Numan vs Second Nature

Jump to: Key differences | NHS partnership & clinical evidence | Programme approach | Support & coaching | Frequently asked questions | Take home message

When choosing between Numan and Second Nature for medication-supported weight loss, the most important difference is clinical credibility and programme depth.

Second Nature has been delivering NHS-commissioned weight-loss services since 2017, with seven years of published clinical outcomes supporting its effectiveness¹.

In contrast, Numan launched its weight-loss programme in 2022 as an extension of their men’s health business, without NHS partnerships or published clinical data specific to their weight-loss programme.

Both programmes offer weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy alongside digital support, but Second Nature’s NHS validation and evidence-based approach provides greater peace of mind for patients seeking proven, sustainable weight loss.

Key highlights:

• Second Nature: NHS-commissioned since 2017 with published clinical evidence
• Numan: Men’s health company expanded to weight loss in 2022, with no published outcomes
• Both offer similar pricing but different programmes with varying levels of support
• Second Nature provides UK-registered dietitians; Numan offers health coaches (qualifications unclear)

Key differences between Numan and Second Nature

NHS partnership & clinical evidence

Second Nature’s relationship with the NHS makes it the most clinically trusted medication-supported weight loss programme in the UK.

Since 2017, the NHS has chosen Second Nature to deliver weight loss and type 2 diabetes programmes across the UK.

Over half of all UK NHS Health and Care boards now use our services, showing the trust healthcare professionals place in our methods.

This NHS partnership ensures robust clinical oversight, data security, and evidence-based approaches that meet the highest healthcare standards.

Our published clinical results show:

• Participants on our non-medication programme lose an average of 5.9kg at 12 weeks, published in the British Medical Journal²
• Our recent medication programme research, published in JMIR Formative Research, showed:
  • Semaglutide participants lost an average of 18.1kg (17.1% body weight) at 12 months³
  • Tirzepatide participants lost an average of 22.9kg (22.1% body weight) at 12 months³
  • 83.1% of semaglutide users achieved ≥10% weight loss
  • 95.2% of tirzepatide users achieved ≥10% weight loss
• Previous research showed 62.5% achieved clinically meaningful weight loss of at least 5% after 3 months¹
• 40% of type 2 diabetes patients reduced HbA1c below diagnostic thresholds

Numan’s clinical position:

Numan doesn’t currently have published clinical data in medical journals demonstrating the effectiveness of their weight-loss programme.

While they reference clinical trials of the medications themselves, there are no independent studies evaluating Numan’s specific approach or outcomes.

This difference matters because it reflects the depth of clinical validation behind each programme’s methods.

Programme approach

The fundamental philosophy behind each programme shapes your entire experience and long-term success.

Second Nature: evidence-based habit formation

Our approach builds on behavioural science developed through years of NHS collaboration. We focus on creating sustainable habits that last.

Key principles:

• Non-restrictive nutrition: We don’t recommend cutting out food groups or avoiding specific foods. Research shows restrictive approaches often lead to weight regain⁴.
• Habit-based change: Building sustainable patterns that last beyond medication use
• Whole-food focus: Emphasising nutrient-dense foods without rigid rules
• Psychological support: Understanding the emotional and environmental factors that influence eating

Our programme prepares you for life after medication from day one, ensuring the habits you build maintain your progress long-term.

Numan: mixed approach with restrictive elements

While Numan advertises helping you “reframe your relationship with food,” their content includes approaches that contradict this goal.

Concerning elements:

• Calorie counting emphasis: Multiple articles promoting calorie tracking, which research shows can be counterproductive for sustainable weight loss⁵
• Food restriction lists: Identifying foods to “avoid,” which psychological research demonstrates increases cravings for those foods
• The forbidden fruit effect: When you try to restrict specific foods, you’re more likely to think about and overeat them

This approach may work short-term but often leads to the cycle of restriction and overeating that many people want to escape.

Support & coaching

When taking weight-loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, professional support makes the difference in managing side effects and building lasting habits.

Second Nature’s clinical expertise

You get access to UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists who specialise in supporting people taking weight-loss medications. These professionals have specific training in:

• Side effect support
• Improving eating habits
• Behaviour change psychology
• Long-term habit formation

Our health coaches are available five days a week via both group and private chat, providing personalised guidance when you need it most.

Comprehensive support structure:

• Small peer support groups with others on similar journeys
• Custom app with over 300 recipes designed for people taking weight-loss medications
• Educational content based on clinical evidence
• Habit-tracking tools and progress monitoring
• Post-medication transition planning

Numan’s support model

Numan provides health coaches and nutritionists through their app-based platform. However, they don’t specify the clinical credentials of their team or their specific training in weight-loss medication support.

Their support appears primarily delivered through their app rather than direct professional interaction, which may limit personalisation and responsiveness to individual needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is Numan or Second Nature better for Mounjaro?

Second Nature provides superior support for Mounjaro users with UK-registered dietitians experienced in managing GLP-1 medications. Our NHS partnership and published clinical outcomes demonstrate effectiveness, while Numan lacks programme-specific evidence.

Which service has NHS backing?

Only Second Nature has NHS backing, commissioned since 2017 to deliver weight-loss programmes. Over half of UK NHS Health Boards use our services. Numan operates purely as a private service without NHS partnerships.

How much does Numan cost compared to Second Nature?

Both services charge £229-299 monthly, but Second Nature offers £100 off the first month versus Numan’s £70 discount. The real difference lies in value – Second Nature includes registered dietitian support and evidence-based programming.

Does Numan have clinical evidence for their programme?

No, Numan doesn’t have published clinical trials or peer-reviewed research demonstrating their programme’s effectiveness. They only reference general medication trials. Second Nature has multiple published studies showing real patient outcomes.

What’s the difference in coaching between services?

Second Nature provides UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists with specific GLP-1 training, available five days per week. Numan offers health coaches without specified credentials, primarily through app-based support rather than direct professional interaction.

Can I get Wegovy from both services?

Yes, both services offer Wegovy and Mounjaro. The difference is in the support provided alongside the medication – Second Nature’s evidence-based habit formation versus Numan’s basic medication management.

Which is better for long-term weight maintenance?

Second Nature’s non-restrictive, habit-based approach is specifically designed for long-term success. Our programme addresses post-medication planning from day one. Numan’s calorie-counting and restriction focus often leads to weight cycling.

Why should I choose Second Nature over Numan?

Choose Second Nature for NHS-validated expertise, published clinical outcomes, registered dietitian support, and a proven track record since 2017. Our comprehensive approach builds lasting habits, not just temporary weight loss through medication.

Take home message

Weight-loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy can be transformative when combined with the right support programme. They help quiet food-related thoughts and provide the mental space to develop sustainable habits for long-term success.

Why patients choose Second Nature over Numan:

• Clinical confidence: The only medication programme with NHS partnership and published clinical outcomes
• Evidence-based approach: Non-restrictive methods proven to support sustainable weight loss
• Professional expertise: UK-registered dietitians with extensive medication management experience
• Proven track record: Seven years of weight-loss specialisation with transparent outcomes data
• Post-medication planning: Comprehensive strategies for maintaining results long-term
• Patient satisfaction: Higher ratings from weight-loss-specific reviews

While both programmes offer medication access, Second Nature provides the peace of mind that comes from choosing the most clinically validated option in the UK.

The ultimate goal isn’t just losing weight with medication – it’s building a healthier relationship with food that lasts for life.

Choose Second Nature if you value:

• NHS-backed clinical credibility
• Evidence-based, non-restrictive nutrition approach
• Professional support from registered healthcare professionals
• Comprehensive post-medication planning
• Proven outcomes with transparent data

Choose Numan if you prefer:

• App-based support model
• Men’s health company expanding into weight loss
• Similar pricing with slightly lower first-month discount

Remember that successful weight management means creating sustainable changes that support your health for years to come, not just achieving short-term results.

References

1. Richards R, et al. (2023). A Remotely Delivered, Semaglutide-Supported Specialist Weight Management Program: Preliminary Findings From a Retrospective Service Evaluation. JMIR Formative Research.
2. Hanson P, et al. (2022). Digital weight management programme in type 2 diabetes: findings from a real-world service evaluation. BMJ Open.
3. Richards R, et al. (2025). Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in a Remote Weight Management Program: 12-Month Retrospective Observational Study. JMIR Formative Research.
4. Mann T, et al. (2007). Medicare’s search for effective obesity treatments: diets are not the answer. American Psychologist.
5. Linardon J, et al. (2020). Intuitive eating and its psychological correlates: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders.