Each new year brings fresh goals—and plenty of old myths about how to lose weight. Let’s bust a few of the biggest ones standing in the way of real, lasting progress.
Myth #1: The less you eat, the more you lose
Cutting calories too drastically might seem like a shortcut to success, but your body responds by slowing your metabolism and increasing hunger hormones, which makes weight loss harder, not easier.
💡 The best approach is to create a small calorie deficit and stick to it over time.
Myth #2: Exercise alone can help you lose weight
Exercise has incredible health benefits—better mood, stronger heart, more energy—but it rarely leads to lasting weight loss on its own.
💡 Instead, research shows that exercise can be most helpful at improving body composition and maintaining weight loss.
Myth #3: Weight loss boils down to calories in vs. calories out
Yes, calories matter… but biology, hormones, stress, and sleep all play a role in how your body uses them. That’s why two people can follow the exact same eating and exercise plan and see different results.
💡 Focusing on all aspects of your health is key to losing weight.
Reviews from real Noom users
Desirea N. — Real Noom user
“My favorite parts of Noom are the care team and other Noomers. Sharing and getting help made me feel like I wasn’t doing it alone. That support made all the difference.”
Desirea N. — Real Noom user
Matthew M. — Real Noom user
“Noom has taught me that every day is a new chance to make better, healthier choices. It's taught me how to stop overeating.’’
Matthew M. — Real Noom user
Lila M. — Real Noom user
“Clinicians who understand how supportive medication can be is one of the best parts of Noom! I was convinced I wouldn’t have success but I’m down 11 pounds in two months.’’
Lila M. — Real Noom user
Steve M. — Real Noom user
“Noom provided me with the medication which I could not get through Medicare. I have learned the tricks to better eating and life in general.”
Steve M. – Real Noom user
Daisy R. — Real Noom user
‘’Noom has changed my life and I’m so thankful, I feel great, have more energy and am no longer prediabetic.”
Daisy R. – Real Noom user
Sarah R. — Real Noom user
“All of the Noom providers that I’ve met with have been exceptional and prescribed medications that are appropriate for my situation and health.”
Sarah R. – Real Noom user
Madison S. — Real Noom user
“Noom made the process so simple and now I feel full, free from diet obsession, and at ease in my body again.”
Madison S. – Real Noom user
Sonday K. — Real Noom user
“My doctor recommended Noom after I was frustrated trying to lose weight. The lessons helped change my relationship with food. My body feels lighter & energized.”
Sonday K. – Real Noom user
Cam K. — Real Noom user
“I built healthy habits with coaching and lessons that make me confident I can maintain my weight loss long term.”
Cam K. – Real Noom user
Laura TR. — Real Noom user
“With the right medication through Noom, hunger and sugar cravings finally quieted and I have the tools to break the cycle.”
Laura TR. – Real Noom user
Jessica S. — Real Noom user
“Cravings and food noise are gone, I finally feel confident in the healthy habits I’ve built to last with Noom.”
Jessica S. – Real Noom user
Myth #4: Using meds to lose weight is ‘cheating’
Taking weight-loss meds like GLP-1s isn’t a shortcut—it’s science. GLP-1 meds help regulate appetite and balance hormones, making it easier to build healthy habits and lose more weight.
💡 Meds are tools, not shortcuts. Real success still comes from pairing them with behavior change.
For extra support and accountability to build momentum and achieve your health goals, start a Noom program today.
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At Noom, we’re committed to providing health information that’s grounded in reliable science and expert review. Our content is created with the support of qualified professionals and based on well-established research from trusted medical and scientific organizations. Learn more about the experts behind our content on our Health Expert Team page.
