Jump to: Key differences | NHS partnership & clinical evidence | Programme approach | Support & coaching | Cost comparison | 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 effectiveness.
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.
The key differences include clinical backing, programme philosophy, professional support depth, and post-medication planning – all critical factors for long-term success.
Key differences between Numan and Second Nature
| Feature |
Second Nature |
Numan |
| 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 |
| Programme Focus |
Weight loss specialist since 2017 |
Men’s health company expanded to weight loss in 2022 |
| Nutrition Philosophy |
Non-restrictive, habit-based approach |
Includes calorie counting and food restriction advice |
| Coaching |
UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists with GLP-1 expertise |
Health coaches and nutritionists |
| Programme Options |
Both medication-supported and non-medication programmes |
Medication-focused programmes only |
| Trustpilot Rating |
4.6/5 from 7,600+ reviews (weight-loss specific) |
4.5/5 from 17,900+ reviews (all men’s health products) |
| Monthly Cost |
£229-£299 (with £100 off first month) |
£229-£299 (with £70 off first month) |
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 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, demonstrating healthcare professionals’ confidence in our approach.
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 Journal
- Our recent medication programme research, published in JMIR Formative Research, showed participants lost an average of 6.5kg (6.4% body weight) after 3 months
- 62.5% achieved clinically meaningful weight loss of at least 5%
- 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 is built on behavioural science developed through years of NHS collaboration. We focus on creating sustainable habits that you can maintain in the long term.
Key principles:
- Non-restrictive nutrition: We don’t recommend cutting out food groups or avoiding specific foods. Research shows that restrictive approaches often lead to weight regain.
- 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 explicitly prepares you for life after medication from day one, ensuring the habits you build will 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 loss
- 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 are trying to escape.
Support & coaching
When taking weight-loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, having the right professional support can make all 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 to be primarily delivered through their app rather than direct professional interaction, which may limit personalisation and responsiveness to individual needs.
Cost comparison
Pricing breakdown:
- Second Nature: £229-£299 monthly (with £100 off first month)
- Numan: £229-£299 monthly (with £70 off first month)
While the base pricing is similar, the value proposition differs significantly.
What you get with Second Nature:
- NHS-validated programme with published outcomes
- UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists
- Comprehensive habit-change support
- Post-medication planning
- Clinical oversight and safety protocols
- Peer community support
Patient satisfaction comparison:
- Second Nature: 4.6/5 from 7,600+ reviews specifically for weight-loss programmes
- Numan: 4.5/5 from 17,900+ reviews (includes all men’s health products, not weight-loss specific)
The difference in satisfaction ratings, combined with Second Nature’s weight-loss-specific reviews, suggests stronger patient outcomes and experience.
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 is about creating sustainable changes that support your health for years to come, not just achieving short-term results.
Second Nature's Mounjaro programme
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme
Why choose Second Nature over other medication providers, assuming you’re eligible?
Because peace of mind matters.
We’ve had the privilege of working with the NHS for over eight years, helping people across the UK take meaningful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Our programmes are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means support with weight loss through compassionate one-to-one health coaching, or access to the latest weight-loss medications (like Mounjaro) delivered alongside expert care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and personal trainers.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: real, lasting change comes from building better habits, not relying on quick fixes. We’re here to support that change every step of the way.
With over a decade of experience, thousands of lives changed, and a long-standing record of delivering programmes used by the NHS, we believe we're the UK’s most trusted weight-loss programme.
We hope to offer you something invaluable: peace of mind, and the support you need to take that first step.
