Embla vs Second Nature

Jump to: Key differences | NHS partnership & clinical evidence | Programme approach | Support & coaching | Research & outcomes | Cost comparison | Take home message

When choosing between Embla and Second Nature for medication-supported weight loss, the key difference is UK market experience and NHS integration.

Second Nature has been delivering NHS-commissioned weight-loss services since 2017, with over six years of published clinical outcomes and deep integration into the UK healthcare system.

Embla is a Danish company that launched in 2022 and entered the UK market in 2023, bringing innovative research on personalised dosing and strong clinical results from their European operations.

Both programmes offer evidence-based approaches to medication-supported weight loss with comprehensive lifestyle support, but Second Nature’s established UK presence and NHS partnerships provide greater familiarity with UK healthcare systems and patient needs.

The most significant differences are UK healthcare integration, length of market presence, and approach to medication dosing, with both companies showing strong clinical evidence for their respective methods.

Key differences between Embla and Second Nature

Feature	Second Nature	Embla
UK Experience	10+ years operating, NHS-commissioned since 2017	Entered UK market in 2023
NHS Partnership	Used by over half of UK Health Boards	No NHS partnerships
Clinical Evidence	Multiple peer-reviewed publications, 7+ years UK data	Innovative research on personalised dosing, ECO 2024 presentation
Medication Approach	Flexible dosing based on individual response with comprehensive habit formation	Personalised ‘lowest effective dose’ protocol with systematic tapering
Programme Options	Both medication-supported and non-medication programmes	Medication-focused with coaching support
Trustpilot Rating	4.6/5 from >7,600 reviews	4.7/5 from >300 reviews
Market Focus	UK healthcare system integration	International approach with UK expansion

NHS partnership & clinical evidence

Second Nature’s UK healthcare integration

Second Nature’s relationship with the NHS demonstrates deep understanding of UK healthcare needs and standards. Since 2017, the NHS has commissioned us to deliver weight loss and type 2 diabetes programmes across the UK.

This partnership means over half of all UK NHS Health and Care boards use our services, providing extensive real-world evidence of our effectiveness within the UK healthcare system.

Our published clinical results specific to UK populations show participants lost an average of 5.9kg at 12 weeks, with 62.5% achieving at least 5% weight loss by 3 months. For our medication-supported programme, participants lost an average of 6.5kg after 12 weeks.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently announced that Wegovy would be available via digital weight management services provided by Second Nature and three other companies supporting the NHS.

Embla’s international research presence

Embla brings strong clinical credentials from their European operations, with innovative research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2024 in Venice.

Their real-world study of 2,246 individuals demonstrated that participants achieved equivalent weight loss to medication trials while using only 36.9-40.3% of standard medication doses through their personalised approach.

Embla’s research shows participants lost an average of 16.7% of their starting weight in 12 months, with 8 in 10 members successfully tapering off medication without regaining weight.

While Embla lacks NHS partnerships, their clinical approach is backed by robust European research and innovative dosing protocols that minimise side effects and medication dependence.

Programme approach

Both programmes emphasise comprehensive lifestyle change alongside medication, but with different philosophical approaches.

Second Nature’s habit-formation focus

Our programme is built on behavioural science developed through years of NHS collaboration, emphasising sustainable habit formation from day one.

We provide flexible Mounjaro dosing tailored to your individual response and weight loss progress, ensuring you receive the right dose for your specific needs while minimising side effects.

The approach includes:

• Personalised dosing adjustments based on individual progress and tolerance
• Non-restrictive nutrition philosophy
• Structured educational content based on clinical evidence
• Comprehensive app with food journals and recipes
• Both medication-supported and non-medication options

We place you in small groups with others on similar journeys, creating supportive communities that many members find invaluable for long-term success.

Our programme explicitly prepares you for post-medication life through habit formation, transition planning, and ongoing support resources.

Embla’s personalised dosing approach

Embla’s distinctive approach centres on their research-backed ‘lowest effective dose’ protocols that systematically reduce medication use while maintaining effectiveness.

Their method includes:

• Dedicated health coaches trained in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Systematic medication tapering plans based on their clinical research
• Holistic support addressing emotional eating and lifestyle factors
• Comprehensive health team access including nurses and doctors

Embla’s approach specifically aims to minimise long-term medication dependence through their researched tapering protocols and intensive lifestyle support.

Their clinical research demonstrates this approach achieves comparable weight loss results using 60% less medication than conventional protocols, with successful transition off medication for 80% of members.

Support & coaching

Both programmes provide comprehensive professional support, but with different structures and expertise.

Second Nature’s UK-focused support

We provide access to UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists who specialise in medication-supported weight loss, available five days a week via group and private chat.

Our health coaches receive specific training in side effect management and understand UK healthcare pathways for additional support when needed.

The programme includes small group community support, which provides peer connection and shared experiences that many find crucial for success.

Our support is designed around UK lifestyle patterns, NHS integration, and understanding of UK food culture and healthcare systems.

Embla’s personalised health team approach

Embla provides each member with a dedicated health mentor trained in ACT, along with access to nurses and doctors through their app.

Their coaching focuses on addressing root causes of weight challenges, including emotional eating, stress management, and psychological barriers to sustainable change.

Embla’s support model emphasises intensive 1:1 guidance rather than group support, allowing for highly personalised interventions.

Their international background brings diverse perspectives on weight management, though with less specific UK healthcare system knowledge.

Research & outcomes

Both programmes demonstrate strong clinical evidence, but with different research focus areas.

Second Nature’s UK population data

Our research specifically demonstrates effectiveness within UK populations and healthcare systems, with peer-reviewed publications showing real-world outcomes.

Key results include:

• Average 5.9kg weight loss at 12 weeks
• 62.5% achieving clinically significant weight loss
• 40% of type 2 diabetes patients achieving potential remission markers

Our research covers both medication-supported and lifestyle-only interventions, providing evidence for flexible treatment approaches.

Recent publications in JMIR demonstrate effectiveness of our digital programme alongside semaglutide medication in real-world UK settings.

Embla’s innovative dosing research

Embla’s research focus on personalised dosing protocols represents innovative advancement in medication-supported weight loss.

Their ECO 2024 study demonstrated equivalent weight loss outcomes using 60% less medication than standard protocols, with successful medication tapering maintaining results.

Results show:

• 16.7% average weight loss over 12 months
• 80% of members successfully maintaining weight loss after medication discontinuation
• Significant reduction in medication use while maintaining effectiveness

Their research emphasis on reducing medication dependence while maintaining effectiveness offers promising approaches to sustainable weight management.

Cost comparison

Understanding total investment and value proposition helps determine the best fit for your needs.

Second Nature pricing:

• Medication programme: £229-£299 monthly (increases with higher doses)
• Includes all medication, comprehensive app, registered dietitian/nutritionist support, group coaching, and educational content
• Non-medication programme: £28-38 monthly after £9.99 trial
• £100 discount on first month for medication programme

Embla pricing:

• Medication programme: £135 first month (£100 discount), then £235-299 monthly
• Includes medication, dedicated health mentor, nurse and doctor access, app access, and personalised coaching
• Coaching-only programme: Available for BMI 27+ (exact pricing not publicly disclosed)

Value considerations:

Both programmes offer comprehensive support included in their pricing, though with different approaches. Second Nature’s pricing includes group support and NHS-validated approaches, while Embla’s pricing reflects intensive 1:1 coaching and personalised dosing protocols.

Patient satisfaction:

• Second Nature: 4.8/5 from 7,483 Trustpilot reviews
• Embla: 4.7/5 from 309 reviews

Both services receive excellent reviews, with Second Nature’s rating based on significantly more reviews demonstrating consistent quality at scale.

Take home message

Both Embla and Second Nature offer evidence-based approaches to medication-supported weight loss with comprehensive lifestyle support, but serve different preferences and needs.

Choose Second Nature if you value:

• Established UK market presence with deep healthcare system understanding
• NHS-validated approaches with proven UK population outcomes
• Group support and peer community connection
• Extensive experience with UK healthcare pathways and food culture
• Non-medication programme options
• Established track record with thousands of UK patients

Choose Embla if you prefer:

• Innovative personalised dosing protocols that minimise medication use
• Intensive 1:1 coaching with dedicated health mentors
• ACT-based psychological approach to behaviour change
• Focus on reducing medication dependence through careful tapering
• International perspective on weight management approaches
• Newer service with cutting-edge research backing

Both programmes recognise that sustainable weight loss requires comprehensive lifestyle change alongside medication. The choice often comes down to whether you prefer Second Nature’s established UK approach with group support, or Embla’s innovative personalised protocols with intensive individual coaching.

For patients familiar with the NHS system or preferring group support, Second Nature’s established presence provides confidence and familiarity.

For those seeking cutting-edge personalised approaches with intensive individual attention, Embla’s innovative methods offer promising alternatives.