Does myfitnesspal really work?

just a lil'

The only thing that really works on MFP is the logging as far as results. That is what will give you the most benefit. It keeps you aware and conscience about the food that goes into your mouth. The most successful people are those who consistently find a way to log and track.

The other great thing about MfP is the apps, the friends option, and the progress graphs.

Otherwise, MFP isnt anything special it's just a tool. There is no diet. It's simply knowing what you are eating.

It's only a calculator. It calculates figures for the numbers and functions you tell it to do.

From my perspective, it is a big fat YES. Obviously the most important ingredient is your own personal commitment. But I've had success on this site where I've failed everywhere else - including Weight Watchers. I was at my heaviest 240 lbs. I lost about 40 pounds with just basic dieting (ie, stopped eating burgers and fries every day) and then I got stuck. Then a year later I lost 10, over the next few years I went between 190 and 175 and leveled out at 175. I tried everything, low carb, gym workouts with a trainer, quitting alcohol - nothing. The scale would not move past 175. Sometimes I would go up 10 lbs, and take that off again, but I was convinced 175 was my weight forever. Then I found MFP (last March) and have lost 24 pounds. Most of that came off within the first couple of months.

Here's why I think it works. One, if you choose to find a community, you can get great support. Everyone on this site is either where you are, has been there, or will be there, so there is tons of emphathy and knowledge. I think the actual counting of calories is key though. WW gives you tools with points, but that never worked with me. I need the real-read-the-lable-and-know information. I was eating WAY too much, and once I was aware of that, the weight came off. I make better choices to make the most of my calorie budget. I have accountability with my MFP community, and I have a place to gripe when the scale makes me mad, or I eat an entire cheesecake, or I hit a goal and want to cheer.

So if you're committed, and ready to be honest in logging, it is an amazing program. It doesn't hurt if you can add some physical activitity too, since that means you can eat more, and your body will change faster. But I'm a big fan - it's amazing, just read some of the success stories!

MFP is what you make of it, it is a tool not a plan, you make the plan therefore it is up to you if it works or not

It does work....and what I like best is that I can use the app on my phone when I'm at a restaurant to get an "estimate" of calories.

Works for me, not the site, but helping to keep track.

Yes. If you do it right.
Get a food scale to ensure that you're accurately logging and make sure you don't over estimate your calorie burns so you don't give yourself too many extra calories.

It only works if you put in the effort and follow the plan. Calories in- calories out= deficit= weight loss. Healthy food and exercise. There is no secret to make it work. Just you. Good Luck!! There are tons of friendly and motivation people on here, you came to the right place.

^^ This says it all! I have found it is an amazing way to document and to track. I LOVE the "reports", and having the community boards for support is great also! Good luck on your loss! Document EVERYTHING and stay MOVING!

No. It is all a lie.

I should think so.... check out my ticker below .........

Absolutely! I lost 62 lbs and have kept it off for nearly a year. My BMI is ideal for longest life expectancy now. I have logged in for 535 days in a row and still counting. Just like a bank account - you get a deposit every morning and bonus with exercise. Calories are withdrawals. Don't lie on the setup though, be sure to accurately note your normal activity level. If you lie about what and how much you eat, you only cheat yourself. Buy a good food scale, set of measuring cups and spoons and use them. You will eventually learn how much you are eating and eventually can get away from measuring everything.

No, it's all smoke and mirrors.

Seriously tho - it works as long as you put in the effort and stick with it.

it works if you make it work for you. Like any other program, you have to make a committment and be disciplined, to it, and to yourself. And, you have to be completely honest with your logging, even on the days that you dont' do so well. Actually, those are the best days for me as it makes me want to get back on track quickly, because I can't stand seeing that I have gone over my allotment for the day. But, I digress.. this is a fantastic tool to use, if you are serious about using a tool to help you succeed.

There are a ton of groups and forums and a bazillion friends for you to choose from to give you the support and advice that you may need and/or want.

No, it's all smoke and mirrors.

Seriously tho - it works as long as you put in the effort and stick with it.

I see what you did there.