Jump to: Similarities between SheMed and Second Nature | Differences between SheMed and Second Nature | Take home message
SheMed and Second Nature are both weight-loss programmes offering medication alongside digital support to help people achieve sustainable weight loss.
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our comprehensive weight-loss programme, while SheMed offers a female-focused approach with GLP-1 medications.
Second Nature also offers a weight-loss programme without medication, which you can learn more about here.
The most significant difference between SheMed and Second Nature is their level of experience and established credibility in the healthcare sector.
Second Nature has been operating for over 7 years, working directly with the NHS to support patients living with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Second Nature has published extensive clinical data demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness during this time.
By comparison, SheMed is a newer entrant to the market, focusing specifically on women’s weight loss needs with a subscription-based model that includes at-home blood testing.
Both programmes have their unique strengths, which we’ve summarised below to help you decide which might better suit your needs.
Similarities between SheMed and Second Nature
Both SheMed and Second Nature share several key similarities in their approach to weight management:
1. Medication-supported weight loss: Both programmes offer GLP-1 medications to support weight loss alongside lifestyle changes.
2. Digital app-based support: Both provide app-based platforms to track progress, access resources, and connect with health professionals.
3. Clinical oversight: Both programmes include support from healthcare professionals to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
4. Focus on sustainable results: Both emphasise that medications work best when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes.
5. Subscription model: Both operate on a monthly subscription basis, including medication and support.
Differences between SheMed and Second Nature
1) NHS partnership and clinical evidence
Second Nature has established a strong relationship with the NHS since 2017, delivering weight loss and type 2 diabetes programmes across the UK.
Over half of all UK NHS Health and Care boards use Second Nature services.
This NHS partnership provides peace of mind that you’re joining a programme that’s been clinically designed and trusted by the national healthcare system for years.
In December 2023, Second Nature published research showcasing the impact of our medication programme.
The study showed that participants in our medication-supported programme lost an average of 6.5 kg (6.4% of body weight) after 3 months, with 62.5% achieving at least 5% weight loss by this stage.
Additionally, our programme has demonstrated effectiveness for people with type 2 diabetes.
Our original pilot with the NHS in Portsmouth showed that 40% of patients lowered their HbA1c (average blood sugar levels) below the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes, putting them on the path to potential remission.
By comparison, SheMed is a newer service targeting women specifically, without current NHS affiliations.
While they emphasise the importance of their blood testing approach and medical oversight, SheMed doesn’t currently have published clinical data in medical journals showcasing their programme’s impact on weight loss or other health markers.
However, SheMed is currently running a clinical trial, with results likely to be published in the coming years.
2) Target audience and approach
SheMed focuses exclusively on women’s weight loss needs with a female-centric approach to treatment and support.
Their programme begins with a mandatory at-home blood test as part of the initial assessment (included in the first month’s £99 fee).
It provides insights into biological health markers like diabetes risk, cardiovascular health, liver function, and thyroid activity.
According to SheMed, 99% of users receive at least one abnormal result from these tests, highlighting the importance of pre-treatment screening.
After the assessment, users receive a tailored weight loss plan incorporating GLP-1 medications with dosages adjusted monthly based on progress and side effects.
Their approach is primarily pharmacotherapy-focused, with clinical oversight to ensure safety and effectiveness.
While our programme also includes GLP-1 medications, it places a stronger emphasis on behaviour change psychology and nutritional science, with personalised support from registered dietitians and nutritionists who can help you develop sustainable habits alongside medication use.
The Second Nature approach focuses on helping you understand and change your relationship with food while the medication helps reduce cravings and hunger, creating a comprehensive strategy for long-term weight loss.
3) Cost structure and programme components
SheMed:
- Initial month: £99 (includes blood test and starter kit)
- Subsequent months: £159 every four weeks (fixed regardless of medication dosage increases)
- Includes monthly subscription boxes with side-effect management kits, sharps bins, needles, and educational materials
- App features include injection tracking, calendar planning for refills, weekly check-ins with clinicians, and educational content
- Primary focus on pharmacological treatment with clinical oversight
Second Nature:
- Total monthly cost: £229, rising to £299 (includes medication)
- Includes access to a dedicated health coach (registered dietitian or nutritionist) available five days a week
- Group support from peers on the same journey
- Daily articles based on behaviour change psychology and habit formation
- Recipe library and meal planning tools
- Focus on developing sustainable lifestyle changes alongside medication
The difference in approach is significant: SheMed relies more heavily on pharmacotherapy with clinical monitoring, while Second Nature balances medication with intensive behavioural support and habit formation techniques.
Second Nature’s approach is designed to help you maintain weight loss even after you eventually stop taking medication.
4) Trustpilot reviews and track record
- Based on 7,574 reviews, Second Nature has a Trustpilot score of 4.7 and is rated as ‘Excellent’
- SheMed has a Trustpilot score of 4.3 based on 1,041 reviews and is also rated as ‘Excellent’
Take home message
Weight-loss medications are most effective when combined with healthier lifestyle changes.
They can help kickstart weight loss while you develop sustainable habits for long-term success.
When choosing between SheMed and Second Nature, consider what matters most to you:
- If you’re looking for a female-specific approach with comprehensive blood testing and a primarily pharmacological focus, SheMed may appeal to you. Their programme places a strong emphasis on medical testing and monitoring with convenient home delivery of medication and supplies.
- If you value peace of mind from our NHS partnerships, published clinical evidence, and a more comprehensive behaviour change approach alongside medication, Second Nature might be your option. Our focus extends beyond the medication to help you develop the habits and mindset needed for lasting weight management.
Both programmes aim to help you achieve meaningful weight loss but differ slightly in their approach.
SheMed’s strengths lie in its gender-specific focus and medical testing, while Second Nature’s advantages include its longer track record, NHS partnership, published clinical evidence, and balanced approach to medication and behaviour change.
Our medication programmes at Second Nature aim to calm down food noise, lower cravings, and help you build healthier habits to keep the weight off for good.
We want to make losing weight feel easier, to feel second nature.
Second Nature’s medication programme
Second Nature currently provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro 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.
Second Nature has 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 the programme 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.
