program’s emphasis on insulin management, paired with a structured eating regimen, helps optimize metabolic function. In stark contrast, Noom does not center its weight loss approach on insulin management.
Instead, Noom focuses on behavior change and establishing long-term healthy habits. This distinction underscores the unique methodologies each program adopts in assisting individuals on their weight loss journey.
4. Differences in Supplement requirements between GOLO and NOOM
The GOLO program emphasizes the use of their specific weight loss supplement called Release. This supplement is central to their approach and is considered an essential component for participants.
Release, as part of the GOLO diet, claims to support metabolism, regulate blood sugar levels, and aid in managing insulin resistance, which is a primary focus of the program. GOLO’s supplement contains a blend of 7 plant extracts and 3 minerals intended to balance hormones, reduce cravings, and boost energy, contributing to weight loss.
On the other hand, NOOM does not mandate or emphasize the use of any particular weight loss supplement. Instead, it centers on behavior change and psychological factors. Noom’s program is app-based, prioritizing food logging, daily lessons, and coaching to guide users toward sustainable habits and healthier food choices.
5. Price Differences between GOLO and NOOM
Noom and GOLO have distinct pricing structures tailored to their unique weight loss approaches. Noom operates on a subscription basis, charging $70 for one month, or an annual fee of $209. This subscription gives Noom users access to their app, coaching, and diet plans without additional costs.
In contrast, GOLO’s primary cost revolves around its weight loss supplement, Release, priced at $59.95 per month for a single bottle. GOLO offers discounts for bulk purchases: two bottles cost $49.95 each, and three bottles are priced at $39.95 each.
Although the GOLO diet plan itself is free, one must purchase the Release supplement to gain full access to the dietary guidelines. At a glance, Noom’s yearly upfront cost might seem higher, but GOLO’s approach mandates ongoing supplement purchases.
6. Differences in Customer Feedback between GOLO and NOOM
Noom has a higher overall satisfaction rating on Trustpilot, with a score of 4.1 from over 63,000 reviews, compared to GOLO’s score of 3.4 from 779 reviews. While both programs have a similar percentage of 5-star ratings, Noom has a significantly higher percentage of 4-star reviews (23%) compared to GOLO (7%).
Negative feedback for GOLO often centers on side effects of the Release supplement, slow results, and issues with customer service.
In contrast, Noom’s critiques mainly focus on coach availability, customer service responsiveness, and the program’s cost.
Overall, Noom appears to be more favored by customers in terms of holistic weight loss and behavior change, whereas GOLO is appreciated for its meal plans and potential weight loss benefits.
What are the overall pros and cons when comparing NOOM and GOLO Diet?
When comparing the NOOM and GOLO diet, the GOLO diet incorporates the Release supplement, which can provide added support for weight loss, potentially regulate blood sugar levels, and possibly enhance metabolism. However, this supplement might introduce side effects for some, entails ongoing costs due to regular purchases, and its long-term effects haven’t been extensively studied.
In contrast, Noom focuses on behavior modification and flexible dietary guidelines, eliminating the need for supplements and emphasizing sustainable lifestyle changes tailored to individual needs. Yet, its effectiveness can vary without the use of supplements, demands greater self-discipline for behavioral changes, and the subscription cost might be a barrier for some individuals.