After 5 years of work, Second Nature’s weight-loss results have been published by NHS England in the British Medical Journal as part of the first large-scale trial of digital weight loss programmes ever done in the world.
The landmark study shows that after 12 months, the average weight loss for people using Second Nature was over double the amount of those on the other programmes tested. This demonstrates that Second Nature is both a sustainable solution and entirely different from other digital weight loss programmes.
One of our core values at Second Nature is ‘Let the Data Guide You’. That’s why we make sure our programme reflects the latest nutrition and behaviour-change science. That’s also why we ensure that all our health coaches are registered nutritionists or dietitians. This guarantees that both our programme and coaches provide members with the most up-to-date advice, based on scientific data, and the best possible chance of losing weight in the long term.
Being the underdogs in a huge industry, like weight loss, can sometimes mean that people doubt Second Nature’s effectiveness. Up to this point, we’ve run studies evaluating Second Nature in isolation, received thousands of five star Trustpilot reviews, and seen first-hand the lasting effect that the programme has had on people’s lives. But now, there’s long-term, independent research demonstrating the effectiveness of Second Nature over other programmes.
Why is this research important?
Type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic that costs the NHS billions of pounds each year. Over time, diabetes can damage our heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. In 2019, diabetes was the ninth leading cause of death.
However, lifestyle changes leading to weight loss can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Evidence also suggests that significant weight loss can help some people put the condition into remission and achieve healthy blood sugar levels.
In the UK, the ‘Healthier You’: NHS diabetes prevention programme (DPP) offers face-to-face support to those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, many of us may find it challenging to attend these sessions for various reasons. Digital programmes tend to be much more convenient and can reach many more people at once at a much lower cost.
This is the first ever large-scale, long-term study evaluating the effectiveness of digital programmes on weight loss and blood sugar levels in a real-world setting.
The study evaluated the impact of five different digital health and weight loss programmes on participants’ weight and HbA1c (average blood sugar) after 12 months. Second Nature was one of the five providers. Here are some details:
Nearly 2,000 people participated in the study
Participants were split into 5 groups, each given a different provider
Participants all had weight to lose and average blood sugar levels higher than the healthy range (at higher risk of developing diabetes in the future)
The study ran for 12 months
All measurements were taken at 6 and 12 months
What were the results?
The results suggest that digital programmes are effective, as they were linked to clinically significant reductions in weight and average blood sugar levels. On a wider scale, this means that we can feel confident using digital programmes across the country to help tackle the obesity and diabetes epidemic.
Participants on the Second Nature programme experienced significantly more weight loss at 12 months than those on the other four programmes. On top of that, participants on Second Nature saw the greatest reduction in HbA1c (average blood sugar levels) after 12 months, compared with the other four providers.
On average, across all five different providers:
Weight loss after 12 months was 3.1kg
HbA1c (average blood sugar levels) reduction was 1.6mmol/mol
We’re delighted to report that Second Nature’s results showed the most significant amount of weight loss and the reductions in HbA1c of the five providers over 12 months:
Weight loss after 12 months was 6.2kg
HbA1c (average blood sugar levels) reduction was 2.2mmol/mol
As with all scientific data, there are certain limitations in the methods, but we’re incredibly excited to share the results that portray digital solutions to weight loss and diabetes prevention as effective, and in particular, Second Nature as an effective solution in the long term.
The landmark study shows that after 12 months, the average weight loss for people using Second Nature was over double the amount of those on the other programmes tested. This demonstrates that Second Nature is both a sustainable solution and entirely different from other digital weight loss programmes.
Since joining the Second Nature programme, Karen has lost weight, improved her relationship with food, and has more energy and confidence than ever before.
In 2022, the NHS published data in the British Medical Journal from the National Weight Management and Diabetes Prevention programme, where five providers delivered weight loss services in the UK. The results showed that after 12 months, Second Nature was more than twice as effective as the four other providers.
However, the company didn't start with its current name. It was previously known as FilterEasy, before rebranding in 2019. Rebranding from FilterEasy to Second Nature reflected the company's decision to become an all-encompassing “home wellness” brand instead of limiting itself just to filters.
The Second Nature weight-loss programme has over seven years of published clinical data outlining its effectiveness. Second Nature is proven to support individuals to lose weight; individuals on our programme lose an average of over 6kg after 12 months.
Second Nature is the only programme where you get a registered dietitian or nutritionist personal health coach. Noom and Slimming World have clear guides of foods to eat or avoid, which can be helpful for some but might not benefit those with an unhealthy relationship with food.
The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet, people should try to: eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day (see 5 A Day) base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta. have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks)
Optifast is a nutritionally complete and balanced, scientifically designed low calorie product recommended to manage weight loss. The product range includes shakes, soups and bars all suitable for total diet replacement or as a meal replacement.
Second Nature was founded by Chris Edson and Mike Gibbs, who met as strategy consultants whilst advising the likes of the NHS, healthcare charities and multinational pharmaceutical companies.
At Second Nature, no foods are off-limits, but we follow a lower-carb approach based on its success in long-term weight loss. Second Nature was the first programme to be commissioned by the NHS for long-term lifestyle change and weight loss.
Second Nature is a digital low-carb lifestyle change and weight loss programme that the NHS uses to support weight loss and manage type 2 diabetes. When you join, you get: 1:1 support and advice from a registered dietitian or nutritionist. Simple, satisfying low-carb recipes with instruction videos.
Second Nature's medication programme starts from £229 per month, and the non-medication programme starts from £38 per month. Zoe has a minimum financial commitment of just under £360: £299.99 for the original test kit and a minimum of 1 month's membership (£59.99).
If a way of behaving is second nature to you, you do it almost without thinking because it is easy for you or obvious to you. Planning ahead had always come as second nature to her.
At Second Nature we encourage a healthy relationship with food; one where you'll never have to count what you eat or feel guilty for enjoying food. Food is a part of life, celebrations, and experiences.
The biggest amount of weight anyone ever lost naturally is 355 pounds (161 kg) in 7 months. This was achieved by Paul Kimelman, who was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for this achievement. Kimelman lost the weight through a combination of fasting and a very low-calorie diet.
Joe Wicks and Second Nature are both online programmes, whereas Slimming World® has an optional face-to-face meeting plan. Slimming World® seems to focus on dietary restriction, while Joe Wicks focuses on exercise. Second Nature tackles weight loss from all angles (exercise, nutrition, sleep, mindset).
Few people lose that much weight and keep it off for three years. Studies show that even under the best of circ*mstances with aggressive counseling, average weight loss is between 5–10% of starting body weight – so you're doing better than most!
Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance
Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
