Top 10 Free Weight Loss Apps in the UK

Introduction

Losing weight is a personal journey that demands consistent motivation, informed guidance, and effective tools. In the UK, an increasing number of free weight loss apps are enabling individuals to take control of their health by monitoring their progress and maintaining motivation—all at no cost. From personalised coaching and calorie tracking to NHS-supported resources, a wide range of options is available to support different goals and preferences. This guide presents a detailed overview of the top 10 free weight loss apps currently available in the UK.

Why Use a Weight Loss App?

Weight loss apps offer a convenient and structured way to support your health goals. They provide tools such as calorie counters, meal planning, activity tracking, and progress monitoring—all accessible from your phone. These apps help build accountability, reinforce healthy habits, and offer personalised insights based on your lifestyle. For many, they serve as a practical companion on the journey to achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.

• Track food, activity, and progress easily
• Set goals and stay motivated
• Access expert advice and community support
• Personalise your plan for better results

1. SheMed: Personalised Weight Loss for Women

SheMed stands out as the UK’s leading women-focused weight loss app, designed by women, for women. The SheMed app offers:

• Personalised plans based on your biology and health needs
• Initial and ongoing blood tests for safety and tailored recommendations
• Weekly check-ins with clinical experts
• Progress tracking and reminders
• Access to a private support community
• Educational content on diet, exercise, and women’s health

SheMed’s approach is holistic and safe, with constant clinical oversight and a focus on empowering women to achieve long-term, sustainable results.

2. NHS Weight Loss Plan

Developed by the NHS, this app provides a free, evidence-based 12-week plan:

• Set weight loss goals
• Meal planning and calorie counting
• BMI calculator
• Weekly targets and progress tracking

Users have reported losing up to a stone (6kg) in 12 weeks by following the app’s guidance.

3. MyFitnessPal

One of the world’s most popular calorie and activity trackers, MyFitnessPal offers:

• Extensive food database
• Barcode scanning
• Exercise and weight tracking
• Free core features (premium for advanced tools)

It’s ideal for those who want to log meals and workouts easily.

4. Oviva

Oviva is an NHS-funded app for those with a BMI over 35 and certain health conditions:

• Personalised plans from healthcare professionals
• Food, mood, and activity tracking
• Instant meal feedback using AI
• Direct messaging with your coach

Oviva is free for eligible users and focuses on long-term behavioural change.

5. Lose It!

Lose It! is a user-friendly app with:

• Personalised calorie budgets
• Large food database and barcode scanner
• Photo-based meal logging (“Snap It” feature)
• Syncs with fitness trackers

The free version covers all the basics for effective weight management.

6. Fooducate

Fooducate helps users make healthier food choices by:

• Grading foods for nutritional quality
• Basic food and exercise logging
• Community support

It’s great for those who want to understand food labels and improve their diet quality.

7. Fitbit App

Even without a Fitbit device, the app allows:

• Food and activity tracking
• Weight and sleep logging
• Goal setting

While some features require a Fitbit tracker, the app’s free tools are useful for general weight management.

8. Yazio

Yazio offers:

• Calorie and nutrient tracking
• Meal planning
• Weight and activity monitoring

The free version is somewhat limited, but it covers the essentials for beginners.

9. NHS Couch to 5K

Perfect for those new to exercise, this app:

• Guides users from walking to running 5K in 9 weeks
• Motivational trainers and progress tracking
• Free and easy to follow

Running is a proven way to burn calories and improve fitness.

10. Zero

Zero is a simple fasting tracker:

• Customisable fasting timers
• Fasting history and progress
• Educational resources

It’s ideal for those exploring intermittent fasting as part of their weight loss strategy.

Comparison Table: Top 10 Free Weight Loss Apps in the UK

App Name	Best For	Key Features	Free Version?	NHS Backed?
SheMed	Women seeking personalised plans	Blood tests, coaching, tracking, community	Yes	No
NHS Weight Loss Plan	General weight loss	12-week plan, meal tracking, BMI calculator	Yes	Yes
MyFitnessPal	Calorie tracking	Food database, barcode scan, exercise logging	Yes	No
Oviva	NHS-eligible users	Personalised coaching, AI meal feedback	Yes	Yes
Lose It!	Simplicity, photo logging	Calorie budget, photo logging, barcode scan	Yes	No
Fooducate	Nutrition awareness	Food grading, logging, community	Yes	No
Fitbit App	Activity & weight tracking	Food/activity/sleep tracking, goal setting	Yes	No
Yazio	Beginners	Calorie tracking, meal planning	Yes	No
NHS Couch to 5K	New runners	Running plan, progress tracking	Yes	Yes
Zero	Fasting	Fasting timer, history, education	Yes	No

How to Choose the Right App for You

• Personalisation: Apps like SheMed and Oviva offer tailored plans and expert support.
• Ease of Use: MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, and Yazio are user-friendly for tracking food and exercise.
• NHS Support: NHS Weight Loss Plan, Couch to 5K, and Oviva are backed by UK healthcare professionals.
• Community: SheMed, WW, and Fooducate provide supportive communities for motivation.
• Special Features: Zero for fasting, Fooducate for food grading, Fitbit for activity tracking.