Tracey Mcavoy, who lives on the edge of the Peak District, has lost six stone after using the Simple weight loss app, which she credits with having "changed my life completely" and "retrained my brain". New customers can currently get 80% off plans using the discount code REACH.
From 22.5 stone to a 'whole life different'
Tracey's weight had reached 22.5 stone following years of what she described as being "addicted to food". She shared: "I'd go to bed and then get up at 11 o'clock at night and have four bags of crisps, or make myself some cheese on toast. Enjoyed that, and then I'd make myself some more."
When Tracey decided she wanted to make a change, she signed up to a Simple plan at the start of the year and soon started to see a difference after using the app's tools in her daily life. She said of her experience: "I feel like I've had a brain transplant. My whole life is different. I'm healthier, I'm happier, I look better, I feel better."
App features and health turnaround
Features of the Simple app include food logging and a NutriScanner, designed to help users understand the nutrition in meals. On the active side, there are daily workout plans and routines including walking, yoga and Pilates. Also in the app is Avo, an AI-powered wellness assistant that offers guidance on everything from healthy snack ideas to workout suggestions. There is also Blinky, an "emotional support" furry friend who cheers users on when they log meals.
This is a stark change for Tracey compared to last year, when her health meant she struggled to enjoy a holiday to Turkey. "I always hated flying and I had to ask for an extendable seatbelt," she admitted. "I couldn't walk, I had a chronically bad back, and I was taking about 10 tablets a day for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol."
Now, Tracey uses the Simple app to find healthier substitutes for her favourite foods, and said she is no longer "addicted" to food. While Tracey recommends Simple to others, the brand notes that real users like her have been compensated for their honest testimonials, and that results may vary.
Other options and user feedback
Simple is not the only app designed to help with weight loss. Other popular choices include MyFitnessPal, which has a database of more than 14 million foods and an online community of more than 200 million members, and Noom, which has more than 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store. The NHS also offers a free Weight Loss Plan app.
The Simple app has earned an average rating of 4.3 out of five stars on Trustpilot based on more than 40,000 reviews. One user praised: "I have followed the Simple plan for a couple of months and am delighted with the weight loss. It's so easy to follow and enjoyable to do." Another said: "Starting Simple is one of the best things I have ever done. It has helped me lose weight, focus on my life's goals, helps my breathing and most importantly keeps me moving physically every day. I love it."
Some users felt there were areas for improvement, with one feeding back: "It would be nice to be able to log what calories are on a bag when it doesn't recognise the bar code." Simple responded to one such review: "While Simple cannot provide medical advice or specific recommendations, your suggestion is valuable and will be taken into consideration." Users can get 80% off Simple's weight loss plans using the code REACH.
