Jump to: Key differences | Company backgrounds | Programme structure | Medical approach | Support systems | Who should choose each programme | Take home message
The biggest difference between Compound and Second Nature is that Compound primarily focuses on men’s health and physical performance.
In contrast, Second Nature is a psychology-based programme that develops healthy habits, focusing on overall health.
While both companies offer weight-loss medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), their underlying philosophies and target audiences differ significantly.
Additionally, as a new company, Compound has no research supporting the effectiveness of its approach.
In contrast, Second Nature has over 7 years of published clinical research showcasing its effectiveness, including a recently published paper that shows a 19% average weight loss in our medication-supported programme.
Compound, an Australian-owned brand recently launched in the UK, specifically targets men seeking performance optimisation alongside weight loss.
As the market for medication-supported weight loss grows in the UK, understanding these fundamental differences can help you choose the programme that best aligns with your personal health goals and preferences.
Key differences between Compound and Second Nature
| Feature |
Second Nature |
Compound |
| Company Origin |
UK-founded and operated |
Australian-owned (Eucalyptus), registered in UK December 2023 |
| Target Audience |
All genders, focus on habit formation |
Men only, focus on physical performance |
| NHS Partnership |
NHS-commissioned since 2017, used by over half of UK Health Boards |
No NHS partnerships |
| Clinical Evidence |
Multiple peer-reviewed publications with proven outcomes |
No published programme-specific clinical data |
| Coaching |
UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists with GLP-1 expertise with medical oversight |
Performance coaching with medical oversight |
| Core Philosophy |
Psychology-based habit formation for sustainable weight loss |
Performance optimisation and body transformation for men |
| Market Experience |
7+ years in UK weight management with the NHS and Vitality |
New to UK market |
Company backgrounds
Compound is a very recent entrant to the UK market, having incorporated as Compound Health UK Limited in December 2023.
Importantly, Compound is not an independent UK start-up but was created by Eucalyptus, a prominent Australian digital healthcare company that operates several health brands in Australia.
Eucalyptus is known for launching numerous telehealth services in Australia, including Juniper (a women’s weight loss brand), Pilot (men’s health), Kin (fertility health), Software (prescription skincare), and Normal (sexual wellness).
Compound represents their expansion into the UK men’s health market, bringing their Australian telehealth model to British consumers.
The name “Compound” was chosen to reflect the idea that small, consistent actions accumulate over time to create significant health improvements; however, the company itself is owned and operated by the Australian parent company, Eucalyptus.
Second Nature has been operating in the UK since 2015 and was founded in the United Kingdom.
The company has established a strong reputation through its partnerships with the NHS. Since 2017, the NHS has commissioned Second Nature to deliver weight loss and type 2 diabetes programmes across the UK, with two-thirds of NHS Health and Care boards now using their services.
This long-standing NHS partnership reflects the confidence healthcare professionals place in Second Nature’s approach, which is supported by peer-reviewed research published in respected medical journals like the British Medical Journal.
The company has grown to support over 250,000 patients across the UK, making it the leading digital provider for the UK’s two largest NHS weight loss programmes.
Programme structure
Second Nature’s approach
Second Nature’s programme is built on a foundation of behavioural science, developed through years of collaboration with the NHS. Our approach:
- Provides support five days a week from UK-based nutritionists or dietitians
- Focuses on building sustainable habits alongside medication support
- Uses a non-restrictive nutrition philosophy that doesn’t require calorie counting
- Provides structured educational content based on clinical evidence
- Includes a comprehensive app with food journals, recipes, and progress tracking
- Offers both medication-supported and non-medication options
Compound’s approach
Compound’s programme appears to be structured around three main pillars:
- Medication: GLP-1 medications for weight management with emphasis on muscle preservation
- Metrics: Diagnostic testing, including DEXA scans, VO2 max, and blood tests to establish and track health metrics
- Support: Personalised coaching with a focus on nutrition and physical performance
The programme is designed specifically for men, with messaging centred around achieving your “prime” regardless of age.
Their branding emphasises body transformation and aesthetic goals alongside general health.
Medical approach
Compound’s medical model
Compound appears to take a performance-oriented medical approach:
- Programme led by Dan Cable (described as having 15 years in the field)
- Medical oversight by Dr. Ben Condon (clinic doctor)
- Matt McCutcheon as lead physiotherapist
- Claims “up to 15% weight loss with clinically-backed treatments”
- Emphasis on diagnostics to “get a clear picture of your health”
- Focus on preserving muscle mass while losing fat
Their approach prioritises physical metrics and body composition measurements alongside weight loss.
Second Nature’s medical model
Second Nature takes an evidence-based medical approach:
- Medication-supported programme showing ~19% weight loss after 12 months in published research
- Clinical oversight from healthcare professionals with GLP-1 expertise
- Regular monitoring of progress and side effects
- Emphasis on long-term health outcomes beyond weight
- Comprehensive transition planning for life after medication
Second Nature’s medical model is backed by peer-reviewed research and emphasises the importance of behavioural support alongside medication.
Support systems
Second Nature support
Second Nature provides comprehensive support through:
- UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists available five days a week
- Both group and private chat support included in the programme cost
- Small peer groups with others on similar journeys
- Structured educational content delivered through the app
- Regular check-ins and progress monitoring
- Support specifically designed for medication side effect management
This multi-layered support system reflects Second Nature’s focus on the psychological and practical aspects of weight management.
Compound support
While Compound is still in development, their website suggests their support system includes:
- Personalised nutrition and exercise plans
- Diagnostic testing to establish baseline health metrics
- Medical treatment (likely GLP-1 medications) with prescriber support
- Focus on performance metrics and physical transformation
As a newer service, details about the specific support mechanisms and frequency are still emerging.
Who should choose each programme
Second Nature might be ideal for:
- People of any gender seeking sustainable weight management
- Those wanting to address the psychological aspects of eating
- People looking for a programme with NHS validation and research
- Those wanting support from registered dietitians and nutritionists
- People seeking a non-restrictive approach to nutrition
- Those concerned about maintaining weight loss after medication
Compound might be ideal for:
- Men specifically seeking body transformation alongside weight loss
- Those interested in performance metrics and athletic improvement
- People who want diagnostic testing as part of their programme
- Men looking for a gender-specific health approach
- Those motivated by physical and aesthetic goals
The right choice depends on your personal health goals, preferences, and what aspects of weight management you find most challenging.
Take home message
Compound and Second Nature represent two different philosophies in the weight-loss medication space.
Compound, an Australian-owned brand newly launched in the UK, focuses specifically on men’s physical performance and body transformation.
Second Nature, a UK-founded company with 7 years of NHS partnerships, emphasises psychological approaches to building sustainable health habits for all genders.
Both programmes offer GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, but the surrounding support and focus areas differ significantly. Second Nature has established credentials through NHS partnerships and published research, while Compound brings Eucalyptus’s Australian digital health experience to the UK men’s market.
The best choice depends on your personal health goals and what aspects of weight management matter most to you:
1. If you’re primarily interested in physical performance and body composition, Compound’s male-focused approach might align with your goals
2. If you’re looking for a programme with a proven track record in building sustainable habits, Second Nature’s psychology-based approach might be more suitable
Remember that successful weight management typically requires addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of health, regardless of which programme you choose.
Second Nature's Mounjaro programme
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme
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) 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.
