For many people, the start of a new year often brings pressure to transform their lives immediately through extreme diets, gruelling exercise regimes and an all-or-nothing mentality that seldom endures. However, for Jack Baty, a more pragmatic approach enabled him to lose more than 34lbs and recover an energy level he believed was lost forever.
“My energy has returned to a level that I never expected to see again, and the difference in my appearance and energy have had a very positive effect on both my physical health and my outlook on life,” Baty says. “Sometimes it seems almost too good to be true to me as well.”
Baty had spent years struggling with weight gain, fatigue and deteriorating health. Diagnosed with diabetes and obesity roughly 20 years ago, he became trapped in a cycle of frustration that ultimately resulted in triple cardiac bypass surgery just over three years ago.
Whilst cardiac rehabilitation helped him shed around 70lbs, his progress plateaued and despite numerous attempts, he couldn’t overcome a persistent barrier until he discovered the Simple App. He explained: “I hit the plateau at around 210, and just couldn’t get past it”
That changed when Baty decided to try the Simple weight loss app, a clinically supported digital health tool that emphasises sustainable behavioural change rather than rigid dieting or calorie counting. After completing a brief questionnaire, Simple – currently offering 60% off with the code REACH60 – creates a tailored plan that slots seamlessly into everyday life, supporting users in gradually enhancing their nutrition, activity levels and lifestyle choices, reports the Mirror.
“I remember taking a chance and signing up for the discounted trial period,” Baty said. “I was hopeful that this extra boost could help me continue my march toward a healthier weight, but had doubts.”
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.”
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
