Ashcroft Pharmacy vs Second Nature

Second Nature vs Ashcroft Pharmacy: At-a-glance comparison

Feature	Second Nature	Ashcroft Pharmacy
Core Approach	Psychology-based habit formation alongside medication	Medication-first with self-managed weight loss
NHS Partnership	NHS-commissioned since 2017, used by over half of UK Health Boards	GPhC-licensed pharmacy, no NHS programmes
Clinical Evidence	Multiple peer-reviewed publications showing 6.2kg average weight loss at 12 months	Relies on drug trial data for effectiveness claims
Health Support	UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists with GLP-1 expertise	Prescriber check-ins via phone/email
Medication Options	Mounjaro	Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Rybelsus
Digital Tools	Custom-built app with tracking, recipes, and education	Free e-book with nutrition information
Weight Loss Claims	6.2kg average at 12 months (NHS trial); 6.5kg after 12 weeks on medication	References medication trial data (e.g., Wegovy’s 15% weight loss)
Monthly Cost	£229-£299/month (all-inclusive with £100 of the first month)	£119.99-£140/pen (medication only)
Post-medication Planning	Comprehensive transition strategies and ongoing support	Self-managed approach with basic resources
User Satisfaction	4.6/5 from 7,600 Trustpilot reviews	4.8/5 from 5,287 Trustpilot reviews

Clinical credibility & NHS partnership

The foundation of any effective weight management programme lies in its clinical validation and evidence base. This becomes especially important when medication is involved.

Second Nature: NHS-trusted approach

At Second Nature, we’ve built our reputation on a strong foundation of clinical trust and evidence since our inception.

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

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

The effectiveness of our approach is supported by peer-reviewed research published in the British Medical Journal:

• Our members lose 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

More recently, we published research on our medication-supported programme in JMIR Formative Research, showing that participants lost an average of 6.5 kg (6.4% of body weight) after 3 months, with 62.5% achieving at least a 5% weight loss.

Ashcroft Pharmacy: Established medication provider

Ashcroft Pharmacy operates as a GPhC-licensed pharmacy, offering certified medications and providing a reliable source for weight-loss treatments.

Their approach centres on medication provision, accompanied by basic support materials, including free needles, alcohol wipes, and sharps bins, with medication orders.

For their weight loss outcomes, Ashcroft Pharmacy primarily references drug trial data (e.g., Wegovy’s 15% weight loss in clinical studies) rather than data specific to their service provision.

While they provide a free e-book with practical health and nutrition advice, there is no structured, programme-specific research examining their effectiveness compared to medication-only approaches.

Programme structure & philosophy

The underlying philosophy of a weight-loss programme profoundly influences not just your immediate results, but your relationship with food, body, and health for years to come.

Second Nature: Building sustainable habits alongside medication

At Second Nature, our programme is built on a foundation of behavioural science, developed through years of NHS collaboration.

We recognise that lasting weight loss requires more than willpower or medication alone.

Rather than focusing solely on the effects of medication, we help you understand the complex interplay between your biology, psychology, and environment that influences your eating patterns and weight.

Our approach includes:

• Building sustainable habits that work with your unique body and lifestyle
• A non-restrictive nutrition philosophy that doesn’t require calorie counting
• Structured educational content based on clinical evidence
• An intuitive app with food journals, recipes, and progress tracking
• Supportive peer groups with others on similar journeys
• Both medication-supported and non-medication options

Our framework acknowledges that weight loss isn’t simply about willpower or discipline; it’s about creating an ecosystem of habits and understanding supporting your health in the long term.

We view medication as a tool that works best when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes.

Ashcroft Pharmacy: Medication-focused approach

Ashcroft Pharmacy positions itself as a medication provider with a straightforward approach:

• Focus on providing medications at competitive prices
• Online consultation followed by medication delivery
• Basic prescriber check-ins via phone/email
• Free e-book with practical health and nutrition advice
• Self-managed weight loss using provided resources
• Wide range of medication options (Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Rybelsus)
• Fast, discreet delivery service

Their approach is particularly suited to individuals who prefer independent management of their weight loss journey with medication support but minimal ongoing programme structure.

Support & coaching

When taking weight-loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, having the right support transforms your experience, helping you navigate side effects, adjust your eating patterns, and maintain motivation through challenges.

Second Nature: Professional guidance and peer support

At Second Nature, we provide access to UK-registered dietitians and nutritionists who specialise in supporting members on weight-loss injections.

These qualified professionals are available five days a week via both group and private chat as part of your standard programme cost.

Our health coaches receive specific training in side effect management, ensuring you receive personalised guidance through the physical and emotional challenges that sometimes arise during medication treatment.

We place 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.

Our programme is explicitly designed with post-medication life in mind:

• Focus on sustainable habit formation from your very first day
• 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

Ashcroft Pharmacy: Basic medication support

Ashcroft Pharmacy offers fundamental support focused on medication management:

• Basic prescriber check-ins via phone and email
• Free e-book containing practical health and nutrition advice
• Medication accessories (needles, alcohol wipes, sharps bins) provided free
• Fast delivery service for continued medication supply

Their approach relies on patient self-management, assuming that individuals can independently navigate their weight loss journey using the provided medication and basic resources.

This can work well for highly motivated individuals who prefer minimal programme structure and are confident in managing their own dietary and lifestyle changes.

Pricing & accessibility

Understanding the full financial commitment helps you make an informed decision that aligns with both your health goals and financial circumstances.

Comprehensive pricing overview

Second Nature options:

• Without medication: £28-£38/month after £9.99 trial
• With Mounjaro: £229-£299 monthly (£100 off the first month; increases with higher doses)
• Minimum commitment: £9.99 (14-day trial) for non-medication programme

Ashcroft Pharmacy pricing:

• Mounjaro: £140/pen (starting dose), rising to £195 at highest dose
• Wegovy: £119.99/pen (starting dose), rising to £240 at highest dose
• Included accessories: Free needles, alcohol wipes, and sharps bins
• Support materials: Free e-book with nutrition guidance

While Ashcroft Pharmacy’s per-pen pricing appears significantly lower, the difference reflects what is included in each service.

At Second Nature, our monthly fee includes:

• Medication costs and delivery
• Full access to our app with 300+ recipes
• Support from our registered dietitians and nutritionists
• Placement in peer support groups
• All educational content and habit-forming tools
• Post-medication transition planning

Ashcroft Pharmacy’s offering includes:

• Medication costs and delivery
• Free injection accessories
• Basic prescriber check-ins
• Free e-book with nutrition advice

Long-term outcomes

The true measure of any weight management programme lies not just in initial weight loss, but in sustainable health improvements that enhance your quality of life for years to come.

Second Nature: Building for lasting results

At Second Nature, our outcomes approach focuses on:

• Sustainable weight loss: 6.2kg average at 12 months (NHS trial); 6.5kg after 12 weeks on our medication programme
• Metabolic health: Improving broader markers beyond just weight
• Habit formation: Creating enduring lifestyle patterns that support health
• User satisfaction: 4.6/5 on Trustpilot across 7,600 reviews
• Post-medication planning: Comprehensive strategies for maintaining results long-term

Our approach acknowledges that while dramatic weight loss makes compelling marketing, more moderate, sustainable changes often lead to better long-term health outcomes.

We’ve seen that without proper support, many people regain weight after stopping medication. That’s why we help you build the psychological and practical foundations for lasting success.

Ashcroft Pharmacy: Medication-focused outcomes

Ashcroft Pharmacy emphasises:

• Medication effectiveness: References clinical trial outcomes (e.g., Wegovy’s 15% weight loss in studies)
• Cost efficiency: Lower medication costs enable longer treatment periods
• User satisfaction: 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from 5,000+ reviews
• Accessibility: Fast delivery and straightforward prescription process

Their outcomes primarily reflect medication effectiveness rather than programme-specific results, with success largely dependent on individual self-management capabilities.

Take home message

Weight-loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy can be transformative when used appropriately. The key question is whether you want medication alone or medication combined with comprehensive support for lasting change.

Your choice between Second Nature and Ashcroft Pharmacy should reflect your personal health philosophy, support preferences, and long-term goals.

Choose Second Nature if you value:

• Evidence-based approach: NHS partnership and peer-reviewed clinical outcomes providing peace of mind
• Comprehensive support: UK-registered dietitians with extensive GLP-1 medication expertise
• Sustainable philosophy: Learning habits that last beyond medication
• Community support: Peer groups and ongoing professional guidance
• Post-medication planning: Comprehensive strategies for life after medication
• Holistic approach: Psychology-based understanding of eating behaviours
• Proven satisfaction: Higher ratings across thousands of independent reviews

Choose Ashcroft Pharmacy if you value:

• Cost efficiency: Lower medication costs for budget-conscious users
• Self-management: Confidence in managing your own weight loss journey
• Medication variety: Access to multiple medication options (Saxenda, Rybelsus)
• Simplicity: Straightforward medication provision without programme complexity
• Speed: Fast access to medications with minimal programme requirements

At Second Nature, we believe sustainable weight management continues long after medication use ends. Our programme teaches you how to build a healthier relationship with food and your body through understanding habits, not just relying on medication.

If you’ve tried multiple approaches to weight loss and want comprehensive support for lasting change, our NHS-validated approach provides the foundation for sustainable success.

If you’re confident in self-managing your weight loss journey and primarily need access to affordable medication, Ashcroft Pharmacy offers a straightforward, cost-effective solution.

Remember that the ultimate goal isn’t just weight loss, but creating a healthier relationship with your body that supports your wellbeing for life.

Second Nature’s medication programme

At Second Nature, we provide Mounjaro as part of our medication-supported weight-loss programme.

Why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers if you’ve decided to try Mounjaro (assuming you’re eligible)?

For peace of mind.

We’ve worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.

While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built it focusing 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.