Jump to: Clinical Credibility & NHS Partnership | Programme Approach | Support & Coaching | Pricing & Value | Take Home Message
When choosing between SheMed and Second Nature for medication-supported weight loss, the most significant difference is clinical credibility and comprehensive support.
Second Nature has been delivering NHS-commissioned weight-loss services since 2017, with seven years of published clinical outcomes demonstrating effectiveness for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes management.
By comparison, SheMed is a newer female-focused service that incorporates blood testing into its approach but currently lacks published clinical evidence.
Both programmes offer GLP-1 medications alongside digital support, but they differ considerably in their underlying philosophy and approach to sustainable weight management.
Second Nature balances medication with intensive behavioural support designed to create lasting habits, while SheMed takes a more pharmacotherapy-centred approach specifically for women.
Second Nature also offers a weight-loss programme without medication, which you can learn more about here.
SheMed vs Second Nature: At-a-glance comparison
| Feature |
Second Nature |
SheMed |
| NHS Partnership |
NHS-commissioned since 2017, used by over half of UK Health Boards |
No current NHS partnerships |
| Clinical Evidence |
Over 7 years of published literature in peer-reviewed journals |
Clinical trial in progress, no published data yet |
| Target Audience |
All adults seeking sustainable weight management |
Women-only service with a female-specific approach |
| Health Assessment |
Comprehensive health questionnaire |
At-home blood test included in the first month |
| Support Approach |
Registered dietitian/nutritionist + peer support groups |
Clinical oversight with women-specific content |
| Monthly Cost |
£229-£299 (£100 off the first month) |
£99 first month, then £159 (fixed rate) |
| Trustpilot Rating |
4.7/5 from 7,574 reviews |
4.3/5 from 1,041 reviews |
Clinical credibility & NHS partnership
Evidence-based approach at Second Nature
Second Nature stands apart through its established relationship with the NHS and robust clinical evidence base. Since 2017, the NHS has commissioned our programme to deliver weight loss and type 2 diabetes support across the UK, with over half of all UK NHS Health and Care boards now using Second Nature services.
This NHS partnership reflects the confidence healthcare professionals place in our approach, providing reassurance that you’re joining a programme designed on sound clinical principles and trusted by the national healthcare system.
The clinical results of our non-medication programme demonstrate why this trust exists:
- Participants in our medication-supported programme lost an average of 6.5 kg (6.4% of body weight) after just 3 months
- 62.5% achieved clinically significant weight loss of at least 5% by the 3-month mark
- Our long-term data shows sustained results, with high retention rates after 12 months
- For people with type 2 diabetes, 40% of patients in our NHS pilot reduced their HbA1c below the diagnostic threshold
These outcomes have been documented in peer-reviewed research, providing transparent evidence of our programme’s effectiveness.
SheMed’s emerging approach
SheMed takes a different approach as a newer women-focused service. Their programme begins with an at-home blood test (included in the first month’s £99 fee) that measures biological markers like diabetes risk, cardiovascular health, liver function, and thyroid activity.
According to SheMed, 99% of users receive at least one abnormal result from these tests, highlighting the importance of their pre-treatment screening approach. This medical testing forms the foundation of their personalised treatment plans.
While SheMed is currently conducting a clinical trial to evaluate their programme’s effectiveness, they haven’t yet published research in medical journals demonstrating their specific outcomes.
Their approach is promising for women seeking gender-specific care, but lacks the established evidence base that Second Nature has developed over years of NHS partnership.
Programme approach & support structure
A weight loss programme’s philosophy and support structure significantly impact your experience and long-term success. SheMed and Second Nature take notably different approaches:
Second Nature: Balancing medication with behaviour change
Second Nature’s approach is built on the understanding that sustainable weight loss requires more than just medication; it needs psychological tools and nutritional knowledge to create lasting habits.
Our programme provides:
- Personalised dietitian support: Access to UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists who specialise in both medication management and sustainable behaviour change
- Psychological framework: Daily articles and guidance based on behavioural science that helps you understand and transform your relationship with food
- Community support: Small peer groups of members on similar journeys, creating accountability and shared understanding
- Practical tools: Recipe library, meal planning resources, and trackers designed to make healthy choices simpler
- Post-medication planning: Specific strategies for maintaining weight loss after you eventually stop medication
This comprehensive approach is designed to work synergistically with weight-loss medications: while the medication helps reduce cravings and hunger, our behavioural support helps you build the habits that will sustain your results for life.
SheMed: Female-focused pharmacotherapy
SheMed takes a different approach, focusing exclusively on women with a primarily pharmacological strategy supported by clinical oversight:
- Blood-test baseline: Comprehensive testing to establish health markers before treatment
- Women-specific content: Resources and support designed specifically for female health concerns
- Practical delivery model: Monthly subscription boxes containing medication, side-effect management kits, sharps bins, and educational materials
- Clinical monitoring: Regular check-ins focusing on medication response and side effects
SheMed’s approach may appeal particularly to women who value gender-specific care and appreciate the convenience of their home delivery model with integrated medical testing.
Pricing & value comparison
When comparing programme costs, it’s important to consider the comprehensive value offered rather than just the monthly fee:
SheMed:
- First month: £99 (includes blood test and starter kit)
- Subsequent months: £159 every four weeks (fixed regardless of medication dosage)
- What’s included: Medication, monthly subscription boxes with side-effect management kits, sharps bins, needles, basic app support, and clinical oversight
- Target value: Comprehensive medical testing and female-specific approach
Second Nature:
- Monthly cost: £229, rising to £299 as medication dosage increases (£100 off the first month)
- What’s included: Medication, dedicated dietitian support available five days weekly, peer group access, comprehensive behavioural programme, recipe library, and tracking tools
- Target value: Long-term habit formation and comprehensive support alongside medication
While SheMed’s pricing structure appears more affordable initially, Second Nature’s investment extends beyond medication to include intensive behavioural support designed for lasting results.
This comprehensive approach may provide better long-term value for those seeking sustainable weight management beyond the medication phase.
Second Nature also offers a non-medication programme starting at just £28 per month for those who aren’t ready for or don’t qualify for medication support.
Take home message
Weight-loss medications can transform your relationship with food and create a window of opportunity for developing healthier habits.
However, the support programme you choose to accompany this medication journey can significantly impact both your immediate results and long-term success.
When choosing between SheMed and Second Nature, consider which factors matter most to you:
Choose Second Nature if you value:
- Clinical credibility: NHS partnership and peer-reviewed evidence demonstrating effectiveness
- Comprehensive support: Access to registered dietitians and nutritionists alongside medication
- Psychological approach: Tools and guidance for addressing the root causes of eating behaviours
- Community experience: Peer support from others on similar journeys
- Long-term strategy: Focus on habits that will maintain results after medication
Choose SheMed if you prioritise:
- Female-specific approach: Content and support designed exclusively for women
- Comprehensive testing: Blood testing to establish baseline health markers
- Convenient delivery: All-in-one monthly subscription boxes with supplies
- Fixed pricing: Consistent monthly fee regardless of dosage increases
Both programmes aim to help you achieve meaningful weight loss, but Second Nature’s established track record, NHS partnership, published clinical evidence, and balanced approach to medication and behaviour change provide unique advantages for those seeking sustainable transformation.
Our approach at Second Nature goes beyond simply providing medication—we aim to help you develop a healthier relationship with food that feels natural and sustainable, making weight management feel second nature for life.
Second Nature’s medication programme
Second Nature currently provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers if you’ve decided to try Mounjaro (assuming you’re eligible)?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programmes focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
