Healthi (Formerly iTrackBites) vs. Weight Watchers: Which Point System Wins?

In the quest for effective weight management, the role of apps in achieving success cannot be overstated. However, choosing the right program from the myriad of options is critical.

In this in-depth comparison, I delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Healthi (formerly known as iTrackBites) and Weight Watchers (now WW) to determine which one may be the better choice for you.

Whether you’re seeking flexibility, structure, or a combination of both, my aim is to help you make an informed decision on your path to a healthier you.

iTrackBites vs. Weight Watchers: Which Is Better?

After closely reviewing both Healthi and WW, taking into account client reviews, published studies, and overall methods, I believe that WW is the better weight loss program, and I will get into the “whys” of my decision below.

What is Healthi (formerly iTrackBites)?

Healthi is a weight loss app that essentially functions as a calorie counter. It provides users with tools they can use to track their daily calorie intake, making it easier to eat just the right amount and, subsequently, easier to reach their unique weight loss goals.

Much like Weight Watchers, Healthi uses different point-based systems that vary among the app’s 6 plan options: Carb Conscious, Conquer Cravings, Sugar Smart, Better Balance, Calorie Command, and Keeping Keto.

For example, as you would expect with Calorie Command, it tracks your calories. Keeping Keto, on the other hand, tracks net carbohydrates to help users limit their intake.

Others use a point system called “bites.” In this system, certain low-calorie foods are designated as “Zero Bite Foods,” allowing you to enjoy them without affecting your daily count. Meanwhile, higher-calorie foods will use up more of your daily allowance.

Since the best diet for weight loss is different for everyone, it’s up to each user to find what works best for them.

Unlike Weight Watchers, which requires a subscription, many of Healthi’s weight loss plans can be accessed through the free version of the app, with the exception of the Keeping Keto and Better Balance plans, which are part of the Healthi Pro version.

In addition to having full access to all Healthi plans, which you can swap out at any time should you desire a change, users paying for the premium version can also take advantage of features like a restaurant guide, recipe builder, trackers for macros and calories, and others.

What is Weight Watchers (WW)?

Created in 1963, Weight Watchers (WW) ushered in a new era of weight loss programs, with a focus on peer support as a conduit to create long-lasting results.

Unlike other weight loss apps, the Weight Watchers program has been through rigorous testing to prove its efficacy. 

Through testing, researchers have confirmed that WW is up to twice as effective as DIY weight loss techniques in providing results and that WW ranks among the highest of the 141 most popular commercial weight loss programs.

Much like Healthi, WW uses a value system called “Smart Points” to help users track their eating, with each of the 3 WW plans using a slightly modified system depending on the user’s unique weight loss goals.

The most substantial difference between the two programs is the focus on peer support provided by WW. 

Users have the option to attend meetings either via Zoom or in person, depending on their location, and have weekly check-ins with a certified coach if they sign up for the premium membership.

Similarities

As I mentioned above, Healthi and Weight Watchers are most similar in the way they help users track food, with both programs using a point system (originally coined by Weight Watchers) that prioritizes users eating weight loss foods or foods that are both nutrient-dense and low in calories.

They also share other features, including:

• Food logs for easier meal tracking
• Customizable plan options
• Online communities (forums for Healthi and real-time meetings for Weight Watchers)
• Weight logs for progress tracking
• Extensive recipe libraries
• Activity tracking
• Barcode scanners
• Restaurant databases

In essence, Healthi and Weight Watchers are using more-or-less the same method to help you with losing weight, with one major difference, which I will get into below.

Differences

When trying to decide between Healthi and the WW program for your weight loss journey, one of the more important factors to consider is the level of support you require.

Healthi

With Healthi, the only opportunity users have to connect with the community is online through the Healthi Community forums. Even the coaches only interact with users by answering questions posted in the forums.

Although the app divides users into individual groups based on things like gender and age, which makes it easier to find like-minded people, face-to-face meetings are a nicer touch.

Weight Watchers

One of the selling points of WW is its focus on community, with each user being able to get in touch with service agents 24/7, regardless of their membership tier. 

WW also offers users the option to attend full-length community meetings, either online or in person, and book weekly check-ins with a health coach.

Aside from this, the other major difference between these two programs is their prices, with the WW Premium plan (which includes personal coaching) costing anywhere from 5 to 10 times more than Healthi, depending on the length of membership you choose.

Benefits

Most of the best weight loss apps use various methods to provide results. Both Healthi and WW, however, work in more or less the same way:

Healthi

Designed to help users better understand the impact of their daily habits, Healthi provides users with a number of trackers, including charts and reports for tracking their weight loss progress, logs to record their meals, and physical activity trackers.

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers offers users many of the same features as Healthi, with a focus on eating Zero Point Foods to stay below their daily allotment of Personal Points.

Most importantly, WW is a structured approach that is clinically proven to help users create sustainable and long-lasting change.

Downsides

Many people feel that weight loss programs such as Healthi and WW are overly restrictive and encourage unhealthy dieting habits.

People who struggle with disordered eating may find weight loss programs like Noom to be a better fit since they encourage mindful eating and aim to improve each person’s individual relationship with food instead of simply restricting calories.

Pricing

Price-wise, Healthi and WW couldn’t be more different. To help you better understand the investment required by both plans, I will do a detailed breakdown below.

Healthi

Free version: 

• Includes Carb Conscious, Conquer Cravings, Sugar Smart, and Calorie Command plans but not all of the Healthi app features.

Pro plan:

• 6-month plan: $24.99
• 12-month plan: $59.99

Weight Watchers

Core membership:

• 1-month plan: $43
• 3-month plan: $66
• 6-month plan: $79

Premium membership:

• 1-month plan: $65
• 3-month plan: $93
• 6-month plan: $145

The only difference between the WW Core and Premium memberships is that the latter includes in-person and virtual coach-led workshops, in-person meetings, and weekly behavior change techniques.

	Healthi Pro (iTrackBites)	Weight Watchers (WW) Core plan	Weight Watchers (WW) Premium plan
Free version	Yes	No	No
1 month	No plan	$43	$65
3 months	No plan	$66	$93
6 months	$24.99	$79	$145
12 months	$59.99	$276	$300

iTrackBites vs. Weight Watchers vs. Alternatives

How I Tested the Products

After spending several years reviewing apps and products, I’ve nailed down the essential criteria needed to decide a product’s overall score and whether or not it’s worth purchasing.

Quality

In the battle of the Weight Watchers app vs. the Healthi app, I do consider the WW app to be the better option, simply because the interface is more intuitive and less prone to issues caused by buggy software.

In terms of the programs themselves, Healthi and WW are pretty on par, considering they use more or less the same method. However, WW does earn points for their inclusion of group and personal coach support.

Effectiveness

Whether or not a weight loss app proves effective is dependent on the level of adherence by the user. You can’t expect to see results if you do not follow the program closely. That being said, I do believe that the support offered by WW makes it better equipped to provide results.

Price

Without question, Healthi beats WW in this category. Even WW’s less expensive Core plan can’t be considered budget-friendly by any stretch, and while Healthi’s free version doesn’t offer a ton of features, it’s still better than going on your weight loss journey alone.

Brand reputation

Weight Watchers had its humble beginning in 1963 and has since grown to provide its services to 4.6 million users worldwide, while iTrackBites (now Healthi) was only created in 2010. Though I prefer working with longer-standing companies when possible, online reviews left for both companies attest to their solid customer service and client satisfaction.

FAQs

Conclusion

The community meetings and personal coaching offered by WW make it a better program, though you do have to pay for the additional resources. 

However, I believe both Healthi and the WW program are valuable resources. And for anyone working with a limited budget, Healthi’s free version works as an excellent starting point.

Both apps encourage healthy eating by using bite-value systems and provide resources to make cooking at home with ingredients that are both low in calories and highly nutritious easier.