Last updated: 1 oct 2026
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting a weight loss program, a new exercise routine or any medication, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.
Our top picks
MacroFactor is the best weight loss program for most men who already exercise, because it adjusts your calorie targets every week based on real results. Men who want a simple system with more support should choose WeightWatchers, and Noom is the best fit if stress or late-night eating is the main problem.
Men often approach weight loss differently. Many prefer data, clear targets and a plan that fits around training, work and social life. They are also less likely to join group programs, even though support helps. The programs below cover both styles, from numbers-driven apps to coached and medical options.
We compared seven programs on price, structure, protein and training support, flexibility and evidence. Prices are US prices checked in late September 2026 and may change with promotions.
- Best for men who lift or train: MacroFactor
- Best overall structure and support: WeightWatchers
- Best for stress and habit eating: Noom
- Best no-cook plan: Nutrisystem for Men
- Best high-protein meal delivery: Factor
- Best men’s telehealth option: Hims
- Best free option: Cronometer
Weight loss programs for men compared
| Program | Type | Price (US, Sept 2026) | Free option | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacroFactor | Tracker + adaptive coaching | $71.99/yr or $11.99/mo | 7-day trial | Men who lift or train |
| WeightWatchers | Program (Points) + workshops | Core from about $10–$12/mo on annual plans | No | Structure and support |
| Noom | Program (psychology) | About $209/yr or $70/mo | Low-cost trial | Stress and habit eating |
| Nutrisystem for Men | Meal delivery | About $370–$425 per 4 weeks | No | No-cook simplicity |
| Factor | Fresh meal delivery | About $12.50–$15 per meal + shipping | No | High-protein convenience |
| Hims | Medical (telehealth) | $39 first month, then $149/mo membership; medication extra | No | Medical evaluation online |
| Cronometer | Tracker | Free; Gold $59.99/yr | Yes | Free, accurate tracking |
The best weight loss programs for men, reviewed
1. MacroFactor — Best for men who lift or train
Price: $71.99/year or $11.99/month, with a 7-day free trial. No ads.
MacroFactor compares what you eat with your weight trend, estimates how many calories you actually burn and updates your targets each week. That makes it ideal for men who train and want to lose fat while keeping muscle. You set protein, carb and fat goals, and the app adjusts as your body changes.
- Pros: Smart weekly adjustments; built for protein and training goals; clean, ad-free app
- Cons: No free plan; works best if you log and weigh in consistently
2. WeightWatchers — Best overall structure and support
Price: Core from about $10–$12/month on annual plans, or about $23–$24 month to month. Core+ adds workshops and coaching.
WeightWatchers gives you a daily Points budget, with lower values for high-protein, high-fiber foods. Many lean proteins are ZeroPoint foods, which suits men who eat bigger portions. The 2026 app adds photo logging, macro tracking and a body-composition scan, and Core+ includes coaching and workshops.
- Pros: Simple daily target; flexible food choices; strong research behind the program
- Cons: Coaching costs extra; workshops may not appeal to everyone
3. Noom — Best for stress and habit eating
Price: About $70 month to month, or $209 billed upfront for 12 months.
Noom focuses on habits: stress eating, late-night snacking, eating out and drinking. Short daily lessons explain why those patterns happen and how to change them. Noom has published research on its male users showing that those who engaged more with the app tended to lose more weight.
- Pros: Tackles the habits behind weight gain; private, app-based
- Cons: Expensive month to month; less precise for macro tracking
Compare it with WeightWatchers in our Noom vs WeightWatchers guide.
4. Nutrisystem for Men — Best no-cook plan
Price: About $370–$425 per four weeks, depending on whether you choose five or seven days of food per week.
Nutrisystem delivers portion-controlled breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, with men’s plans including more food. You add fresh vegetables, fruit and dairy. It suits men who don’t want to plan or cook.
- Pros: Zero planning; built-in portions
- Cons: Mostly packaged foods; ongoing cost adds up
5. Factor — Best high-protein meal delivery
Price: About $12.50–$15 per meal, plus about $14 shipping per box, depending on how many meals you order.
Factor delivers fresh, ready-to-eat meals with high-protein, keto and lower-calorie options, each with a full nutrition label. It is not a diet program, but it works well for replacing lunches or dinners while you track the rest of your day.
- Pros: Fresh, filling meals; high-protein menu; flexible weekly orders
- Cons: Expensive per meal; some meals are high in sodium
See how it compares in our Nutrisystem vs Factor vs Optavia guide.
6. Hims — Best men’s telehealth option
Price: Membership costs $39 for the first month, then $149/month. Medication, if prescribed, is billed separately.
Hims is a large telehealth brand known for men’s health. Its weight loss program connects you with licensed providers online who review your health history and decide whether prescription medication is appropriate. Since 2026, it has focused on FDA-approved branded medications. Ads often show only the medication price, so add the membership fee to see the true monthly cost.
- Pros: Fast online process; familiar men’s health brand
- Cons: Expensive once you add membership and medication; lighter coaching than full programs
7. Cronometer — Best free option
Price: Free with ads. Gold costs $59.99/year or $10.99/month.
Cronometer’s free plan includes barcode scanning, calories, macros and dozens of nutrients from verified food data. It is a strong free choice for men who want to track protein and calories without paying.
- Pros: Excellent free plan; accurate data
- Cons: No adaptive coaching; can feel technical
For more apps, see our list of the best weight loss apps.
What men should look for in a weight loss program
The best program for men helps you lose fat while keeping muscle, fits around your routine and addresses the habits that actually drive your weight. Keep these points in mind.
Protein and muscle
Losing weight too fast or eating too little protein can cost you muscle. Choose a program that lets you set protein goals or steers you toward protein-rich foods. If you have kidney disease or another condition, ask your doctor how much protein is right for you.
Strength training plus cardio
The CDC recommends that adults get about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. Lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises helps you keep muscle while you lose fat. Check with your doctor before starting if you have heart, joint or blood pressure problems.
Watch your waist, not just the scale
Where you carry weight matters. Extra fat around the waist is linked to higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Measuring your waist every few weeks can show progress that the scale misses, especially if you are building muscle.
Alcohol and eating out
Drinks and restaurant meals add calories quickly and are a common hidden cause of weight gain. Programs that teach you to plan for social events, rather than banning them, are easier to stick with.
Sleep and stress
Short sleep and high stress can increase appetite and cravings. If you work long hours or shifts, look for a program flexible enough to fit your schedule.
Get a health check first
Before starting, consider seeing your doctor for a check-up, including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. These numbers help you set goals and track health improvements beyond weight. Be cautious with «fat burner» or testosterone-boosting supplements sold online, which are not a substitute for medical care.
How we chose these programs
We reviewed each program’s official pricing and program pages, independent reviews, published research and public health guidance. We focused on what matters most to men losing weight: protein and training support, flexibility, realistic structure, access to medical care when needed, and total cost. We excluded supplements and programs that promise rapid results. We update this page when prices or programs change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best weight loss program for men?
For men who exercise, MacroFactor is the best choice because it adjusts calorie targets weekly from real results. For a simpler plan with more support, WeightWatchers is the best overall option.
Do men lose weight faster than women?
Men often lose weight a little faster at first, partly because they tend to have more muscle mass. Over the long term, sticking with a plan matters far more than sex.
Is a calorie tracking app enough for men to lose weight?
For many men, yes. A tracker like MacroFactor or Cronometer, combined with regular activity and enough protein, can work well. If habits like stress eating get in the way, a program with lessons or coaching may help more.
How fast can a man safely lose weight?
The CDC notes that gradual weight loss of about 1–2 pounds per week is more likely to last. Faster loss can cost muscle and is harder to maintain.
Should men lift weights to lose weight?
Strength training helps preserve muscle while you lose fat, which supports a healthy metabolism. The CDC recommends muscle-strengthening activity at least two days a week alongside regular aerobic activity.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.