Dietbet Review: How it Works & If It's Really Worth Doing

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This Dietbet review comes after joining a game in January and February. There were things I really enjoyed about it, but there were also a few things I really hated, too.

Should you join Dietbet? Our 2019 review

Dietbet Overview

Dietbet is a weight loss app where people can join game(s) to earn money by losing weight. Typically the games are $20-50 to join, and each player’s investment goes into a pot.

Members must hit their weight-loss goal by the end of the game to win their money back. Players can also win more than their initial investment if every player doesn’t hit their goal.

My Dietbet Review

I joined a Dietbet game in January because it was hosted by Joel Freeman from LIIFT4. I really love him and his wife and their approach to healthy living.

Besides the idea of being able to get off my Christmas weight, I thought it would be a lot of fun to be in a group with both of them.

Joel also offered a ton of bonuses like workout hybrids, meal plans, and tips to counting macros. These bonuses were enough for me to commit to the $35 buy-in.

With that said, I’m glad I got something out of it early on.

The app wasn’t as user-friendly as I had hoped; I just never really felt connected.

I also weighed 122 lbs at the start of the challenge.

My goal (set by the app) was 117.12 lbs. This was a stretch for me.

Sure, I have seen 117 lbs a few times — like my wedding day, right before a photoshoot, and maybe after a cold. LOL! But It takes some major focus to hit it much less maintain it.

I’m between 5’3″ and 5’4″ for reference.

Knowing I had to get to 117 in 4 weeks among birthday parties and other outings made me nervous and a little obsessive.

Ironically – I find it easier to just hit 117 when I’m not thinking but tracking my workouts and calories. Knowing I HAD to hit it or be deemed a loser (and lose my $35) led me down a rabbit hole.

When the final weigh-in rolled around I was still 119lbs.

It was still a healthy weight, and after I got out of my own way I was happy with it. But I could see this being a bad tool for someone that can get obsessive or that is just really close to their goal weight anyways.

Also, check out our 21 Day Challenge for accountability & support!

So why did I join in February?

In short -Joel and Breann Freeman. They are hosting this new game as well, and they went out of their way to buy prizes based on participation versus weight loss.

Joel also shared even more hybrid workouts and has been so active in the group. I could possibly hit the 117 lbs this month (I weighed at night this time so I saw 122 again, and I’ll likely weigh first thing in the morning at the end), but I honestly would have joined to just have their resources.

Why Does Dietbet Work?

Despite my less than great review, I do see how Dietbet could work for others.

Why Dietbet Works for Some

Offers external motivation (money!)
Encourages internal goals too (weight loss & feeling better!)
Provides a solid start date
Sets a specific goal with a deadline (ex: 4% body weight lost in 4 weeks)
Encourages positive behavior through fear of losing your money (or pride)
The app offers community of likeminded people

Why It Doesn’t Work

If you’re not motivated by the above reasons, it may not be a good fit for you. If you’re like me – self-critical, prone to being scale obsessed and close to your “goal weight” – you may feel like a loser financially and emotionally.

It can be too rigid and strict in the goal.
You have to log in and be intentional to get the support and community.
If your goal is too extreme, you could lose touch with healthy eating habits.
It can encourage being obsessed with the scale, and our weight can vary for so many reasons!

I love that the scale can tell me how I’m doing with the healthy eating and workouts, but I also need to give myself grace if it’s high.

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An overnight weight gain could be because of stress, digestion, water, hormones, or a dozen other reasons. So to base your progress ONLY on one fickle number seems a bit off to me.

Choosing a Dietbet

You could choose a Dietbet for the support or extras like I did though.

Dietbet has a lot of celebrity-type trainers hosting groups like Joel.

There are also specific challenges based on trends like the 21 Day Fix or Whole 30. If you’re wanting to learn about a certain diet or workout program – this could be a great community to plug into.

How Does Dietbet Work?

You basically pick a game based on your preferences.

Typically, you have 4 weeks to lose 4% of your overall body weight.

Each game lists their goals, timeline and rules though, but weight loss is always the key to win! Some games last longer and have a higher percentage to lose.

Once you pick a game, you sign up and pay the entry fee.

You never lose money if you win the game (it’s Dietbet’s guarantee) so you’ll get your money back plus some possibly.

You then will be able to weigh-in.

You’ll take one with your feet on the scale and one picture of you standing on the scale. They also give you a word to make sure your weigh in is fresh versus just saved on your phone.

Someone will approve your pictures & you’ll get an email saying you’re all set!

Then you’re set! You just need to be working on your goal for the rest of the game.

You’ll weigh in at the end of the game.

If you hit your goal – you’ll receive your investment plus your share of the pot.

You can get your winnings through Paypal or check.

A Note on Weight & Winning:

If players lose more than 12% in any game, they’ll be disqualified because of that drastic weight loss isn’t a safe pace to lose weight.

Can you make money on Dietbet?

Yup! Just hit your goal in the game, submit your weight, and you’ll win your investment back.

You could also win more money since not everyone in the game will hit their goal.

What is the Dietbet Membership?

You can also add the Dietbet Membership on top of your game. This is if you want additional resources and weekly weigh-in contests. For me, I didn’t really find it worth it.

What Other Options Are Out There?

There are all kinds of money-based weight loss apps now. They have knock-offs like WellCoin, Pact, Charity Miles, and Healthy Wage.

For me – I really want the support of a community and resources like recipes, tips, etc. With that said, an online challenge with likeminded people (with no money incentive) helps me the most.

Our 21 Day Challenge

We created our 21 Day Challenge as a way to kickstart your results.

After 21 days, you also graduate to our year-round support group – whether you hit your goal or not. We want to make sure you always have the support you need to hit your goals instead of having to sign up over and over again for something.