As each new year dawns, many individuals feel compelled to embark on drastic life changes, often resorting to extreme diets and rigorous workout routines. Such approaches, characterized by an all-or-nothing mindset, rarely have lasting effects. However, Jack Baty took a different path, embracing a practical strategy that led him to shed over 34 pounds and regain an energy level he once thought was gone for good.

“I’ve regained an energy level I never anticipated experiencing again,” Baty shares. “The change in my appearance and vitality has profoundly improved both my health and my outlook. Sometimes, it feels almost too good to be true.”

For years, Baty battled weight gain, chronic fatigue, and declining health. Diagnosed with diabetes and obesity two decades ago, he found himself caught in a frustrating cycle that ultimately culminated in undergoing triple cardiac bypass surgery just over three years prior.

While cardiac rehabilitation initially helped Baty lose about 70 pounds, his progress eventually stalled. Despite repeated efforts, he couldn’t break through a persistent weight plateau until he discovered the Simple App. “I hit a plateau at around 210 pounds and couldn’t seem to get beyond it,” he recalls.

The turning point came when Baty opted to try the Simple weight loss app, a clinically backed digital health tool that focuses on sustainable behavior changes rather than strict diets or calorie tracking. After filling out a short questionnaire, Simple—currently offering a 60% discount with the code REACH60—develops a personalized plan that easily integrates into daily life, helping users gradually improve their nutrition, activity, and lifestyle choices, according to the Mirror.

“I took a leap of faith and signed up for the discounted trial,” Baty reflects. “I hoped this would be the extra push I needed to continue my journey towards a healthier weight, despite my initial skepticism.”

However, according to the app’s records, Baty has now logged in for more than 180 consecutive days and shed 34.4lbs throughout that period. He acknowledges that those closest to him were quick to spot his transformation.

“It’s not an overstatement to say that my present weight is better than I dared to expect at the beginning,” he said. “We went to a friend’s memorial service and people who hadn’t seen me for a while were amazed by my physical transformation.”

Baty attributes his sustained success to Simple’s adaptable methodology. The app features straightforward meal tracking through text, voice recording or photograph, an intermittent fasting monitor, and customised exercise programmes spanning everything from walking and yoga through to HIIT sessions.

There’s also Avo, an AI-driven coach that responds to queries about nutrition, fitness and motivation using straightforward, accessible language. Most recently, Simple has launched Blinky, an emotional-support tool created to keep users on track in a gentler, more relatable manner.

For Baty, the benefits extend well beyond what the bathroom scales reveal.

“I’m sleeping better than ever and even playing ping-pong at the local rec centre three days a week,” he said. “For the first time in far too long, I am no longer listed as ‘obese’ for my height. In fact, the doctor’s chart shows me at the upper range of ‘normal weight’ for the first time.”

Simple has helped users lose more than 18 million pounds globally, has been crowned Best Virtual Health Coach 2025, and boasts a 4.7 AppStore rating with more than 21 million downloads. The app is now offering 60% off weight loss plans alongside a two-for-one subscription, enabling users to share premium access with a partner or relative at no additional cost.

“More energy, increased self esteem, better flexibility and a sense of accomplishment all came with the Simple app guided eating and exercise tips,” Baty adds. “I am pleased with where I am, and look forward to continuing on this path.”

Alternatively, Noom is a weight loss platform that emphasises mindful eating rather than restrictive diets. Backed by science, Noom provides extensive support to clients, claiming it develops ‘fun’ personalised courses for individuals, with pricing varying according to the plan and the person.

Noom’s mission statement declares its commitment to ’empower people everywhere to lead better, healthier lives and not just our members’. There’s also MyFitnessPal, a calorie-tracking and BMI calculator application aimed at helping users achieve their goals and monitor nutritional consumption.

Whilst it costs £19.99 monthly, certain features are available free of charge. Users of the Simple app have shared their opinions on Trustpilot, with one saying: “Having a regular check in about what you ate and keeping record of the pounds I am losing is very motivating. I love that I am learning about nutrition. It is definitely keeping me focused and accountable.”

Another said: “This has helped me to keep checking in daily and reminding me what to do.”

Some users offered more balanced feedback, with one commenting: “A very good experience, making me very aware and knowledgeable about what I’m doing well and suggestions for improvement. The suggestions are extremely useful and welcome. It is a little difficult to learn all the steps and options at first but quickly becomes easy. I’m seeing progress and also breaking old habits with help from Avo.”

The majority of users expressed satisfaction, as another said: “The app is very supportive of logging, eating, drinking and activity. It requires a commitment to yourself and a want to make a change. The virtual coach was a really nice addition and the regular check-ins were really helpful.”