Weight Loss Companies Integrate Mental Health Support into Their Programs

<p>Noom, a weight-loss app, encourages users to log meals and exercise while also engaging in activities like viewing art. The app's "Mindful Art Break" feature includes images of works such as Claude Monet’s <em>Woman With a Parasol—Madame Monet and Her Son</em> and Franz Marc’s <em>The Bewitched Mill</em>. The app also offers breath work, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. One user reported that the Mindful Art Break helped them "contemplate something other than weight loss." </p><p>Noom launched a separate emotional-health program called Noom Mood in 2023 and integrated core Mood tools into its main app after recognizing a connection between weight, stress, and self-care needs, according to Emily Passer, Noom’s head of communications. Other weight-loss services, particularly those offering GLP-1 medications, are also incorporating mental health support.</p><p>Mental health and weight are closely linked. A user who lost nearly 70 pounds through strength training and treatment for an eating disorder emphasized the importance of mental health support during body changes. Weight-loss companies are increasingly adopting strategies that highlight their concern for customers’ psychological health alongside physical health.</p><p>Wondr Health, a weight-loss platform, provides resources for managing stress and anxiety, beginning with behavior change. Weight Watchers, which filed for bankruptcy last year, announced a comprehensive platform for the GLP-1 era, including behavioral health and community support features. Kim Boyd, the company’s chief medical officer, stated that weight loss and mental health should not be viewed as separate issues.</p><p>A. Janet Tomiyama, director of UCLA’s Diet, Stigma, and Health Lab, noted that mental well-being is a significant trend, and companies may find it beneficial to address it. A May 2025 YouGov survey found that 79 percent of U.S. adults consider good mental health essential to overall physical health. Additionally, a survey by the National Academy of Sports Medicine revealed that personal trainers prioritize mental clarity and stress relief alongside weight loss.</p><p>However, the integration of mental health support by weight-loss companies may seem contradictory, as traditional weight-loss methods have not always improved mood. Tomiyama cited a 2010 study indicating that dieting can increase cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Many dieters experience weight regain, leading to feelings of failure. Tomiyama stated, "We have scientific, causal evidence that diets ruin people’s mental health," suggesting that companies are recognizing the need to address these issues.</p><p>Recent advancements in weight loss, particularly through GLP-1 medications, allow individuals to lose weight without traditional dieting. A small study indicated that the GLP-1 liraglutide may improve depression symptoms, although research on its effects on mood is mixed. Some studies found no significant mood improvement, while others linked high doses to depressed mood due to dopamine-dampening effects. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some GLP-1 users experience anhedonia, while others report increased optimism.</p><p>The social implications of GLP-1 use are complex. Individuals with obesity often face stigma, which negatively impacts mental health. GLP-1s may improve mood by facilitating weight loss, but Tomiyama's research indicates that those who lose weight through GLP-1s may face increased stigma compared to those who have not attempted weight loss. Boyd noted that many clients experience shame regarding the perception of GLP-1 use as a shortcut. One client reportedly hid her neighbor's GLP-1 medications to avoid her husband discovering her use.</p><p>A 2024 survey of 300 GLP-1 users revealed that 75 percent were interested in behavioral health support, and 63 percent believed that such support would enhance their health outcomes while using GLP-1s. Spencer Nadolsky, an obesity specialist, stated that psychological support may not lead to significant weight loss but can improve patients' experiences and overall quality of life during their weight-loss journey.</p><p>Some view the focus on mental health by weight-loss companies as a marketing tactic. The effectiveness of these interventions in genuinely supporting mental health remains uncertain. The author reflects on personal experiences, noting that weight loss alone does not guarantee improved mental health. The importance of addressing underlying mental health issues alongside weight loss is emphasized.</p><p>The author recalls past experiences with Weight Watchers, highlighting a lack of emotional support in discussions about weight loss. The hope is that companies will maintain their focus on mental health in the long term.</p>