Jump to: Comprehensive Support vs Basic Prescription | Evidence-Based Approach | Cost & Value Comparison | Take Home Message
When choosing between Asda Online Doctor and Second Nature for weight-loss medication, the fundamental difference is comprehensive support.
While Asda Online Doctor offers basic prescription services for medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, Second Nature provides these same medications within a complete behavioural change programme backed by NHS partnerships since 2017.
This distinction matters because research shows that when GLP-1 treatment stops, significant weight regain occurs without addressing the underlying habits and behaviours that led to weight gain initially.
Second Nature’s comprehensive approach combines medication with the psychological and nutritional support needed for lasting results.
Second Nature also offers a weight-loss programme without medication, which you can learn more about here.
Asda Online Doctor vs Second Nature: At-a-glance comparison
Feature |
Second Nature |
Asda Online Doctor |
Core Approach |
Comprehensive programme with medication + behaviour change support |
Medication-only prescription service |
NHS Partnership |
NHS-commissioned since 2017; NICE-approved digital provider |
No NHS partnerships |
Professional Support |
Registered dietitian/nutritionist available 5 days a week + peer support |
Basic doctor messaging only |
Weight Regain Prevention |
A comprehensive habit-building programme to maintain results after medication |
No structured plan for post-medication support |
Mounjaro Cost |
£229-£299/month (£100 off the first month and includes comprehensive support) |
£184-£204/month (medication only) |
Wegovy Cost |
No longer offering Wegovy |
£169-£269/month (medication only) |
Trustpilot Score |
4.8/5 from 6,270+ reviews |
4.4/5 from 3,834 reviews (via partner Zava) |
Comprehensive support vs basic prescription
The Second Nature difference: Beyond medication
Weight loss medication can be transformative, but research shows it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Second Nature’s approach recognises that lasting weight loss requires addressing the psychological and behavioural factors that influence eating habits.
Our comprehensive programme includes:
- Expert guidance: Access to a registered nutritionist or dietitian five days a week who understands both the medication journey and the psychological aspects of weight management
- Psychological framework: Evidence-based techniques to help you understand and transform your relationship with food
- Community support: Connect with others on similar journeys for motivation and shared learning
- Practical tools: Recipes, meal planning resources, and habit-tracking features designed to make healthy choices simpler
Asda Online Doctor’s approach: Medication focus
Asda Online Doctor takes a more straightforward approach, focusing primarily on providing the medication itself:
- Online consultation for prescription eligibility
- Doctor approval for medication
- Basic guidance materials included with prescription
- Doctor messaging for simple queries
While this approach may seem simpler initially, it places the burden of developing sustainable habits entirely on you, without structured support for navigating challenges or preparing for life after medication.
Evidence-based approach to weight loss and health
The reality of weight regain without support
The efficacy of weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro is well-established, but studies have shown that weight regain is likely if you haven’t developed healthy habits.
A key study following 327 participants showed:
- After 68 weeks, participants taking semaglutide lost an average of 17.3% of their body weight (compared to just 2% with placebo)
- However, after stopping the medication and being followed for 52 more weeks, they had regained two-thirds of that lost weight
- Average weight loss after medication withdrawal was only 5.6% below baseline (compared to 17.3% while on medication)
This significant weight regain mirrors what happens with traditional diets; when the intervention stops without addressing underlying habits, weight typically comes back.
The NHS and NICE Recognition
Second Nature’s approach to sustainable weight management has earned significant recognition from healthcare authorities:
- Used by the NHS since 2017 for type 2 diabetes management, prevention, and weight management programmes
- Recently approved by NICE as one of just four digital weight management services authorised to provide Wegovy alongside comprehensive support
- Over half of all UK NHS Health and Care boards have used Second Nature services
This level of healthcare system trust reflects our commitment to evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, lasting results.
In contrast, purchasing medication through Asda Online Doctor provides access to effective weight-loss medication, but without the structured programme shown by research to be critical for maintaining results long-term.
Cost & value comparison
When comparing the costs between Second Nature and Asda Online Doctor, it’s important to consider what’s included in each option:
Medication-only costs from Asda Online Doctor:
- Wegovy: Starting from £169/month for lower doses, rising to £269/month for the maintenance dose
- Mounjaro: Starting from £184/month for the lowest dose, rising to £204/month for the highest dose
- What’s included: Prescription medication, basic guidance materials, doctor messaging for queries
Comprehensive programme costs from Second Nature:
- Mounjaro: £229/month, rising to £299/month for higher doses, with £100 off your first month
- What’s included: Prescription medication plus access to registered dietitians/nutritionists, psychological support, community features, recipe library, tracking tools, and a structured programme designed for lasting results
While Asda Online Doctor appears less expensive initially, the difference narrows at higher doses.
More importantly, the value equation changes significantly when you consider the additional support Second Nature provides; support that research shows is critical for maintaining results long-term.
Trustpilot Reviews:
- Second Nature: 4.8/5 from 6,270+ reviews, rated as “Excellent”
- Asda Online Doctor: No direct Trustpilot score, but partner Zava scores 4.4/5 from 3,834 reviews, rated as “Excellent”
Take home message
Weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro can be transformative tools to support significant weight loss. They help silence food-related thoughts, reduce cravings, and create a window of opportunity for developing healthier habits.
However, the support programme you choose alongside your medication can significantly impact both your immediate experience and long-term success:
Choose Second Nature if you value:
- Long-term results: Our comprehensive approach is designed to help you maintain weight loss even after medication
- Expert guidance: Access to registered nutritionists and dietitians who understand both the medication and the psychology of eating
- NHS-trusted methods: Peace of mind from choosing a programme used by the NHS since 2017
- Community support: Connection with others on similar journeys
Choose Asda Online Doctor if you prioritise:
- Medication access: Basic prescription service without additional support components
- Lower initial cost: Slightly lower monthly fee for the medication itself
- Minimal structure: Preference for managing your own support needs independently
The core focus of our Second Nature medication programmes is to calm food noise and lower cravings while simultaneously helping you build the healthy habits that will keep the weight off for good, even after you eventually stop the medication.
Our ultimate goal is to make healthy living feel so natural that it becomes second nature.
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.
Please note: We generally recommend speaking with your GP/doctor before you start taking any new medication like Mounjaro. If you do sign up for Second Nature's Mounjaro programme, then we'll also send your GP a letter to let them know you've started a medication-supported weight-loss journey.