At-a-glance comparison
| Feature |
Second Nature |
Lotus Weight Loss |
| Core Approach |
Combines GLP-1 medications with a comprehensive habit change programme |
Medication-focused with basic clinical support and no structured programme |
| NHS Partnership |
NHS-commissioned since 2017, used by over 250,000 patients across UK |
CQC registered, but no NHS partnership or commissioned services |
| Clinical Evidence |
Multiple peer-reviewed publications showing 20.0kg (19.1%) average weight loss at 12 months |
No published research specific to their programme |
| Health Support |
UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists available 5 days a week |
24/7 clinical support for medication questions and side effects |
| Medication Options |
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) |
Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Orlistat |
| Digital Tools |
Custom app with tracking, recipes, education, and coaching |
No app; focused on medication delivery and clinical support |
| Monthly Cost |
First month: £129 (£100 off), then £239 with loyalty rewards, reducing cost over time |
Varies by medication; pay-as-you-go model with no subscription |
| Commitment |
Monthly subscription with loyalty rewards |
No contracts; flexible pay-as-you-go |
| User Satisfaction |
4.6/5 from 7,500+ Trustpilot reviews |
High satisfaction ratings on Feefo for medication service |
| Who It’s Best For |
People wanting lasting habit change alongside medication |
People seeking medication access with minimal intervention |
Core approach differences
Second Nature and Lotus Weight Loss represent two fundamentally different philosophies to weight management with medication.
Second Nature takes a comprehensive approach that views weight-loss medications as tools within a broader aim to develop healthy habits to keep weight off in the long term.
Our programme combines GLP-1 medications with intensive habit change support from registered dietitians and nutritionists.
UK research data shows this combined approach leads to significant outcomes, with recent studies showing participants achieving an average weight loss of 20.0kg (19.1% of starting weight) at 12 months.
Our core belief is that lasting weight loss requires addressing the psychological aspects of eating, building practical food skills, and creating sustainable habits that continue working after medication stops.
This approach is backed by peer-reviewed research published in the British Medical Journal and JMIR Formative Research.
In contrast, Lotus Weight Loss Clinic focuses primarily on medication access with basic clinical support.
Their approach centres on providing MHRA-licensed medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Orlistat) with safety oversight from UK-registered pharmacists.
While they offer clinical support for medication management and side effects, they don’t provide structured lifestyle change programmes or psychological support.
Lotus emphasises flexibility through its pay-as-you-go model, allowing patients to order medication as needed without subscription commitments.
Their approach appeals to those who feel confident managing their own lifestyle changes but want safe, reliable access to prescription weight-loss medications.
The fundamental difference is that Second Nature combines medication with comprehensive lifestyle change, while Lotus focuses on medication access with minimal intervention.
Clinical credibility and NHS connections
The clinical foundations of these programmes differ significantly, influencing their approach to patient care and credibility within the UK healthcare system.
Second Nature has been delivering NHS-commissioned weight-loss services since 2017, with over 250,000 patients supported through our digital platform.
We currently work with over half of the UK NHS Health and Care boards to deliver type 2 diabetes management and weight loss programmes.
Our clinical foundation is supported by substantial peer-reviewed research, including a 2025 study published in JMIR Formative Research showing significant results from our semaglutide programme.
Among participants who maintained an active subscription for 12 months, the mean weight loss was 20.0kg (19.1% of starting weight).
The study also found that 77.7% of completers achieved at least 10% weight loss, and 61.5% achieved at least 15% weight loss; results comparable to those seen in clinical trials but delivered in a real-world setting.
In contrast, Lotus Weight Loss Clinic operates as a private provider with Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration.
They dispense medications through a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy, ensuring regulatory compliance for medication provision.
While they don’t have NHS partnerships or commissioned services, their CQC registration confirms they meet essential clinical safety standards for private healthcare provision in the UK.
Lotus emphasises its medication safety protocols, with experienced UK-registered pharmacists and clinicians reviewing all prescriptions for appropriateness.
However, they don’t publish research on their specific programme outcomes or effectiveness.
For patients concerned about clinical oversight, Second Nature offers a more established track record with NHS integration and published research, while Lotus provides the essential clinical governance required for safe medication provision.
Support and coaching differences
The support structures of these programmes reveal perhaps the most significant contrast in their approaches to weight loss.
Second Nature provides comprehensive support from UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists.
These professionals are available five days a week through both group and private messaging within our app.
The support focuses not just on medication management but on developing sustainable eating patterns, addressing emotional eating, and building lasting habits.
Our programme includes:
- Placement in small support groups with others on similar journeys
- Weekly topics focusing on psychological aspects of eating and how to build healthy habits
- Over 400 recipes developed by our team of nutrition professionals and meal planning tools
- Habit tracking and progress monitoring
- Structured transition strategies for maintaining results after medication
This multi-dimensional support aims to address the root causes of weight gain while using medication as a tool to facilitate lasting change.
Lotus Weight Loss Clinic offers a support model centred around medication management.
They provide 24/7 clinical support for medication questions, side effect management, and prescription needs.
This support is delivered primarily through phone, email, and live chat rather than through an app or structured programme.
Their support includes:
- Guidance on self-administration of injections
- Side effect management advice
- Clinical prescription reviews
- Flexible medication ordering assistance
- Basic instructional videos for medication use
The key distinction is that Lotus provides reactive clinical support when patients have questions or concerns, while Second Nature delivers proactive lifestyle coaching and habit formation alongside medication management.
For patients who want comprehensive guidance on changing their relationship with food and building healthier habits, Second Nature offers more structured support.
Those who prefer to manage their own lifestyle changes while having clinical backup for medication questions may find Lotus’s approach sufficient.
Pricing and accessibility
The financial models of these programmes reflect the level of support provided by each programme.
Second Nature has recently introduced a flat-fee pricing model with loyalty rewards:
- First month: £129 (£100 off)
- Subsequent months: £239
Loyalty rewards reduce costs over time:
- Months 2-3: £239 per month
- Months 4-6: £229 per month
- Months 7-9: £219 per month
- Months 10-12: £209 per month
- Month 13+: £199 per month
- No additional charges for cancellation
This pricing structure covers both the medication and the comprehensive support programme, making it straightforward to understand total costs while rewarding long-term commitment.
Lotus Weight Loss Clinic uses a pay-as-you-go model with medication-based pricing:
- Pricing varies by medication type and dose
- No subscription required
- Loyalty programme offering discounts through points
- Flexible ordering with no minimum commitment
Their approach allows patients to order medication as needed without being locked into a subscription.
While this provides flexibility, it can make total costs less predictable for patients planning their budget.
When comparing pure medication costs, Lotus often provides competitive pricing as it doesn’t provide the support of a dietitian or nutritionist alongside the medication.
However, Second Nature’s pricing includes extensive coaching and support services beyond just the medication.
Accessibility also differs between the programmes. Second Nature requires a health quiz assessment before joining, with medication eligibility determined through their clinical team.
Lotus similarly requires an online consultation but emphasises their willingness to accept patients who are already stable on maintenance doses or switching from other providers.
For patients primarily concerned about minimising costs and maintaining flexibility, Lotus’s pay-as-you-go model may be appealing.
Those valuing comprehensive support alongside medication might find Second Nature’s all-inclusive pricing provides better overall value despite the higher monthly cost.
Who each programme is best for
Based on their approaches, each programme serves different needs within the UK weight loss market.
Second Nature is ideal for:
- People seeking a comprehensive lifestyle transformation alongside medication
- Those who value structured guidance from registered dietitians and nutritionists
- Patients wanting evidence-based approaches with NHS credibility
- Individuals concerned about maintaining results after stopping medication
- Those who benefit from group support and accountability
- People who want an all-inclusive programme without separate costs
UK patients who view weight management as a complex challenge requiring both medical and behavioural support typically find Second Nature’s comprehensive approach more aligned with their needs.
The programme is particularly valuable for those who have tried multiple diets without lasting success and now want professional guidance alongside medication.
Lotus Weight Loss Clinic is better suited for:
- People primarily seeking medication access with basic clinical support
- Those who prefer pay-as-you-go flexibility without subscriptions
- Patients already knowledgeable about lifestyle changes who just need the medication
- Individuals who want to avoid group-based programmes
- Those who value 24/7 clinical access for medication questions
- People who want multiple medication options (Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Orlistat)
Patients who feel confident managing their own lifestyle changes but want safe, reliable access to prescription medications often prefer Lotus’s streamlined approach.
Their flexible model appeals particularly to those who dislike subscription commitments or who want to maintain control over when they order medication.
The choice ultimately depends on your personal approach to weight management. If you view weight issues as primarily behavioural and psychological, Second Nature’s comprehensive programme offers more tools for lasting change.
If you see medication as the primary intervention you need, with lifestyle changes you can manage independently, Lotus provides a more direct path to treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NHS pay for either of these programmes?
While Second Nature delivers NHS-commissioned services, its medication programme is currently private and not NHS-funded. Lotus Weight Loss Clinic operates entirely as a private service.
NHS-funded GLP-1 medications are typically only available for specific medical conditions like type 2 diabetes or through specialist weight management services with strict eligibility criteria.
Can I switch between Second Nature and Lotus?
Yes, patients can switch between providers. Lotus specifically mentions their process for accepting patients switching from other providers.
If switching from Second Nature to Lotus, you would complete their online consultation and potentially upload previous prescription evidence.
When switching to Second Nature, you would complete their health quiz and mention your current medication during the onboarding process.
Which programme offers more medication options?
Lotus Weight Loss Clinic offers a broader range of medications, including Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Orlistat (Xenical/Alli). Second Nature currently uses Mounjaro for their medication programme.
How quickly can I start medication with each provider?
Both providers aim for quick medication access following approval. Lotus emphasises its free next-day delivery across the UK.
Second Nature typically initiates medication within a week of completing its health assessment and receiving clinical approval.
What happens if I experience side effects?
Both programmes offer clinical support for side effects. Second Nature provides guidance from registered dietitians and nutritionists who can advise on managing common GLP-1 side effects through dietary changes and other healthy habits.
Lotus offers 24/7 clinical support specifically focused on medication side effect management.
Can I continue either programme after reaching my weight loss goals?
Second Nature is designed as a complete programme that teaches sustainable habits, with transition planning for maintaining results after medication.
Lotus allows patients to continue ordering medication as needed without commitment, making it suitable for long-term maintenance if clinically appropriate.
How do the success rates compare?
Second Nature has published research showing remarkable results with their semaglutide programme.
A 2025 study in JMIR Formative Research found that participants who maintained an active subscription for 12 months achieved an average weight loss of 20.0kg (19.1% of starting weight), with 77.7% achieving at least 10% weight loss.
Lotus does not publish specific success rates for its service but references clinical trial data for the medications it provides (up to 25% body weight loss for Mounjaro over 88 weeks).
Take home message
When choosing between Second Nature and Lotus Weight Loss Clinic, the decision comes down to what you value most in your weight loss journey.
Second Nature offers a comprehensive approach combining GLP-1 medications with intensive habit change support from registered dietitians.
Their NHS-partnered, evidence-based programme addresses both the medical and behavioural aspects of weight management, making it ideal for those seeking lasting transformation and support beyond medication.
Lotus Weight Loss Clinic provides a more streamlined, medication-focused service with flexible ordering and clinical safety oversight.
Their CQC-registered approach emphasises medication access and side effect management without structured lifestyle intervention, suiting those who want prescription treatment with minimal additional programme elements.
For sustainable lifestyle change alongside medication, Second Nature’s comprehensive approach offers greater value despite higher monthly costs.
For straightforward medication access with clinical oversight but self-managed lifestyle changes, Lotus provides a flexible, cost-effective option.
The right choice depends on your personal needs, goals, and approach to weight management.
Consider whether you want comprehensive support for lasting habit change or primarily need safe access to effective medication.
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.
