Zoe vs Second Nature

Jump to: Core Approach Differences | Clinical Credibility & NHS Partnership | Testing Requirements & Food Tracking | Cost & Commitment | Support & Coaching | Take Home Message

This article is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of July 2025.

When choosing between ZOE and Second Nature in 2025, you’re selecting between two fundamentally different approaches to health and weight management.

Second Nature focuses on sustainable behaviour change through psychology-based coaching and flexible nutrition with the option of weight-loss medication, while ZOE emphasises personalised diet recommendations based on your biological responses to food.

The most significant differences between these programmes are:

• Core approach: Second Nature is psychology-focused and builds sustainable habits, while ZOE is biology-focused and analyses your gut microbiome and food responses
• Medication options: Second Nature offers both medication-supported (Wegovy/Mounjaro) and non-medication programmes, while ZOE only offers non-medication approaches
• Testing requirements: ZOE requires gut microbiome, blood sugar, and blood fat testing (£299.99 upfront), while Second Nature doesn’t require testing for its standard programme. Still, our medication programme requires a clinical assessment to ensure eligibility.
• NHS partnership: Second Nature has been delivering NHS-commissioned services since 2017, while ZOE is a private-only service
• Food tracking: ZOE requires weighing and tracking everything you eat for scoring in their app, while Second Nature makes food tracking optional

This guide will help you understand which approach aligns better with your health goals, preferences, and budget.

ZOE vs Second Nature: At-a-glance comparison

Feature	Second Nature	ZOE
Core Approach	Psychology-based habit formation focusing on sustainable weight loss	Biology-based personalised nutrition using gut microbiome and food response testing
Medication Options	Both medication-supported (£229-£299/month) and non-medication (£28-£38/month) programmes	Non-medication programme only
NHS Partnership	Used by NHS since 2017; two-thirds of UK Health Boards use Second Nature	No NHS partnership
Food Tracking	Optional tracking; no weighing required	Required tracking and weighing of all food for app scoring
Testing Required	None for our standard programme (health questionnaire only), but our medication programme requires a clinical assessment	Gut microbiome, blood sugar, and blood fat tests (£299.99)
Minimum Commitment	£9.99 for 14-day trial (non-medication)	£359.98 (£299.99 test kit + £59.99 first month)
Average Weight Loss	5.67kg after 3 months; 6.2kg after 12 months; 6.5kg after 12 weeks on our medication programme	4kg after 3 months
Signup Time	Same day start; 1-3 day approval period for our medication programme	1-2 month waiting list (as of 2025)

Clinical credibility & NHS partnership

Second Nature: NHS-trusted approach

Second Nature has built a strong foundation of clinical trust and evidence since its inception.

Since 2017, the NHS has commissioned Second Nature to deliver weight loss and type 2 diabetes programmes across the UK, with two-thirds of all UK NHS Health and Care boards now using Second Nature services.

This partnership with the NHS reflects the confidence healthcare professionals place in Second Nature’s approach, which is grounded in behaviour change psychology and sustainable habit formation.

The effectiveness of Second Nature’s approach is supported by peer-reviewed research:

• Members lose an average of 5.67kg (12.5lbs) after three months
• A study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care showed participants lost an average of 6.2kg (13.6lbs) after 12 months
• Second Nature’s approach was shown to be twice as effective as other digital weight loss programmes in NHS trials
• A study published in JMIR Formative Research demonstrated that Second Nature’s GLP-1 medication-supported programme helped participants achieve significant weight loss of 6.5kg after 12 weeks with high engagement and minimal administration difficulties

ZOE: Research-driven

ZOE takes a different approach, focusing on personalised nutrition through biological testing. While ZOE doesn’t have NHS partnerships, it was developed in collaboration with scientists from King’s College London, and has conducted its own research:

• ZOE participants lose an average of 4kg (9lbs) after three months
• ZOE’s approach is based on the PREDICT studies, which analyse how individuals respond differently to the same foods
• Long-term data is still being collected as ZOE is a newer programme

While both programmes are evidence-based, Second Nature’s longer track record of NHS partnership and published clinical outcomes provides additional reassurance for those seeking a clinically validated approach to weight loss and health.

Testing requirements & food tracking

The approaches to testing and food tracking represent one of the most significant practical differences between these programmes, affecting both your upfront commitment and daily experience.

ZOE’s testing-first approach

ZOE’s programme is built around personalised biological testing:

• Initial testing required: Gut microbiome test (stool sample), blood fat test, and continuous glucose monitoring for 14 days
• Test process: You’ll wear a glucose monitor on your arm for two weeks, eat specially designed test foods, and provide blood and stool samples
• Waiting period: After joining a 1-2 month waiting list, you’ll spend about six weeks testing and then wait 4-6 weeks for results
• Food tracking: You must weigh and track everything you eat in the ZOE app, which then scores your meals from 0-100 based on your biological responses
• Colour-coded system: Foods are categorised from red (avoid) to green (recommended) based on your personal test results

Second Nature’s psychology-first approach

Second Nature focuses on behaviour change without requiring biological testing:

• No testing required: The standard programme involves only a health questionnaire to understand your goals and health status
• Immediate start: You can download the app, meet your health coach, and begin the programme on the same day you sign up
• Optional food tracking: You can use the food diary and journaling tools if you find them helpful, but they’re not required
• No food scoring system: Second Nature doesn’t label foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ instead focusing on building a healthy relationship with all foods
• Sustainable mindset: The goal is to develop intuitive, flexible eating habits that you can maintain long-term without strict tracking

The impact on your experience

Research has shown that extremely detailed food tracking and categorising foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ can potentially lead to disordered eating patterns in some people.

Second Nature’s approach acknowledges that sustainable weight loss needs to address psychological factors alongside nutrition.

For those who are data-driven and fascinated by their biological responses to food, ZOE’s detailed testing may be appealing.

For those who have struggled with restrictive diets or want a more flexible approach, Second Nature’s focus on psychology and habit formation may be more sustainable.

Cost & commitment comparison

Understanding the financial investment and commitment required for each programme is crucial for making an informed decision:

ZOE: higher upfront cost

• Test kit cost: £299.99 upfront for gut microbiome, blood sugar, and blood fat testing
• Monthly subscription: £59.99 per month standard rate
• Discounted options:
  • Annual fee: £299.88 (equivalent to £24.99/month)
  • 4-month fee: £159.96 (equivalent to £39.99/month)
• Minimum commitment: £359.98 (£299.99 test kit + £59.99 first month)
• Wait time: Typically 1-2 month waiting list before you can start (as of 2025)

Second Nature: flexible options

Standard Programme (Non-Medication)

• Trial period: £9.99 for 14 days (can cancel anytime during this period)
• Monthly plans:
  • 3 months: £38 per month
  • 6 months: £33 per month
  • 12 months: £28 per month
• Minimum commitment: £9.99 (14-day trial)
• Start time: Immediate start after completing the health quiz

Medication-supported programme

• Monthly cost: £229, rising to £299 at higher medication doses with £100 off the first month
• What’s included: Medication (Mounjaro), health coach support, app access
• No trial period: The medication programme doesn’t include a trial option, as medications can’t be returned but you can cancel at any time

Value consideration

While ZOE has a significantly higher upfront cost and minimum commitment, it provides unique biological insights through its testing.

Second Nature offers a much lower barrier to entry with its trial period and lower monthly costs, making it accessible to try without a major financial commitment.

The higher cost of Second Nature’s medication programme reflects the inclusion of prescription medications (Mounjaro) alongside the full support programme.

Support & coaching approach

Both programmes offer support, but there are important differences in how this support is structured and delivered:

Second Nature: human-centred coaching

Second Nature places significant emphasis on human connection and support:

• Registered nutritionists and dietitians: Access to qualified health professionals who provide personalised guidance
• Small group support: Join a community of others on similar journeys for accountability and shared experiences
• Psychology-based approach: Focus on understanding your relationship with food and building sustainable habits
• Daily articles: Learn about nutrition, psychology, sleep, exercise, and stress management through engaging content
• Recipe library: Over 300 nutritionist-designed recipes to support your journey

ZOE: technology-driven guidance

ZOE’s approach is more focused on technology and biological data:

• Personalised food scores: Algorithm-generated scores for foods based on your biological testing
• Nutritionist support: Basic guidance available, but less emphasis on one-to-one coaching
• App-based recommendations: Primary support comes through the app interface and scoring system
• Educational content: Information about gut health and metabolic responses to food

Which support style suits you?

If you’ve struggled with weight loss in the past despite knowing what you ‘should’ eat, Second Nature’s focus on the psychological aspects of eating behaviour and human coaching may be more beneficial.

The combination of professional guidance and peer support creates accountability and addresses the emotional aspects of eating.

If you’re scientifically minded and motivated by data and tracking, ZOE’s approach of providing biological insights might be more appealing. The scoring system can provide clear feedback on food choices based on your personal biology.

Take home message

Both Second Nature and ZOE offer innovative approaches to health and weight management, but they address fundamentally different needs and preferences:

Choose Second Nature if you value:

• Psychology-based approach: Focus on understanding your relationship with food and developing sustainable habits
• Human support: Access to registered dietitians/nutritionists and peer group accountability
• Flexibility: No mandatory food tracking or restrictive categorisation of foods
• NHS partnership: Confidence in a programme used by the NHS since 2017
• Medication option: Access to Mounjaro within a comprehensive support programme if desired
• Lower barrier to entry: £9.99 trial period and immediate start (for non-medication programme)
• Proven long-term results: Published data showing sustained weight loss at 12 months

Choose ZOE if you prioritise:

• Biological testing: Detailed insights into your gut microbiome and metabolic responses
• Data-driven approach: Clear scoring system for foods based on your personal biology
• Gut health focus: Particular emphasis on improving your microbiome composition
• Structured food guidance: Specific recommendations on which foods to include or limit
• Scientific curiosity: Interest in the cutting-edge research behind personalised nutrition

If you’ve spent years jumping from one restrictive diet to another and feel you need a different approach that addresses the psychological aspects of eating, Second Nature might be your better option.

Our focus on building a healthier relationship with food, combined with human support and NHS validation, provides a foundation for sustainable change.

If you’re fascinated by the science of how your body responds to different foods and prefer a data-driven approach to optimisation, ZOE’s biological testing may be worth the investment.

Remember that sustainable change comes from finding an approach that aligns with your personal preferences, lifestyle, and goals; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to health and weight management.

Second Nature’s medication programme

Second Nature also provides Wegovy and Mounjaro as part of our medication-supported weight-loss programmes.

If you’re interested in exploring medication-supported weight loss, our comprehensive approach combines effective medications with the psychological support needed for long-term success.