Second Nature vs SemaPen: At-a-glance comparison
| Feature |
Second Nature |
SemaPen |
| Core Approach |
Psychology-based habit formation alongside medication |
Medication-first with self-managed weight loss |
| NHS Partnership |
NHS-commissioned since 2017, used by over half of UK Health Boards |
GPhC-licensed pharmacy, no NHS programmes |
| Clinical Evidence |
Multiple peer-reviewed publications showing significant weight loss at 12 months |
Relies on drug trial data for effectiveness claims |
| Health Support |
UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists with GLP-1 expertise |
Prescriber check-ins via phone/email |
| Medication Options |
Mounjaro, Wegovy |
Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Rybelsus |
| Digital Tools |
Custom-built app with tracking, recipes, and education |
Free e-book with nutrition information |
| Weight Loss Claims |
19.1% average at 12 months with semaglutide; 6.5kg after 12 weeks |
References medication trial data (e.g., Wegovy’s 15% weight loss) |
| Monthly Cost |
Medication programmes starting from £149; non-medication programmes from £40 a month |
£119.99-£140/pen (medication only) |
| Post-medication Planning |
Comprehensive support to help people come off medication or maintain on lower dose |
Self-managed approach with basic resources |
| User Satisfaction |
4.6/5 from >7,600 Trustpilot reviews |
4.6/5 from 32 Trustpilot reviews |
Core Approach Differences
The foundation of any effective weight management programme lies in its underlying philosophy about sustainable weight loss.
Second Nature: Building sustainable habits alongside medication
At Second Nature, our programme is built on a foundation of behavioural science, developed through years of providing services to the NHS.
We recognise that lasting weight loss requires more than willpower or medication alone.
Our approach combines weight-loss medication with evidence-based habit change, addressing the psychological factors that influence eating patterns.
Our framework acknowledges that weight management isn’t simply about willpower; it’s about creating an ecosystem of habits that support your health in the long term.
We view medication as a tool that works best when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes.
Our approach includes:
- Building sustainable habits that work with your unique body and lifestyle
- A non-restrictive nutrition philosophy that doesn’t require calorie counting
- Inspiring daily articles based on clinical evidence
- An intuitive app with food journals, recipes, and progress tracking
- Support from registered dietitians and nutritionists
- Focus on both immediate results and long-term maintenance
SemaPen: Medication-focused approach
SemaPen positions itself as a medication provider with a straightforward approach:
- Focus on providing medications at competitive prices
- Online consultation followed by medication delivery
- Basic prescriber check-ins via phone/email
- Free e-book with practical health and nutrition advice
- Self-managed weight loss using provided resources
- Wide range of medication options (Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Rybelsus)
- Fast, discreet delivery service
Their approach is particularly suited to individuals who prefer independent management of their weight loss journey with medication support but minimal ongoing programme structure.
Clinical Credibility & NHS Partnership
The foundation of any effective weight loss programme lies in its clinical validation and evidence base. This becomes especially important when medication is involved.
Second Nature: NHS-trusted approach
At Second Nature, we’ve built our reputation on a strong foundation of clinical trust and evidence since our inception.
Since 2017, the NHS has commissioned us to deliver weight loss and type 2 diabetes programmes across the UK, with two-thirds of UK NHS Health and Care boards now using our services.
This partnership with the NHS reflects the confidence healthcare professionals place in our approach, which is grounded in behaviour change psychology and sustainable habit formation.
The effectiveness of our approach is supported by peer-reviewed research published in the British Medical Journal:
- Our members lose an average of 5.9kg at 12 weeks
- 62.5% achieved at least 5% weight loss by 3 months
- 40% of type 2 diabetes patients reduced HbA1c below diagnostic thresholds
More recently, we published research on our medication-supported programme in JMIR Formative Research, showing significant results:
- With semaglutide (Wegovy), participants lost an average of 19.1% of their starting weight at 12 months
- 77.7% achieved at least 10% weight loss at 12 months
- 61.5% achieved at least 15% weight loss at 12 months
These results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining medication with our behaviour change approach.
SemaPen: Established medication provider
SemaPen operates as a GPhC-licensed pharmacy, offering certified medications and providing a reliable source for weight-loss treatments.
Their approach centres on medication provision, accompanied by basic support materials, including free needles, alcohol wipes, and sharps bins, with medication orders.
For their weight loss outcomes, SemaPen primarily references drug trial data (e.g., Wegovy’s 15% weight loss in clinical studies) rather than data specific to their service provision.
While they provide a free e-book with practical health and nutrition advice, there is no structured, programme-specific research examining their effectiveness compared to medication-only approaches.
Programme Structure
The day-to-day experience of each programme significantly impacts your weight loss journey and long-term success.
Second Nature: Comprehensive support system
Our programme combines medication with a structured support system:
App-based programme: Our custom-built app guides you through phases of habit development, with features including:
- Daily articles on nutrition, psychology, and lifestyle
- Meal planning and recipe library (300+ recipes)
- Weight, activity, and habit tracking
- Group chat with others on the same journey
Health coach support: You’ll receive guidance from a registered dietitian or nutritionist who:
- Provides personalised advice via in-app messaging
- Helps troubleshoot medication side effects
- Supports you in building sustainable habits
- Celebrates your wins and helps overcome challenges
Medication management: The clinical team:
- Assesses initial consultation and reviews monthly check-in
- Manages your dose titration safely
- Provides responsive support for any side effects
- Coordinates with your GP when needed
Habit formation: Beyond weight loss, we focus on building lasting habits:
- Sleep hygiene and stress management techniques
- Mindful eating practices
- Sustainable nutrition approach without restrictions
- Planning for life after medication
SemaPen: Streamlined medication delivery
SemaPen offers a more streamlined approach focusing on medication provision:
Online consultation: Their process begins with:
- Digital health questionnaire
- Review by their prescribing team
- Approval for appropriate medication
Medication delivery: They provide:
- Home delivery of your chosen GLP-1 medication
- Injection supplies (needles, alcohol wipes, sharps bin)
- Instructions for proper administration
Basic support: Their support includes:
- Check-ins from their prescribing team
- Email/phone support for medication questions
- Free e-book with nutritional guidance
- Online resources about weight loss
Self-directed approach: Their model relies on:
- Your own motivation and self-management
- Independent application of nutrition information
- Self-monitoring of progress and side effects
Support & Coaching
When taking weight-loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, having the right support transforms your experience, helping you navigate side effects, adjust your eating patterns, and maintain motivation through challenges.
Second Nature: Professional guidance and peer support
At Second Nature, we provide access to UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists who specialise in supporting members on weight-loss injections.
These qualified professionals are available five days a week via both group and private chat as part of your standard programme cost.
Our health coaches receive specific training in side effect management, ensuring you receive personalised guidance through the physical and emotional challenges that sometimes arise during medication treatment.
We place you in a small group with others on similar journeys, creating a supportive community where you can share experiences and what’s working for you.
This community aspect provides emotional support that’s crucial for long-term success.
Our programme is explicitly designed with post-medication life in mind:
- Focus on sustainable habit formation from your very first day
- Personalised transition plans for maintaining results after medication
- Ongoing access to support resources even after completing the programme
- Community support from others at similar stages
SemaPen: Basic medication support
SemaPen offers fundamental support focused on medication management:
- Basic prescriber check-ins via phone and email
- Free e-book containing practical health and nutrition advice
- Medication accessories (needles, alcohol wipes, sharps bins) are provided free
- Fast delivery service for continued medication supply
Their approach relies on patient self-management, assuming that individuals can independently navigate their weight loss journey using the provided medication and basic resources.
This can work well for highly motivated individuals who prefer minimal programme structure and are confident in managing their own dietary and lifestyle changes.
Pricing & Accessibility
Understanding the full financial commitment helps you make an informed decision that aligns with both your health goals and financial circumstances.
Comprehensive pricing overview
Second Nature options:
- Without medication: £28-£38/month after £9.99 trial
- With Mounjaro: Costs rising in October, exact pricing to be confirmed
- With Wegovy: £149-£249 (£50 off your first month)
- Minimum commitment: £9.99 (14-day trial) for non-medication programme
SemaPen pricing:
- Mounjaro: £140/pen (starting dose), rising to £195 at highest dose
- Wegovy: £119.99/pen (starting dose), rising to £240 at highest dose
- Included accessories: Free needles, alcohol wipes, and sharps bins
- Support materials: Free e-book with nutrition guidance
While SemaPen’s per-pen pricing appears significantly lower, the difference reflects what is included in each service.
At Second Nature, our monthly fee includes:
- Medication costs and delivery
- Full access to our app with 300+ recipes
- Support from our registered dietitians and nutritionists
- Placement in peer support groups
- All educational content and habit-forming tools
- Post-medication transition planning
SemaPen’s offering includes:
- Medication costs and delivery
- Free injection accessories
- Basic prescriber check-ins
- Free e-book with nutrition advice
Long-term Outcomes
The true measure of any weight management programme lies not just in initial weight loss, but in sustainable health improvements that enhance your quality of life for years to come.
Second Nature: Building for lasting results
At Second Nature, our outcomes approach focuses on:
- Sustainable weight loss: 19.1% average at 12 months with semaglutide in our published research
- Metabolic health: Improving broader markers beyond just weight
- Habit formation: Creating enduring lifestyle patterns that support health
- User satisfaction: 4.6/5 on Trustpilot from over 7,600 reviews
- Post-medication planning: Comprehensive strategies for maintaining results long-term
Our approach acknowledges that while dramatic weight loss makes compelling marketing, more moderate, sustainable changes often lead to better long-term health outcomes.
We’ve seen that without proper support, many people regain weight after stopping medication. That’s why we help you build the psychological and practical foundations for lasting success.
SemaPen: Medication-focused outcomes
SemaPen emphasises:
- Medication effectiveness: References clinical trial outcomes (e.g., Wegovy’s 15% weight loss in studies)
- Cost efficiency: Lower medication costs enable longer treatment periods
- User satisfaction: 4.6/5 on Trustpilot from 32 reviews
- Accessibility: Fast delivery and straightforward prescription process
Their outcomes primarily reflect medication effectiveness rather than programme-specific results, with success largely dependent on individual self-management capabilities.
Take Home Message
Weight-loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy can be transformative when used appropriately.
The key question is whether you want medication alone or medication combined with comprehensive support for lasting change.
Your choice between Second Nature and SemaPen should reflect your personal health philosophy, support preferences, and long-term goals.
Choose Second Nature if you value:
- Evidence-based approach: NHS partnership and peer-reviewed clinical outcomes providing peace of mind
- Comprehensive support: UK-registered dietitians with extensive GLP-1 medication expertise
- Sustainable philosophy: Learning habits that last beyond medication
- Community support: Peer groups and ongoing professional guidance
- Post-medication planning: Comprehensive strategies for life after medication
- Holistic approach: Psychology-based understanding of eating behaviours
Choose SemaPen if you value:
- Cost efficiency: Lower medication costs for budget-conscious users
- Self-management: Confidence in managing your own weight loss journey
- Medication variety: Access to multiple medication options (Saxenda, Rybelsus)
- Simplicity: Straightforward medication provision without programme complexity
- Speed: Fast access to medications with minimal programme requirements
At Second Nature, we believe sustainable weight management continues long after medication use ends.
Our programme teaches you how to build a healthier relationship with food and your body by understanding habits, rather than relying solely on medication.
If you’ve tried multiple approaches to weight loss and want comprehensive support for lasting change, our NHS-validated approach provides the foundation for sustainable success.
If you’re confident in self-managing your weight loss journey and primarily need access to affordable medication, SemaPen provides a straightforward and cost-effective solution.
Remember that the ultimate goal isn’t just weight loss, but creating a healthier relationship with your body that supports your wellbeing for life.
Second Nature's Mounjaro and Wegovy programmes
Second Nature provides Mounjaro or Wegovy as part of our Mounjaro and Wegovy weight-loss programmes.
Why choose Second Nature over other medication providers, assuming you're eligible?
Because peace of mind matters.
We've had the privilege of working with the NHS for over eight years, helping people across the UK take meaningful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Our programmes are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means support with weight loss through compassionate one-to-one health coaching, or access to the latest weight-loss medications (like Mounjaro and Wegovy) delivered alongside expert care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and personal trainers.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: real, lasting change comes from building better habits, not relying on quick fixes. We're here to support that change every step of the way.
With over a decade of experience, thousands of lives changed, and a long-standing record of delivering programmes used by the NHS, we believe we're the UK's most trusted weight-loss programme.
We hope to offer you something invaluable: peace of mind, and the support you need to take that first step.
