RTL News investigation into weight-loss medication

Nearly one in three Dutch people buys slimming medication without consulting their doctor. Why that's a big risk.

More and more Dutch people are opting for weight-loss medication such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic to lose weight. That is not surprising in itself: these medicines, under the right medical guidance, can be very effective.

Less positive is a recent study by RTL Nieuws. It indicates that almost one in three users do not obtain medication via their own doctor or pharmacy, but via websites, social media, acquaintances or even the black market. According to the Inspectorate for Health and Youth Care (IGJ), this is a worrying development.RTL.nl)

Why do people choose an illegal route?

The research shows that there are several reasons for this:

• People are ashamed to ask for help.
• They expect their GP not to issue a prescription.
• They want to avoid waiting times.
• They are looking for a cheaper solution.

That's understandable, but it also carries serious health risks.RTL.nl)

The risks of medicines from unknown sources

Weight loss medication is a prescription-only medicine, and that's not without reason.

When medicines are bought through unofficial channels, you never know for sure:

• or if it is actually the original medicine;
• or if the correct active substance is present;
• or if the dosage is correct;
• whether the product has been kept correctly chilled during transport;
• whether there is forgery or contamination.

According to the IGJ, there have even been patients admitted to hospital after using illegally obtained weight-loss medication.RTL.nl)

Medical guidance is at least as important as the medicine.

Many people think that success depends solely on the injection. In reality, good guidance is at least as important.

When looking at GLP-1 medication such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, consideration is given to, among other things:

• your medical history;
• any other medicines you are taking;
• Possible side effects:;
• the correct dosage regimen;
• the moment at which a dosage should be increased or not.

Without a medical assessment, there is a risk that treatment may not be safe or effective.

Losing weight safely starts with a doctor

At Wellumo, we believe that weight loss medication should be part of a responsible treatment.

Therefore, every request follows a careful medical pathway:

• You first complete a comprehensive medical intake.
• One of our GMC-registered doctors is assessing whether the treatment is appropriate.
• Our doctor will contact you personally.
• A prescription is only issued after medical approval.
• The medication is supplied via our own recognised Dutch pharmacy.
• During treatment, you can count on professional guidance.

This way, you can be sure that you are receiving original medication and that your treatment is medically sound.

Your health comes first

The growing demand for weight-loss medication has also led to an increase in unreliable providers.
This makes it more important than ever to consciously choose a party that can guarantee safety and quality.
Therefore, always choose a provider that works with BIG-registered doctors and an accredited pharmacy.
This ensures you receive genuine medication and expert guidance throughout your treatment.

Your health deserves nothing less.

Would you like to find out if weight-loss medication is suitable for you?

At Wellumo, you can easily complete a medical intake online. Our doctor will personally assess whether a treatment is safe and responsible. Only when medically appropriate will you receive a prescription and the medication will be delivered via a certified Dutch pharmacy.