Jump to: Key Differences | NHS Partnership & Clinical Evidence | Programme Structure | Support & Coaching | Cost Comparison | Take Home Message
When choosing between Juniper and Second Nature for medication-supported weight loss, the most important difference is clinical credibility.
Second Nature has been delivering NHS-commissioned weight-loss services since 2017, with seven years of published clinical outcomes supporting its effectiveness.
In contrast, Juniper is relatively new to the UK market, originating as an Australian sub-brand without NHS partnerships or published clinical data.
Both programmes offer weight-loss injections like Mounjaro alongside digital habit-change support, but Second Nature’s longer track record provides greater peace of mind for patients seeking a clinically-proven approach to sustainable weight loss.
Second Nature also offers a weight-loss programme without medication, and you can find more about this programme here.
Key differences between Juniper and Second Nature
| Feature |
Second Nature |
Juniper |
| NHS Partnership |
NHS-commissioned since 2017, used by over half of UK Health Boards |
No NHS partnerships |
| Clinical Evidence |
Multiple peer-reviewed publications with proven outcomes |
No published programme-specific clinical data |
| Coaching |
UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists with GLP-1 expertise |
Nutritionist support via app |
| Programme Options |
Both medication-supported and non-medication programmes |
Medication-focused programmes only |
| Trustpilot Rating |
4.8/5 from 7,483 reviews |
4.4/5 from 876 reviews |
NHS partnership & clinical evidence
Second Nature’s relationship with the NHS sets it apart as the most clinically trusted medication-supported weight loss programme in the UK.
Since 2017, the NHS has commissioned Second Nature to deliver weight loss and type 2 diabetes programmes across the UK, with over half of all UK NHS Health and Care boards using Second Nature services.
This NHS partnership ensures robust clinical oversight, data security, and evidence-based approaches.
Our published clinical results for our non-medication programmes show:
- Participants lost an average of 5.9kg at 12 weeks
- 62.5% achieved at least 5% weight loss by 3 months
- 40% of type 2 diabetes patients reduced HbA1c below diagnostic thresholds
In contrast, Juniper doesn’t currently have published clinical data in medical journals demonstrating the effectiveness of their programme.
While they reference clinical trials of the medications themselves, there are no independent studies evaluating Juniper’s specific approach or outcomes.
Second Nature offers reassurance of NHS validation and peer-reviewed evidence for patients concerned about safety and effectiveness.
Programme structure
Both Second Nature and Juniper offer medication-supported weight loss programmes with digital support components, but there are important structural differences to consider.
Second Nature’s approach
Second Nature’s programme is built on a foundation of behavioural science, developed through years of NHS collaboration. Our approach:
- Focuses on building sustainable habits alongside medication support
- Uses a non-restrictive nutrition philosophy that doesn’t require calorie counting
- Provides structured educational content based on clinical evidence
- Includes a comprehensive app with food journals, recipes, and progress tracking
- Offers both medication-supported and non-medication options
Juniper’s approach
Juniper positions itself as a medication-first solution, with:
- Primary emphasis on GLP-1/GIP medications as the driver of results
- Supporting nutrition and lifestyle content via their app
- Focus on higher-protein approaches while on medication
- No medication-free programme option
A key difference is Second Nature’s emphasis on habit formation from day one, preparing you for sustainable results even after medication use ends.
Support & coaching
When taking weight-loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, having the right support can make all the difference in managing side effects and achieving lasting results.
Health coach expertise
Second Nature provides access to UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists who specialise in supporting our members on weight-loss injections.
Our health coaches receive specific training in side effect management, ensuring you receive personalised guidance through any challenges.
Plus, we have an in-house team of behavioural psychologists who train our health coaches on behaviour change science and coaching techniques.
Juniper also offers nutritionist support, but Second Nature’s longer track record means our coaches have more extensive experience specifically with medication-supported weight loss.
Side effect management
Managing medication side effects is a common concern. Second Nature’s approach includes:
- Proactive dietary strategies to minimise nausea
- Specific nutrition guidance designed to work with GLP-1 medications
- Regular check-ins focused on symptom management
Community Ssupport
Second Nature places you in a small group with others on similar journeys, creating a supportive community where you can share experiences and strategies. This community aspect provides emotional support that’s crucial for long-term success.
Juniper offers app-based community features, but lacks the structured small-group approach that many Second Nature members find invaluable.
Long-term success planning
Second Nature’s programme is designed with post-medication life in mind:
- Focus on sustainable habit formation from day one
- Personalised transition plans for maintaining results after medication
- Ongoing access to support resources even after completing the programme
- Community support from others at similar stages
Cost & Trustpilot reviews
Cost
- Second Nature with Mounjaro: £229-£299 monthly (increases with higher doses)
- Juniper with Wegovy: Starting at £189 monthly (final costs unclear as higher doses aren’t published)
- Juniper with Mounjaro: Starting at £209 monthly (final costs unclear as higher doses aren’t published)
While Second Nature’s published prices are slightly higher, they reflect our commitment to transparency and comprehensive support.
Our programme includes all aspects of medication management, plus extensive habit-change resources developed over seven years of NHS partnership.
Patient satisfaction
The difference in patient experience is reflected in independent reviews:
- Second Nature: 4.8/5 from 7,483 Trustpilot reviews (“Excellent”)
- Juniper: 4.4/5 from 876 Trustpilot reviews (“Excellent”)
With over 8.5 times more reviews while maintaining a higher rating, Second Nature demonstrates consistent quality at scale.
Take home message
Weight-loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy can be transformative when paired with the right support programme. They help silence food-related thoughts and provide the mental space to develop sustainable habits for long-term success.
Why patients choose Second Nature over Juniper:
- Clinical confidence: The only medication programme with an NHS partnership and published clinical outcomes
- Experienced support: UK-registered dietitians with extensive medication management expertise
- Proven results: Transparent outcomes data with thousands of successful patients
- Post-medication planning: Comprehensive strategies for maintaining results long-term
- Patient satisfaction: Higher ratings across significantly more independent reviews
While both programmes offer medication access, Second Nature provides the peace of mind that comes from choosing the most clinically trusted option in the UK.
The ultimate goal is to make losing weight feel second nature; something that becomes part of who you are, not just something you do temporarily.
Second Nature’s medication programme
Second Nature currently provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
If you’ve made the decision to try Wegovy or Mounjaro (assuming you’re eligible), why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers like Juniper?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Wegovy and Mounjaro weight-loss programmes are private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programmes with a focus 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.
