Latest news with #Simple
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Scottish dad sheds nearly 2 stone in three months after making one simple change
Marcel Botes, a Scottish father to an 11-month-old son, has impressively shed 12.5kg (nearly two stone) in just two months by using a cutting-edge AI coaching app called Simple. Motivated by concerns about his health, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, Marcel found himself struggling to resist the urge to snack, particularly post-dinner. He said: "Initially my biggest challenge was avoiding snacks, especially after dinner, but the app helped me make informed food choices." Speaking about his impressive weight loss, Marcel added: "So far I've lost 12.5kg. I reached my original goal weight of 87.6kg in two months. I set a new target of 83.5kg, which I achieved a month later. Even after reaching my goal, I still log my meals and activities multiple times a day." Continuing his path to wellness, Marcel was keen to share: "After a health assessment, my doctor noted my BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol were in healthy ranges, and asked me to keep going." Simple is an intuitive app that crafts a bespoke weight-loss programme to fit each user's lifestyle and objectives. It begins with a personalized quiz that tailors fasting recommendations to lifestyle, considering factors like activity levels, health goals and timeline. By using an intermittent fasting tracker, the Simple method doesn't include calorie counting, cutting out essential food groups, or weighing every bite. Based on individual input, the app helps users choose a fasting schedule that suits them best- whether it's a balanced 12:12 split, a moderate 14:10 or the 16:8 routine. Simple app review Simple app is now 60% off If shoppers want to try the Simple app for themselves, it's currently 60 per cent off with code REACH60 £17.99 Simple Buy Here using the code REACH60 The 16:8 routine is the most popular intermittent fasting method where users eat during an 8-hour window - such as 10 am to 6 pm - and fast for the remaining 16 hours. During the fasting period, food must be avoided but calorie-free beverages can still be enjoyed. To help users stay on top of their nutrition, the app has various methods for logging food including typing, voice commands, or photographs with the nutriscanner. It also offers personalised exercise routines, from strength training and cardio to wall pilates. Now, those eager to start shedding pounds can emulate Marcel's success and snatch a fantastic 60% discount on personalised weight loss programmes via the Simple App by using the code REACH60. What makes the Simple App so effective is the addition of Avo, the built-in coach powered by artificial intelligence. Avo acts as a personal wellness companion, always on hand to instantly respond to users' questions, ensuring advice on wellbeing and fitness is just a tap away any time they need it. "I love that I can take a photo of my meal and Avo can track the nutritional value for me," continued Marcel. "I frequently use Avo's recipes. Interacting with it feels more like someone who is invested in my health, rather than an AI." (Image: Simple) However, if the Simple App doesn't tick all the boxes, a variety of alternative healthy lifestyle apps are available. Take the Lifesum App, for example, an app that assists users by helping them logging their diet and physical activity habits, promoting the adoption of healthier choices. Myfitnesspal is another app that has won over many fans with its highly-regarded food diary that offers meal planning, calorie tracking and exercise routines. While both apps are free to use, they feature premium versions for those looking for extra support and resources. Mum-of-two Laci Gilbert has also enjoyed great success with the Simple app. She dropped from 275lbs to 116lbs, utilising the workouts and meal planning via Avo. Laci said: "As working moms, wives, mothers, just family members, life takes over and sometimes we don't have time in the evenings to get ourselves to the gym or sometimes we just don't feel like moving. The Simple App gives you a no-excuse reason to get up and move, especially when you can do it at home with no equipment." 'It is great for a busy person who needs something to do at home or somebody who cannot afford a gym membership, equipment. All you need is yourself and a wall and you've got it,' adds Laci, who frequently does at-home wall pilates workouts. (Image: Simple) The Simple app has received an impressive 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot based on 29,591 reviews. One satisfied user commented: "It is an encouraging way to lose weight." One user enthused: "This app is amazing. It's so easy to use and I love all of the interactions. "It's easy to follow," mentioned another customer. "I'm actually losing weight I've been stuck with forever." Yet, not everyone found the app straightforward, as one individual expressed: "I am finding the program a little difficult to use." The Mirror also gave its thoughts on the app, stating: "Simple's range of features are very reminiscent to what you'd get with a personal trainer: someone to hold you accountable, provide you with meal plans and recipes, and to give advice and encouragement." They added: "There are limitations to it, with the app being a robot, which makes the programme more suited to those who are just getting started or don't know where to start. If you need more advanced help or your weight loss is stalling, that's a good time to pick up the phone to a PT." The review continued: "However, its food logging and recipe functions makes it worth the price of admission alone. Even though I'm keeping my PT, Simple will help spice things up for me going forward. I highly recommend this app."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brit dad loses two stone in two months with one change
Marcel Botes, 33, from Edinburgh, was motivated by concerns about the impact his weight was having on his health Scottish dad, Marcel Botes, has shed an impressive 12.5kg (one stone and 13 pounds) in just two months, all thanks to a cutting-edge AI coaching app, and he couldn't be happier with the result. Concerns about his health, specifically his high blood pressure and cholesterol, spurred Marcel into action. Partial to the odd nibble here and there, he was struggling to get his munching under control - until the Simple App came along. He said: "Initially my biggest challenge was avoiding snacks, especially after dinner, but the app helped me make informed food choices." Delighted, he continued: "So far I've lost 12.5kg. I reached my original goal weight of 87.6kg in two months. I set a new target of 83.5kg, which I achieved a month later. Even after reaching my goal, I still log my meals and activities multiple times a day." His diligence has paid off. Following a medical check-up, Marcel got the thumbs up from his GP, who reported his BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are all spot on and encouraged him to carry on. Simple is a user-friendly app that creates bespoke slimming programs based on lifestyle, activity levels, health goals and timeline. Users embark upon their weight loss journey by filling out an in-depth questionnaire about their goals, hang-ups, likings, and previous attempts at weight loss, reports MyLondon. By using an intermittent fasting tracker, the Simple method doesn't include calorie counting, cutting out essential food groups, or weighing every bite. Based on individual input, the app helps users choose a fasting schedule that suits them best- whether it's a balanced 12:12 split, a moderate 14:10 or the 16:8 routine. The 16:8 routine is the most popular intermittent fasting method where users eat during an 8-hour window - such as 10 am to 6 pm - and fast for the remaining 16 hours. During the fasting period, food must be avoided but calorie-free beverages can still be enjoyed. To help users stay on top of their nutrition, the app has various methods for logging food including typing, voice commands, or photographs with the nutriscanner. It also offers personalised exercise routines, from strength training and cardio to wall pilates. Now, those eager to start shedding pounds can emulate Marcel's success and snatch a fantastic 60% discount on personalised weight loss programmes via the Simple App by using the code REACH60. What makes the Simple App so effective is the addition of Avo, the built-in coach powered by artificial intelligence. Avo acts as a personal wellness companion, always on hand to instantly respond to users' questions, ensuring advice on wellbeing and fitness is just a tap away any time they need it. "I love that I can take a photo of my meal and Avo can track the nutritional value for me," continued Marcel. "I frequently use Avo's recipes. Interacting with it feels more like someone who is invested in my health, rather than an AI." For those seeking alternatives, there's a plethora of other health-focused apps on the market. The Lifesum app, for example, helps users to monitor their eating and exercise habits, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. Myfitnesspal is another popular choice that offers comprehensive food tracking, meal planning, calorie counting and exercise routines. Both apps are free with optional premium upgrades for those looking for extra support and tools. Meanwhile, mum-of-two Laci Gilbert also had success with the Simple app. She dropped from 275lbs to 116lbs, utilising the workouts and meal planning via Avo. She said: "As working moms, wives, mothers, just family members, life takes over and sometimes we don't have time in the evenings to get ourselves to the gym or sometimes we just don't feel like moving. The Simple App gives you a no-excuse reason to get up and move, especially when you can do it at home with no equipment." 'It is great for a busy person who needs something to do at home or somebody who cannot afford a gym membership, equipment. All you need is yourself and a wall and you've got it,' adds Laci, who frequently does at-home wall pilates workouts. The Simple app boasts an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on 29,591 reviews. A satisfied user commented: "It is an encouraging way to lose weight." Another user added: "This app is amazing. It's so easy to use and I love all of the interactions. "It's easy to follow," a different shopper explained. "I'm actually losing weight I've been stuck with forever." Despite the praise, some users did voice concerns about the application, as one remarked: "I am finding the program a little difficult to use." The Manchester Evening News also put the app through its paces in a Simple app review. They observed: "Simple's range of features are very reminiscent to what you'd get with a personal trainer: someone to hold you accountable, provide you with meal plans and recipes, and to give advice and encouragement." Highlighting a potential drawback, they added: "There are limitations to it, with the app being a robot, which makes the programme more suited to those who are just getting started or don't know where to start. If you need more advanced help or your weight loss is stalling, that's a good time to pick up the phone to a PT." Still, the app earned positive comments for certain aspects, as the review mentioned: "However, its food logging and recipe functions makes it worth the price of admission alone. Even though I'm keeping my PT, Simple will help spice things up for me going forward. I highly recommend this app." The Simple app is currently 60% off with code REACH60. This is not medical advice. This is a personal experience. Results may vary. Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical conditions.
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Scottish dad sheds nearly 2 stone in three months after making one simple change
Marcel Botes, a Scottish father to an 11-month-old son, has impressively shed 12.5kg (nearly two stone) in just two months by using a cutting-edge AI coaching app called Simple. Motivated by concerns about his health, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, Marcel found himself struggling to resist the urge to snack, particularly post-dinner. He said: "Initially my biggest challenge was avoiding snacks, especially after dinner, but the app helped me make informed food choices." Speaking about his impressive weight loss, Marcel added: "So far I've lost 12.5kg. I reached my original goal weight of 87.6kg in two months. I set a new target of 83.5kg, which I achieved a month later. Even after reaching my goal, I still log my meals and activities multiple times a day." Continuing his path to wellness, Marcel was keen to share: "After a health assessment, my doctor noted my BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol were in healthy ranges, and asked me to keep going." Simple is an intuitive app that crafts a bespoke weight-loss programme to fit each user's lifestyle and objectives. It begins with a personalized quiz that tailors fasting recommendations to lifestyle, considering factors like activity levels, health goals and timeline. By using an intermittent fasting tracker, the Simple method doesn't include calorie counting, cutting out essential food groups, or weighing every bite. Based on individual input, the app helps users choose a fasting schedule that suits them best- whether it's a balanced 12:12 split, a moderate 14:10 or the 16:8 routine. The 16:8 routine is the most popular intermittent fasting method where users eat during an 8-hour window - such as 10 am to 6 pm - and fast for the remaining 16 hours. During the fasting period, food must be avoided but calorie-free beverages can still be enjoyed. To help users stay on top of their nutrition, the app has various methods for logging food including typing, voice commands, or photographs with the nutriscanner. It also offers personalised exercise routines, from strength training and cardio to wall pilates. Now, those eager to start shedding pounds can emulate Marcel's success and snatch a fantastic 60% discount on personalised weight loss programmes via the Simple App by using the code REACH60. What makes the Simple App so effective is the addition of Avo, the built-in coach powered by artificial intelligence. Avo acts as a personal wellness companion, always on hand to instantly respond to users' questions, ensuring advice on wellbeing and fitness is just a tap away any time they need it. "I love that I can take a photo of my meal and Avo can track the nutritional value for me," continued Marcel. "I frequently use Avo's recipes. Interacting with it feels more like someone who is invested in my health, rather than an AI." However, if the Simple App doesn't tick all the boxes, a variety of alternative healthy lifestyle apps are available. Take the Lifesum App, for example, an app that assists users by helping them logging their diet and physical activity habits, promoting the adoption of healthier choices. Myfitnesspal is another app that has won over many fans with its highly-regarded food diary that offers meal planning, calorie tracking and exercise routines. While both apps are free to use, they feature premium versions for those looking for extra support and resources. Mum-of-two Laci Gilbert has also enjoyed great success with the Simple app. She dropped from 275lbs to 116lbs, utilising the workouts and meal planning via Avo. Laci said: "As working moms, wives, mothers, just family members, life takes over and sometimes we don't have time in the evenings to get ourselves to the gym or sometimes we just don't feel like moving. The Simple App gives you a no-excuse reason to get up and move, especially when you can do it at home with no equipment." 'It is great for a busy person who needs something to do at home or somebody who cannot afford a gym membership, equipment. All you need is yourself and a wall and you've got it,' adds Laci, who frequently does at-home wall pilates workouts. The Simple app has received an impressive 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot based on 29,591 reviews. One satisfied user commented: "It is an encouraging way to lose weight." One user enthused: "This app is amazing. It's so easy to use and I love all of the interactions. "It's easy to follow," mentioned another customer. "I'm actually losing weight I've been stuck with forever." Yet, not everyone found the app straightforward, as one individual expressed: "I am finding the program a little difficult to use." The Mirror also gave its thoughts on the app, stating: "Simple's range of features are very reminiscent to what you'd get with a personal trainer: someone to hold you accountable, provide you with meal plans and recipes, and to give advice and encouragement." They added: "There are limitations to it, with the app being a robot, which makes the programme more suited to those who are just getting started or don't know where to start. If you need more advanced help or your weight loss is stalling, that's a good time to pick up the phone to a PT." The review continued: "However, its food logging and recipe functions makes it worth the price of admission alone. Even though I'm keeping my PT, Simple will help spice things up for me going forward. I highly recommend this app."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Simple Avo™ Named 'Best Virtual Health Coach' in 2025 MedTech Breakthrough Awards Program
Prestigious International Annual Awards Program Recognizes Standout Digital Health & Medical Technology Products and Companies LOS ANGELES, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MedTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global digital health and medical technology market, today announced that Simple Life's Avo™ AI Health Coach has been selected as winner of the 'Best Virtual Health Coach' award in the 9th annual MedTech Breakthrough Awards program. Avo™, the AI Health Coach, is a core part of the Simple app—a weight loss platform designed to make lasting results achievable without the stress, medications or surgery. By challenging traditional, restrictive approaches, Simple offers a more sustainable method grounded in consistency, personalization and real-life support. Avo™ provides hyper-personalized, evidence-based guidance 24/7, empowering users to build habits that stick. Avo™ checks in with users every day to review their progress, adjusts their plan, assigns tasks, and offers proactive support— such as optimizing meals and helping users manage emotional or stress eating. Avo's technology features include smart camera functionality for instant meal feedback without weighing food or counting calories; Voice capabilities enabling a human-like coaching interaction; and Hyper-personalization, using unique user data and behavioral patterns to tailor advice and create adaptive daily personalized plans to advance behavior change. Science-led, the AI has been trained by registered dietitians and doctors to deliver evidence-based advice. The solution includes fluency in all languages and accessibility for both free and paid users. With more peer-reviewed studies underway, Simple is looking to advance Avo™'s capabilities, integrating more real-time feedback tools, and expanding its global reach. The AI has been designed to focus on human empathy delivering a supportive, and motivating 'personality' so that clients feel they're engaging with a caring friend rather than a bot and acting as an accountability partner. 'Our research also shows that users who engage with Avo™ not only improve their nutrition habits but also report experiencing lasting weight loss, higher energy levels, increased confidence, and sustained motivation. With over 70% of US adults struggling with weight, we designed Avo™ to meet the demand for a sustainable, accessible, and deeply personal–one that supports clients like a trusted guide combining empathy and evidence said Mike Prytkov, CEO at Simple. 'We're grateful to MedTech Breakthrough for this recognition and excited to keep pushing the boundaries of virtual coaching as Avo™ continues to evolve and empower millions to achieve their health goals.' The MedTech Breakthrough Awards program celebrates excellence and innovation in the health and medical technology industry, recognizing the companies, products, and solutions driving meaningful progress and improving patient care. Spanning a wide range of categories—including Telehealth, Clinical Administration, Patient Engagement, Electronic Health Records (EHR), Virtual Care, Medical Devices, Medical Data & Privacy, and beyond—the awards highlight the groundbreaking work that is transforming the healthcare landscape. This year's program saw a record-breaking number of nominations from leading companies and startups across more than 18 countries, showcasing the global impact and momentum of the digital healthcare industry today. 'Simple's AI solution is redefining virtual coaching with empathy, innovation, and scientific rigor. Traditional approaches to weight loss often fall short, relying on extreme diets, restrictive rules, or impersonal, one-size-fits-all methods. However, human habits, emotions, and individual needs are complex, leaving many feeling frustrated and unsupported in their weight loss journey,' said Steve Johansson, managing director, MedTech Breakthrough. 'Avo™ is not just AI; it's a transformative coach, transforming the journey of weight loss. Simple makes sustainable, enjoyable, and personalized weight loss a reality for everyone, breaking barriers and creating a healthier, happier world. Congratulations to Simple on being our pick for 'Best Virtual Health Coach!' About MedTech BreakthroughPart of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the MedTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence and innovation in medical & health technology companies, products, services and people. The MedTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough healthcare and medical companies and products in categories that include Patient Experience & Engagement, Health & Fitness, Medical Devices, Clinical Administration, Connected Healthcare, Medical Data, Healthcare Cybersecurity and more. For more information visit Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About SimpleThe Simple app coaches people on long-term weight loss and healthy eating. We empathize with the frustration people feel as a result of fad diets, false promises, and confusing health info. So everything we recommend is delivered with care (not judgment!) and intentionally free from unreasonable, unsustainable, and joyless dieting practices. That's right — Simple's practical weight loss approach doesn't require calorie counting, weighing every bite, or the extremes of getting surgery or taking medication. Simple members are supported to make steady progress towards their desired weight and a healthier lifestyle through our positive, easy-to-follow daily coaching. CONTACT: Media Contact Steve Johansson steve@ 213.255.3658Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Weight loss method backed by Dr Michael Mosley and loved by Davina McCall
Intermittent fasting is popular with celebrities from Davina McCall to Jennifer Aniston and current research suggests it's more effective for weight loss than regular dieting Celebrity fad diets come and go, from Atkins to Keto, but one weight loss method seems to be sticking around for the long haul: intermittent fasting. There are several ways to utilise this technique, whether it's on a day-to-day basis - the 16:8 method - or structured around your week - the 5:2 method. Proponents of intermittent fasting are varied, with the likes of Davina McCall, Chris Moyles, Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson and Wolverine himself Hugh Jackman all using this method at one point in their careers. But does it work? And what should you look out for? While fasting can seem scary, research on the topic seems to indicate it's more useful than regular dieting for weight loss. There are also a multitude of different ways to help people on their weight loss journey, including intermittent fasting tracking app Simple. Utilising the 16:8 method, it allows people to track their food intake, build meal and exercise plans, and also get help from their AI assistant, Avo. Here's everything you need to know about intermittent fasting. What is Intermittent Fasting? There are two major ways to use intermittent fasting to help with weight loss. One of the most popular ways is the 5:2 diet, which was popularised by the late Dr Michael Mosley in his book The Fast Diet. This includes picking two non-consecutive days to eat 500 calories (for women) or 600 calories (for men), while hitting your regular calorie count on the other days (2,000 recommended for women; 2,500 recommended for men). Otherwise there's the 16:8 method, where you fast for 16 hours - which means only having water, black coffee or plain tea - then eating in the other eight hours of your day. This is the technique promoted by Simple, but can be tracked using other apps like MyFitnessPal and Hevy. Does the 16:8 method work? There are multiple studies indicating 16:8 works better than regular dieting, as well as linking it to other health benefits like reducing obesity and promoting a healthier gut microbiome. One advantage of 16:8 is the ease of which people can do it. Speaking to Harvard Health Publishing, Dr Frank Hu - professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - said: "The 16:8 schedule is often easier to follow, since you sleep for about half of the fasting period. You just don't eat after dinner — no nighttime snacking — and either skip or postpone breakfast." Dr Hu also mentions the fasting schedule can help kickstart ketosis - the process where the body burns stored fat after running out of glucose. He adds: "Sixteen hours of not eating is sufficient for some people to start producing ketones or go into ketosis." Meanwhile, a study published on the USA's National Library of Medicine showed intermittent fasting is equally as effective for weight loss in those who are overweight and obese. Combined with the ease of which 16:8 can fit into your schedule, this makes a strong case for the method. However, long-term effects still need to be studied. One study did suggest your weight loss can plateau after six months, with the researchers suggesting this can be down to how well your body adapts to eating patterns. Also, intermittent fasting is not suitable for the elderly, those under the age of 18, people on certain medications and those with disordered or unhealthy eating patterns. Success stories One proponent of intermittent fasting is Davina McCall, who told Women's Health UK: "I used to snack all evening and didn't see anything wrong with it as I was reaching for healthy foods, such as carrots and hummus… Since putting a cut-off point on my eating, I crave (snacks) so much less and wake up feeling better." Simple has a multitude of success stories on their site. One woman named Debi dropped from a size 20 to a size 12 and lost 76lbs (or 5.4 stone) using the app. She said: "I went from a size 20 to a size 12, which is amazing. I still have 24lbs to go until I get to my goal of 140. But more importantly, I feel fabulous." Meanwhile, mum-of-two Laci Gilbert dropped 115lbs with the app by tracking her food and using wall Pilates via Simple. Available on Apple and Android, the app requests an extensive survey of users' lifestyle in order to create a tailored regime for them. She said: "It has changed my life and I'm so grateful for it. As working mums, wives, mothers, life takes over and sometimes we don't have time in the evenings to get to the gym or just don't feel like moving. The Simple App gives you a no-excuse reason to get up and move, especially when you can do it at home with no equipment." Real Simple users are featured who have been compensated for their honest testimonials. Results may vary. Shoppers can read The Mirror's review of the Simple app here with writer Tom Capon losing 43lbs in eight months using intermittent fasting. Simple app reviews The app boasts a 4.3 out of five stars on Trustpilot from over 29,000 reviews. One person shared: "This is the only plan that has worked for me. Tried several in the past and nothing has worked for me. Easy meal plans based on the foods I like. Workouts are designed for me based on my limitations. If I have a question about serving size or help with my workouts it gets answered immediately." A second wrote: "Love the app, easy to use. Positive helpful AI support. Doesn't over complicate things, eg counting calories or worrying about portion size. If you are dishonest it is only with yourself." Not everyone found it useful, as one user found the Simple App to be a bit tricky: "Not the easiest to navigate to log food or activity from the day before." Another agreed, simply stating: "It's too complicated." However, someone else said: " This app is amazing. It has kept me way more engaged than any other dieting app I've tried. It is super helpful and I love the feature of chatting with coach Avo, who always has the answers and suggestions I need to keep going."
