Weight Watchers® vs Slimming World®
Weight loss programmes can provide a helpful structure for your health journey when you feel out of control with unhealthy habits. They can also be a great way to join individuals going on the same journey, which can be incredibly motivating.
Everyone is different, and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a weight loss programme. It ultimately depends on what suits your individual needs and what fits into your lifestyle. Some people want rigid rules and a quick fix, whereas others like more flexibility and a long-term lifestyle change.
This guide compares two of the most popular weight loss programmes; Weight Watchers® (WW) and Slimming World® (SW). Comparisons to the Second Nature programme are included. Second Nature, previously called Our Path, is an online programme that helps you to lose weight and make sustainable lifestyle changes.
We spoke to two Second Nature members, who have all previously tried Weight Watchers® and Slimming World®, to get an idea of how they compare from the point of view of a user.
The basics
Trustpilot score
Trustpilot is a platform where consumers can leave reviews and scores reflect overall customer satisfaction.
| WW | SW | Second Nature | |
| Star rating |  |
|
 |
| Score | 3.1 / 5 read reviews |
2.8 / 5 read reviews |
4.9 / 5 read reviews |
Here’s what someone who has tried all 3 programmes had to say:
Nutrition
| WW | SW | Second Nature | |
| Dietary approach | Low calorie | Low fat | Lower carb |
| Caters to vegetarian | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Caters to vegan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Signing up
| WW | SW | Second Nature | |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Clear breakdown of costs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clear cancellation policy | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Length of programme | All plans ongoing. | Meetings: ongoing
Digital: Core plan 3 months + automatic renewal for ongoing subscription. |
Core: 3 months.
Sustain (optional): ongoing. |
| Easy to cancel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refund policy | Full refund if cancelled within 14 days. After this point, any charges non-refundable. | Partial refund if cancelled within 14 days (dependent on the number of days since purchasing the programme). | Full refund if cancelled within 14 days. After this point, any charges non-refundable. |
| Refer-a-friend scheme | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Easy to include family | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Support
| WW | SW | Second Nature | |
| Tailors the plan around diabetes | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tailors the plan around other health issues | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Face-to-face meetings | ✓ (for meeting / meeting + digital plan) |
✓ (for meeting plan) |
✗ |
| Access to registered dietitian or nutritionist | ✗ | ✗ (unless you email customer support with a nutrition query and label it as ‘medical query’) |
✓ |
| Weekend support available |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Programme features
| WW | SW | Second Nature | |
| App | ✓ | ✗ (2 apps, 1 for planning and 1 for online access) |
✓ |
| Award/prize system | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Recipe videos in app | ✗ (Free recipe videos available on YouTube without signing up) |
✗ | ✓ |
| Exercise videos in app | ✗ (Free exercise videos available on YouTube without signing up) |
✗ | ✓ |
| Weighing scales provided | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ (on tech plan) |
| Tracks sleep | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Tracks steps | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Education of nutrition science | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Counting/point system | ✓ (Smartpoints® and Fitpoints®) |
✓ (Free Foods®, Healthy Extras®, and Syns®) |
✗ |
| Food diary feature | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Pricing
When programmes provide price plans in different formats, it can be hard to accurately compare prices. To make this easier, we have calculated the price of monthly digital basic price plans on each programme to show you how costs compare between programmes (as of January 2020). All admin fees are included in these prices.
Weight Watchers® is marginally cheaper than Slimming World®, and they provide a similar service in terms of support and programme features. On the surface, Second Nature seems slightly more expensive, however, your personal coach is a registered dietitian or nutritionist, rather than a previous member or customer service representative. You also have the same coach throughout the whole Second Nature programme that you can build a relationship with, rather than an ad-hoc response from a different coach each time (Weight Watchers® and Slimming World®).
Registration to a professional body requires a nationally recognised nutrition or dietetics degree. Weekly face-to-face sessions with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can be very expensive (£40-£100/hour). We have added a column representing this to compare costs (Weekly Nutritionist – WN).
Monthly (basic) digital subscriptions:
| WW | SW | Second Nature | WN | |
| Registered dietitian or nutritionist coach | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| The same, personal coach throughout the programme | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price | £16/month | £20/month | £40/month | £300/month |
If you were to opt for the Weight Watchers® or Slimming World® face-to-face group meeting plans it would work out to be more expensive.
Meet the members
What motivated you to lose weight?
“I felt unhealthy and older than my years physically. I was worried about developing diabetes and many other health problems, such as female cancers. Every so often I would try some form of weight loss plan, but I was going round in circles.”
“Putting on weight since the menopause.”
Did you have fears about losing weight?
“That losing weight would mean a joyless existence of counting and measuring everything I ate. [I did not think] that losing weight could equate to enjoying meals or my food in the same way [but rather] would be a life of endless grumpy hunger!”
“That I would not be able to lose weight as I had a thyroid problem.”
How convenient was each programme?
Weight Watchers®:
“The app was convenient, but the need to count and measure everything was quite oppressive! Following Weight Watchers® did take up a lot of waking thought (constantly working out what I could get with my allowance !)”
“The weekly meetings were not convenient.”
Slimming World®:
“Still a fair bit of counting and measuring, but not as much as Weight Watchers®. I still felt that Slimming World® took up a lot of waking thought.”
“These weekly meetings were also not convenient.”
Second Nature:
“Wasn’t too bad to fit into daily life. I spend less time measuring and counting things but do seem to spend more time planning and cooking meals. I think it takes a bit longer to get used to the guidelines, but I don’t feel Second Nature is as rigid or takes over my waking thoughts as much as the other clubs did. Knowing I can have a nice and satisfying main meal stops me obsessing about food in between meals.”
“I love that Second Nature is online, which makes it very convenient.”
What support was available?
Weight Watchers®:
“Online diary, recipes, and message boards/chat facilities, plus classes (which I didn’t enjoy as I am not a sociable participant in weight loss clubs!). The magazines (which I bought separately) were a good source of info and ideas that I could read privately. I never accessed any online advice”
“Mainly at the weekly meeting. Plus a guide book.”
Slimming World®:
“Online resources felt less developed than Weight Watchers® (although this was a while ago). Classes and magazines were the main support (again preferred magazines).”
“Also mainly at the weekly meeting. Plus I was given a guide book.”
Second Nature:
“The app with recipes plus access to a health coach (through the chat facility). The small groups of starters and the chat facility was also a support.”
“There is health coach support, support from peers, and support through the daily articles, which is all available online.”
What were the main challenges?
Weight Watchers®:
“I felt hungry and deprived whilst doing it and did not feel like a way of eating that I would want to sustain long term. I also hated the group meetings.”
“Getting to the meetings and counting points.”
Slimming World®:
“I also felt hungry and deprived whilst doing it. The online resources were not as extensive as Weight Watchers®. I also hated the group meetings.”
“Working out their system and getting to the meetings was challenging.”
Second Nature:
“Initially represented quite a major change in eating and cooking style and felt so wrong to use full-fat products but surprisingly it was quite easy to get used to and does feel like a way of eating that I could happily continue in the long term. The 12-week programme covered quite a lot of ground, which takes time to consolidate and learn.”
“Probably trying to achieve the exercise goals I have been set.”
What was your favourite aspect?
Weight Watchers®:
“That you could opt for an online-only programme and the online resources were good.”
“Probably occasionally going to the meetings with a friend.”
Slimming World®:
“That you could eat certain foods quite freely.”
“Also going to the meeting with a friend.”
Second Nature:
“The basic principles were easy to remember. I liked that Second Nature looked at all aspects of health and was a more forgiving but long-term approach. The focus was not just on weight loss but how you feel and your well-being. The basic principles were easy to remember. That it is run online and you can get as involved as much or as little as you like.”
“I love that I have really learnt so much, which I did not on the other programmes. I feel l now have a real understanding of nutrition science.”
Which was the best value for money?
“I would have to say that Second Nature has been the best value for money and the ability to drop out and get a refund within the first few weeks was comforting – a no risk trial!”
“As I did not stay on either Weight Watchers® or Slimming World® for long, I cannot say they were good value. There is slightly more cost with Second Nature, but the amount of support and quality information makes it much better value for money as the outcomes are far superior.”
Did you lose weight and keep it off?
Weight Watchers®:
“Yes I lost a bit but did not keep it off.”
“I lost a little but put it back on very quickly.”
Slimming World®:
“Yes I lost a bit but did not keep it off.”
“I lost a little bit did not keep it off.”
Second Nature:
“I have lost almost a stone and a half in the last 12 weeks. I hope to keep it off as I will not be changing the way I eat. I am confident that I will lose some more!”
“I am still on the program and have lost weight and feel that Second Nature is sustainable. My mindset has changed my motivation has improved, so I am confident that I will not put the weight that I have lost back on.”
Take home message
- When choosing a weight loss programme, it is important to consider your goals and what would fit into your lifestyle.
- Everyone is different and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss.
- Some people prefer having more rigid rules to follow, as with Weight Watchers® and Slimming World®, but others find it confusing.
- Weight Watchers® and Slimming World® seem to focus on diet, whereas Second Nature tackles weight loss from all angles (exercise, nutrition, sleep, mindset).
- Second Nature members seem confident that they have been given the tools to stay on track with their healthy habits in the long term, not just during the programme.
- Face-to-face meetings (provided by Weight Watchers® and Slimming World®) work for some people more than others, depending on how you’re motivated.
- Second Nature is totally online and app-based, which makes it easier to fit into daily life for some people.
Can you be referred by your doctor pls?
Please send me a free 5 day plan.
Hi Kirsteen, thanks for your interest in the Second Nature programme! To find out more and to trial the programme, please take our health quiz here
I’m interested in SN
Hi Linda, it’s great to hear that you’re interested! If you’d like to find out more about the programme and get signed up, please take our health quiz here
I’m interested in what SN has to offer
Hi Margaret, thanks for your comment! You can find out more about the Second Nature programme here
I am interested to see what your plan entails.
Hi Catherine, thanks for your interest in the programme! Second Nature is a holistic programme that helps you build healthier lifestyle habits around the way you eat, move and think. To find out more, just take our health quiz here
Hi
Due to a medical condition I need to incorporate rolled oats and ground flaxseeds in my diet every day, plus high fibre foods and fruits.
How does this fit in with your low carb regime please?
Hi Carleen, thanks for your question! Our nutrition recommendations are designed to be flexible to suit your requirements and preferences. On the programme, you’ll have a health coach supporting you and can help you adapt any recipes to ensure these foods can be incorporated. To find out more, take our health quiz here
Hi Carleen, I am a second nature customer. The SN approach to healthy eating includes good fats, good sources of fibre and healthier fruits. It is lower carb rather than very low carb, which is one of the things I really like about it. So the carbs come from wholemeal bread & pasta, brown rice, oats and other complex carbs. One of my favourite breakfasts is overnight oats which includes oats (obvs) and can include ground flaxseed and fruit. I think this approach would really suit your needs. The free trial should give you a chance to check out the approach and food choices.
Hi I am interested in what you have to offer as I feel that the time has come to loose wait and improve my health
Hi Jacqui, it’s great to hear that you’re interested! The Second Nature programme is a habit change programme that helps you build healthier lifestyle habits around the way you eat, move and think. To find out more, just take our health quiz here
I am really interested, however I need to know if having a pre existing back condition will have an impact as I won’t be able to do simple things like walking and running. I have degenerative discs ie slipped discs and have to lose weight for a possible spinal fusion operation. It is a very painful condition and walking for long periods and standing brings it on.Does the programme, bearing jn mind we are in lockdown in England, have doable exercises for someone in my position.?
Hi Rochelle, sorry to hear what you’re going through! We designed our programme to cater for people of many different abilities. That’s why all exercise recommendations you’ll see in our app can be adjusted to suit you. You can find out more by taking our health quiz here
Looking for a plan that will fit into a very busy lifestyle, I have no problem losing weight it’s keeping it off that has eluded me.
Hi Maria, thanks for your comment. Second Nature is a 12-week digital programme that helps you build healthier lifestyle habits around the way you eat, move, and think. We help you to maintain these habits for the long term. To find out more and get signed up, please take our quiz here
Friend said there is a lot of cooking from scratch
Don’t do that, I have ready made mwave meals, lots of bread.
What sort of meals are they
Hi Lyn, thanks for your question! Our nutrition guidelines are designed to be flexible and cater to a range of dietary requirements and preferences. We provide a broad list of ‘foods to choose’, all of which can be adapted – so you’ll have plenty of options! To find out more, please take our health quiz https://www.secondnature.io/get-plan?utm_source=guides&utm_medium=lifestyle&utm_campaign=weight_watchers_vs_slimming_world_comment_reply
I am interested in giving second nature a go. I have osteoarthritis in both knees, one hip and foot so exercise can be very painful. The lockdown hasn’t helped and I am now extremely overweight, very unhappy and feeling desperate to get my life back on track and be able to walk better!
Hi Viv, it’s great to hear that you’re interested in the Second Nature programme! We designed our programme to cater for people of many different abilities. That’s why all exercise recommendations you’ll see in our app can be adjusted to suit you. To find out more and get signed up, just take our health quiz here
I am three stone overweight, 72 years old and diagnosed with Copd, I have tried dieting with Slimming World but all I managed to lose was 8lbs, I also didn’t like going to the meetings. I would like to give your diet a try and hopefully lose some weight without feeling hungry all the time.
Hi Gill, thanks for your interest in the Second Nature programme! We’ll provide you with all the information you need to develop a weekly meal plan with filling, healthy meals. For more information on how the programme can help you, take our quiz here
Please can you update your information as it appears to be incorrect. WW (previously weightwatchers) has developed considerably since this article was written. There are live exercise classes, sleep trackers, meditation sessions, 3 different food plans, mindset coaching and 24 hour support available as well as the opportunity to select your own coach. This article is no longer representative… and there is currently a 3 month free trial. Thank you.
I would like to try the free five day triak
I would like to try a 5 day trial.
Many thanks.
Hi Karen, it’s great to hear that you’re interested in trialing the programme! To find out more and access our 5-day free trial, please take our health quiz here
I have congenital heart disease and since the lockdown have put on loads of weigh which is no good for me so I’m looking for some HELP!!!! Please
Hi Elaine, thanks for your comment! Please take our health quiz here to find out how Second Nature can help you 🙂
Hi,
Thank you for your email. I really am interested in trying second nature but I have a couple of things I would like to address. Firstly I have just had hernia surgery so if your program involves physical activity would it be a waste for me to start now as I have a 6 week recovery period. Secondly I do find you and other companies like noom quite expensive but your success rate is fantastic! So I wouldn’t mind paying the money if I knew it will work, but what I am finding difficult to understand is what it is that you actually provide other than support? Is there any substance?
Hope that makes sense!
Many thanks
Dean
Hi Dean, it’s great to hear that you’re interested in the programme! We designed our programme to cater for people of many different abilities. That’s why all exercise recommendations you’ll see in our app can be adjusted to suit you based on your current recovery. For more information on what we offer and how we can help you, please take our health quiz here
Thank you for your email Tamara, and the information within the guide which was helpful. I would like to try the programme over the 5 days to see if it’s what I am looking for but not for a week or so as I have a lot on at present so I am not in the right mindset to start as yet. Kind regards, Karen
How do you sign up for the free five day trial? The link just takes me to paid subscriptions
Interested need to lose weight as I have been told I am close to having type 2 diabetes
Hi Meranda, thanks for your interest in the programme! Second Nature is designed to help you implement health lifestyle changes, and many people at risk of diabetes are successfully following the programme. To find out more, take our health quiz here
Is it really 300 British pounds per month?? I like the approach, but that is hugely expensive! Maybe I read it wrong? I have done weight watchers jfor 18 months some years ago and found it really helpful, weight stayed off for a couple years. But at 74 years, my body needs attention as well as the “inputs”. But 300 pounds per month??
Hi Patricia, thanks for your interest in the programme! Sorry for any confusion caused regarding the cost. For more info on our programme and pricing options, take our health quiz here
I really need help with and sw 👎
Hi, I have a Hiatus hernia, Diverticulitular Disease so I have to be careful what I eat. I have joined SW several times but hate the groups & fuss so I drop out. Right now I have Planter Facilltus (I believe due to my 20 stone weight I believe so even walking is extremely painful.
Hi Colleen, it’s great to hear you’re interested in Second Nature! We provide broad guidelines that can be easily adapted to suit your dietary requirements, with guidance and support from your health coach, a registered dietitian or nutritionist. We designed our programme to cater for people of many different abilities, and so any exercise recommendations can be adapted to suit you. To find out more, please take our health quiz here
I have various auto-immune issues: Sjogrens Disease; Pernicious Anaemia: also prediabetic and diverticular disease. Mobility problems exacerbated by obesity.
Hi Lynda, thanks for your interest in the programme! We designed our programme to cater for people of many different abilities, as well being flexible to suit various health conditions. To find out more how Second Nature can help you, take our health quiz here
Are you able to include some dairy free meals or does your whole plan have to be dairy free if you choose that option? My daughter has a milk allergy so I want to include her in lots of meals I prepare but dont want to not include dairy all of the time.
Hi Melissa, thanks for your question! We provide broad guidelines that can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences and most dietary requirements. During the programme, your health coach, who’ll be a registered dietitian or nutritionist, can help you make substitutions for foods to suit your needs. You can find out more about Second Nature by taking our health quiz here
I want or need to loose weight.
Having surgery on my back.
Hi Kerrie, thanks for your interest in the programme! To find out more about how our programme can help you, take our health quiz here
I was looking at weight watchers and came across your program. I have to be careful with food as I have kidney disease with high potassium. Is your program safe for me?
Barb Young
Hi Barbara, thanks for your interest in the programme! Unfortunately, we don’t have specific recommendations for kidney function. However, our nutrition guidelines are designed to be flexible and cater to a range of dietary requirements and preferences. If you’re aware of which foods you can’t eat, we’ll help you alter the recipes to avoid these foods. However, we’re unable to provide any specific medical or dietary advice related to kidney disease. We’d recommend letting you GP know if you join the programme and that you continue to manage your condition with your GP alongside the programme. To find out more, take our health quiz here
Want to see what second nature diet for first week looks like?
Hi Marty, it’s great to hear that you’re interested in trialing the programme. We offer a two-week risk free trial! You would join the programme as normal, pay the first month of the programme and then within the first two weeks of your start date, if you decide the programme is not for you, you can let us know and we will refund you your payment. To find out more, take our health quiz here
Would like to try for 5 days
Hi Lucy, thanks for getting in touch! You can try the 5 day plan by downloading the app from the App Store/Google Play store and signing up to our free programme. You can find out more by taking our health quiz here
I am a “young” active and fairly fit 71 year old, however lock down has done me no favours! Although I try and keep active, walking, cycling, tennis and gardening, doing my 10,000 steps a day, I am not losing weight or any fat! The problem is getting through another day deserves a treat, chocolate, ice cream or wine, sometimes all 3!! I’m not really good at online things so I am reluctant to sign up although it is appealing. I never got to grips with weight watchers, too complicated. Slimming World worked for me first time and I reached target and stayed on it for over a year. I’ve tried it since but never found the right class and the leader had to be really motivational for me to stick at it, so have failed subsequently. Not sure what to do next and am getting quite depressed looking at my increasing layers of fat!
I think your information on Sw is inaccurate. Please be careful as this does not give me a lot of confidence in your programme.
I’m not very mobile, hence I’ve gained weight and my blood pressure is a little elevated
If I’m not doing something I can just mindless eat. Please help.
I did start weight watchers 6 years ago I was 14stone 8pounds. I am now 13st 3pounds and have been that weight for over a year. At the moment I have arthritis in my hip and knees. I also have a hernia and waiting for a hospital appointment. Hence have to loose weight. I would like to try the 5day free trial. Thank you
Having tried both SW and WW several times I would love to try SN but it is just too expensive for me!
Can totally agree with the article. I have also tried for years to lose weight and maintain the new me. I love Second Nature’s approach. So well rounded and the mind wants to do well and the body follows. Love the connection of inspiring people who connect back to me. Have and will recommend this to anyone who will listen. Love the exercise and the mindset improvement. Thankyou
I previously enrolled with Second Nature but had to cancel due to financial reasons. I am now ready and looking forward to a fresh start on 6th January with the hope that community support and a fresh mindset will help me succeed.
hi deb
It was over a year ago you rejoined. How are things now? Where are you weight and health wise? Thx
hi debs
I saw your email in nov 2019. Hope you are feeling well in these exceptional times. Where are you now regarding weight loss? How affordable did the program end up? Thanks
Still a bit concerned as I am allergic to sugars/sweeteners so cannot eat fruit or beet veg… too much carb is bad for me too and wheat isn’t great… I think I’d feel better if I could see an example of the meals. I have breakfast of porridge, linseed, sunflower seeds mixed with aN unflavoured soy protein shake Which is the best meal of my day. I’m not vegan nor vegetarian but prefer chicken and fish….
Hi Ann, thanks for your response! When you join the Second Nature you are allocated a registered nutritionist or dietitian health coach, who can tailor the nutrition recommendations to suit any dietary preferences and allergies. Our nutritionists have devised hundreds of simple, satisfying recipes, which you can see examples of in our diet plan guide. Once you complete our health quiz, you are also sent an example 5-day meal plan.
I have only followed the 5 day free trial of Second Nature so far and am very happy to say that I feel brilliant on it. I have lost an amazing 6lbs and am eating delicious foods without any hunger pangs. I have had the occasional urge for chocolate but the fact that I feel less bloated and more energised without it has helped me stay on track.
I’m considering ourpath. I need to wait until finances are a little easier, but also acknowledge that I’m making decisions about where to put my money and perhaps need to re-prioritise my health over other spending. I went to a local WW group and hated it as I could see that hearts and minds had not been changed at all. It seemed a room full of excuse-makers rather than people wanting to change their lives. However, every group will be a little different… This was just one group.
I would like to sign up for 6 months pls
I am interested but travel frequently. What happens if I travel during the 3 month period?
Thank you for this information. I am currently living in Australia. Would this be an issue at all ? I completely understand about the time difference so it may be a bit trickier to contact someone but barring weekends if I wanted to contact you what is your average response time ?
would just like to loose weight to stop any further illnesse
I have done both SW and WW. I lost 26lb in 18 months with SW but put it all back on because I started eating white bread/flour products again which are addictive to me. I was bored with the SW diet so switched to WW I tracked and stuck to my blue dots every day, I even did the couch to 5k I lost only 9lb in a year and felt cheated. I found the WW app very good, SW not so much. I enjoyed the meetings at both of the clubs. I have great hopes with Second Nature and am extremely motivated, I do have strong willpower but it only takes an upset to knock me off track.
I am thinking Second Nature would be a grest help for me.
Hi, I like the sound of this plan, but none of them really deal with the real issue – emotional eating. And I would venture to guess that a high percentage of people do that. I have a BSc in nutrition and know HOW to eat, it’s the emotional part that gets me. I eat due to stress and find myself throwing any plan out the window. I understand it’s all about change, but until someone addresses the underlying cause of over-eating, I don’t feel confident that any will help me.
Hi Joan, thank you for raising a very important point. The Second Nature programme aims to tackle weight loss from all angles, including mindset (motivation, mindfulness and habit change). By using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to develop the programme, we ensure that you feel supported and confident in making long-term healthy lifestyle changes. Many people on the programme also benefit from the support of their qualified health coach and online group with other users if they are feeling overwhelmed or distressed. To find out more, take our health quiz here.
Very interested in your plan, currently feel due to taking medication losing weight seems to be impossible. I have tried both SW and WW in the past but always put the weight back on. Using Fitbit which shows a resting heart rate on 56 do you think it is possible on your scheme to help me loose weight.
I feel that from the years of yoyo dieting I know lots about losing weight but really know nothing.
I have had had cancer of the womb which I’m sure is down to to being obese. At 57 is it too late to feel healthy again and have the energy to be motivated to exercise?
Hi Cathy, thank you for your response. I am sorry to hear about the various challenges you have faced. It is never too late to start making healthy lifestyle changes. The Second Nature programme focusses on helping you build healthy habits and tackling weight loss from all angles, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindset. Our daily articles provide you with some education around all these topics to ensure that the changes you make are sustainable and long term. In addition, you get support from your personal health coach as well as an online group. To find out more, take our health quiz here.
Second Nature looks really interesting to me. I am just 60 and am heavier than I have ever been. I’ve tried WW and SW but I am not having much success. I have joint issues with my knee and ankle which makes exercising difficult, but I know that my weight is making these issues worse, so it’s a vicious circle. I just want to feel better and healthier again.
Hi Joan. Thank you so much for your comment. I am sorry to hear that you have struggled to lose weight in the past. With Second Nature, your dedicated health coach can provide you with personalised support and guidance on the best exercises that account for any issues or injuries. We focus on helping you to make long-term healthy lifestyle changes, rather than quick fixes or fad diets. To find out more, take our health quiz here.
I only need a three months plan. I have lost three stone and I am still 19stone. My goal has always been 17 stone. I was going to slimming world and stopped because I was also and still am going to diabetes group and slimming world was not for me.
Hi Ian, thanks for your response! It’s great to hear you are moving towards your goal. Second Nature is certainly suitable for those living with type 2 diabetes. To date, we have helped numerous Second Nature members living with type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control. Our nutrition guidelines adopt a lower-carbohydrate approach. We do recommend that you check in with your GP or practice nurse throughout the programme in case medications need to be adjusted. Take our health quiz to find out more.
I have Salicylate sensitivity so it makes eating lots of fruit and veg difficult
How could this be incorporated
Hi Abi, thank you for raising an important point. You can certainly still join the Second Nature programme. When you join, you are assigned to one of our qualified health coaches, who are registered dietitians and nutritionists. They will be your mentor and can tailor the programme to suit your dietary requirements and intolerances. Take our health quiz to find out more.
having read the above….i have three comments to make…..
1. refer a friend on SW….you can…….you also get a week free for yourself when the offer is running
2.include family on SW….you can easily
3. reviewer left a comment that they felt hungry on SW….this is clear that they were NOT doing it correctly, as there is NEVER a need to feel hungry on plan,
I am a SW member and have lost over 5stone, making lifestyle changes is NOT a quick fix, its for life, .
I have done weight watchers in the past and lost weight with the plan but as soon as you relax on the plan the weight creeps back on again! I would like to try Second Nature but I am not happy with having to pay £30 up front without being able to view the diet to see if it’s the kind of food I would enjoy, this makes me feel that either it’s rather grim or you have something to hide, if not then I would expect you to show at least a single day’s menus.
Hi Kathryn, thank you for your comment. We agree that it is important to show people what sort of food they will be eating on Second Nature, which is why we email you a free 5-day example meal plan when you complete our health quiz. We also have a free version of the app, which you can find by downloading the Second Nature app and selecting ‘Free Plan’. The free version does not include all of the features, so if you would like to try the full version we do offer a 2-week risk-free trial period where you can cancel at any point in the first 2-weeks and receive a full refund if you decide the programme isn’t right for you.
It’s a shame the free app isn’t available on Android.
The WW app has recipe’s as well as a link to Headspace for motivation so you need to go back and do some further research. I tried SW once, but it didn’t work as the person taking the class had her own clique of friends and if you weren’t part of that clique you were excluded. I did do WW many years ago and got to goal, but the weight did go back on again (due to clinical depression). I’ve tried the Second Nature for a week now and all I’ve felt – literally – all week is bloated and I haven’t lost so much as an ounce. Needless to say I’m not terribly impressed right now. I will say that the support is amazing and the recipes are very tasty indeed but I’m not a little despondent about it. I’ll give it another week but if, before my two week trial is up, I’m still feeling the same, then I’ll be cancelling. It’s a shame as it’s worked for a family member who recommended me to you.
Hi Liz, thank you for the feedback! The section about recipes addresses whether or not they have recipe videos in the app, which WW do not. Regarding WW being affiliated with Headspace, Second Nature also promotes mindfulness and we recommend Headspace to our members, however this is not covered in this particular guide. I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling a bit despondent about the plan right now. The first thing I would suggest is reaching out to your mentor and letting them know how you feel. They can offer support and tailor the programme (including the dietary recommendations) to suit you and provide some strategies to help with your symptoms. The other thing to bear in mind is that often it can take longer than a week to see any changes reflected on the scales. Try to think of this programme as a healthy lifestyle change journey, rather than a quick fix. I hope you’re feeling better soon manage to keep persevering!
Slimming World allows teenagers do register and they have a separate type of plan. We attend as a family and under 16 are free. There is also promotions of refer a friend.
I followed WW about 17 years ago (I didn’t pay, just took my sister’s books!) and lost 1.5-2 stone easily. I maintained my weight for 10-11 years, but due to a change of job and some personal stuff the weight has crept back on. I’m now on their new plan which I’m finding a bit more strict (chocolate is lot more points than it used to be) but the weight is coming off even if I’m outside of my points on a few days.
I see my reply, which was critical of the inaccurate way in which Weight Watchers is depicted, has been removed. This, to me, is further proof that I was correct and that “Second Nature” isn’t about actually helping people, it’s all about slamming the competition and making money for yourselves. Why else, instead of addressing critics, would you remove criticisms?
Hi Jane, thank you for your comment! Feedback is certainly welcome. We want our content to provide people with accurate information so they can make informed decisions. For that reason, we unpublish comments that make claims that are not consistent with our research until we have further explored the issue. We unpublished your previous comment while we investigate it further and accordingly adjust the content. I will email you privately to address your points in more detail and create a forum for discussion.
i have done ww and sw i much prefeer slimming world as it gives you incentive ie raffels and best slimmer of week but ww is free on nh prpgramme but no good even for weighing in weekly as leader is useless slimming orld their scale were wrong most of the time so i got to gole but did not really as scaleswere wrong
I am a member of Sliiming World. and in 6 weeks have lost 1st 2.5lbs. As someone who is nearly 70 and has always struggled with weight I find that pretty amazing. I have never felt hungry on the plan and the weighing and measuring are minimal. Love the meetings though am not really a fan of all girl { and apart from a couple of guys) groups. Love the awards system and the fact that I can text my consultant and get a quick response to any queries. The website is great; I can record my food intake, my weight loss, my exercise and my awards. The food optimising system isn’t rocket science and I like the fact that I can eat ‘free’ foods at any time and as much as I like. I feel this is an eating plan I will be able to follow for the rest of my life and I can easily vary meals to cater for my (tall, slim, younger) husband.
On of my main reasons for wishing to lose weight is that I was diagnosed as being in danger of developing diabetes. My health adviser has approved Slimming World as a way to lose weight and reduce blood sugar.
I have tried slimming world which I didnt get on with,and I’m current on weight watchers.I have lost a stone and a half,I go to meetings every week and my coach is fantastic.All the group are so friendly and supportive.Weight watchers is so easy to follow,and the app is very easy to use,Its not just a diet but a way of changing what you eat,that encourages motivation too.
I would like to sign up for a month. If the program works I will continue. Can you give me a quote for 1 month.
Hi Claire, thank you for your comment! Unfortunately, we do not offer the programme for 1 month, the full core programme lasts for 3 months. We do, however, offer a 2-week risk-free trial period where you can cancel at any point in the first 2-weeks and receive a full refund if you decide the programme isn’t right for you. To find out more, take our health quiz here.
I’m following Second Nature basic programme and find it inspirational. It’s giving me the insight that I’ve lacked when I’ve followed weight loss plans before. I’ve used both WW and SW successfully in the past but my problem has been finding continued motivation when the going gets tough.
Thanks to Second Nature I’m feeling full of energy, loosing weight, eating and sleeping well using the tools and techniques I’ve learnt from the app’s Toolbox. Its a great resource for the future. Thank you.