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What are the most frequently asked questions about medical weight loss?

  • 24 July 2026
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The most frequently asked questions about medical weight loss concern which medication is used, who it is suitable for, what to expect, and how the process works. Medical weight loss is an approach where a doctor assesses whether medication support is appropriate, alongside or in combination with lifestyle changes. This article answers the most important questions about losing weight with medication in the Netherlands.

Welke medicatie wordt er gebruikt bij medisch afvallen?

In the Netherlands, GLP-1 medication is primarily used for medical weight loss. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 medication mimics this hormone and can contribute to a reduced feeling of hunger and lower calorie consumption.

GLP-1 medication is prescription-only. This means that a doctor must assess the request and issue a prescription before the medication can be supplied. The doctor will consider the patient's medical situation, including any other conditions or medications they may already be taking.

In addition to GLP-1 medication, there are also other forms of Medical support for weight loss, depending on the individual situation. Which treatment is appropriate is always determined by a doctor after a medical consultation.

Medical weight loss is suitable for individuals who are overweight or obese and have other health conditions that are related to their weight, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. It is also

Medical weight loss can be suitable for overweight or obese individuals for whom lifestyle interventions have not yielded sufficient results. In medical practice, the Body Mass Index (BMI) and any accompanying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or impaired blood sugar regulation, are often considered for this purpose.

Not everyone is eligible for substitute medication. A doctor will assess on an individual basis whether treatment is medically appropriate. Factors that are taken into account include:

  • Current health status and medical history
  • Other medication someone is using
  • Potential contraindications for specific agents
  • The degree of overweight and previously attempted methods

Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain chronic conditions are generally not eligible. This is precisely why a medical consultation is mandatory before medication is prescribed.

What results can you expect from waste medication?

The results of weight loss medication vary from person to person and depend on several factors, including the chosen treatment, individual body composition, and the extent to which lifestyle changes are implemented. GLP-1 medication can contribute to weight loss, but it is not a substitute for a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.

Medical literature shows that GLP-1 medication can lead to significant weight loss in people who are overweight, though the extent of this varies considerably. Some people experience a substantial reduction, while others notice less effect. Side effects such as nausea or stomach upset can occur, particularly in the initial phase of treatment.

It is important that medical weight loss is a journey, not a one-off intervention. Long-term results require a combination of medicinal support and behavioural change. A doctor guides this process and adjusts the treatment as necessary.

How does an online medical waste process proceed step-by-step?

An online medical waste process begins with a medical questionnaire, after which a BIG-registered doctor assesses the request and, if approved, issues a prescription. The pharmacy then processes the prescription independently and arranges for delivery. The entire process is digital and discreet.

The steps in an online waste management process usually look like this:

  1. Medical Intake The patient completes an extensive questionnaire about health, medication use, and lifestyle.
  2. Medical review A BIG-registered doctor assesses the answers and determines whether a treatment is appropriate and responsible.
  3. Recipe description: Upon approval, the doctor will issue a prescription and send it to the partner pharmacy.
  4. Pharmacy check and delivery The pharmacy will assess the prescription independently and send the medication discreetly to the provided address.
  5. Support during the process The doctor remains available for questions and guidance throughout the treatment process.

More information about how this process works in practice can be found on the page how the process unfolds.

Is it safe to order prescription medication online?

Ordering prescription medication online is safe when it is done through a recognised platform with BIG-registered doctors and a certified pharmacy. Prescription-only medication may only be dispensed by law after a medical assessment and approval by a pharmacist. Platforms that supply medication without going through these steps operate outside the legal framework.

The risks of uncontrolled purchases via foreign websites or social media are real. Medication can be counterfeit, incorrectly dosed, or unsuitable for the individual's situation. Furthermore, without medical supervision, the monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medicines is absent.

On a trustworthy online platform, the same medical standards apply as with a physical GP or pharmacy. The doctor independently assesses whether a treatment is responsible, and the pharmacy processes the prescription independently. Prescription-only medication is never supplied without these steps.

What does a medical waste management process cost in the Netherlands?

The costs of a medical waste management scheme in the Netherlands vary depending on the chosen treatment, the duration of the scheme, and the dosage. In most cases, waste medication is not covered by basic insurance, meaning the costs are entirely your own responsibility. Transparent pricing information in advance is therefore essential.

A medical waste treatment is not a one-off purchase. It is a treatment that can last for several months, with medication costs calculated per period. Some providers work with a subscription model for repeat deliveries, which supports the continuity of the treatment.

When comparing costs, it's important to pay attention to what's included in the price: the medical consultation, the doctor's assessment, the medication itself, and any support during the treatment. A low entry price without medical support offers less value than a complete treatment with a doctor's assessment and follow-up.

How Wellumo helps with medical weight loss

Wellumo offers a fully online pathway for people seeking medical guidance for weight loss. The platform is designed for individuals who want discreet and barrier-free access to a medically responsible approach, without the need to visit a GP.

What Wellumo offers within the waste management process:

  • A medical questionnaire as a starting point for the intake, assessed by a BIG-registered doctor
  • Transparent pricing information beforehand, with no hidden costs
  • Assessment and prescription by a doctor within 24 hours on working days
  • Discreet verzonden via een gereguleerde apotheek
  • An optional subscription for repeat deliveries
  • A 45-day refund policy on selected treatment pathways
  • A complaints officer and affiliation with the General Healthcare Disputes Committee

Not everyone is eligible. A doctor will assess on an individual basis whether a treatment is suitable and medically justifiable. Would you like to know if a medical waste disposal pathway is suitable for you? Then start the Medical intake of neem contact us Contacteer Wellumo voor meer informatie.

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Frequently asked questions

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1) Choose your treatment on the website.
2) Complete the medical questionnaire.
3) A BIG-registered doctor will assess your application.
4) Upon approval, the doctor writes a prescription and releases the partner pharmacy.
5) We will deliver discreetly to your home (possibly in subscription form).

A doctor who is BIG-registered in the Netherlands. You can see the BIG number on this site and check it in the BIG register.

After medical approval and release by the pharmacy, shipment is usually 1-3 working days (excluding Sundays/Holidays). Refrigerated transport or delivery restrictions may affect.

No. Prescription drugs are never supplied without medical assessment and pharmacy release.

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How Wellumo works

Start my free check

Before you can place an order, we ask you to complete a medical questionnaire. Based on your answers, one of our doctors will assess which treatment best suits you.
  • 3 minutes

Choose and order your medication

Upon completion of the questionnaire, the most suitable medication(s) will be displayed. You select your desired medication and pay for it in advance. After ordering, one of our doctors will contact you within 24 hours (on weekdays). No approval? In that case, you will of course receive a full refund immediately.
  • 1 minute

Confirm your identity

We are required to verify your details, and we do this via ID verification. This is a simple and secure way to confirm your identity. Please ensure you have a valid ID ready: driving licence, passport, or ID card.
  • 1 minute

Contact with the doctor

One of our doctors will contact you personally. Upon approval, the prescription will be issued and we will send your medication to the specified address via our pharmacy.
  • Within 24 hours (on working days)

Medication delivery from our Pharmacy

Medication delivery is handled by our in-house pharmacy. With a subscription, we ensure that repeat prescriptions are always refilled on time. You can cancel at any time easily through your personal account.
  • 1-2 working days

Ondersteuning tijdens je persoonlijke traject

Through your personal account, you have access to many functionalities that will help you throughout the entire weight loss process. You also have easy contact with one of our doctors, and telephone contact is also possible, of course.

Start my free check

Before you can place an order, we ask you to complete a medical questionnaire. Based on your answers, one of our doctors will assess which treatment best suits you.
  • 3 minutes

Choose and order your medication

Upon completion of the questionnaire, the most suitable medication(s) will be displayed. You select your desired medication and pay for it in advance. After ordering, one of our doctors will contact you within 24 hours (on weekdays). No approval? In that case, you will of course receive a full refund immediately.
  • 1 minute

Confirm your identity

We are required to verify your details, and we do this via ID verification. This is a simple and secure way to confirm your identity. Please ensure you have a valid ID ready: driving licence, passport, or ID card.
  • 1 minute

Contact with the doctor

One of our doctors will contact you personally. Upon approval, the prescription will be issued and we will send your medication to the specified address via our pharmacy.
  • Within 24 hours (on working days)

Medication delivery from our Pharmacy

Medication delivery is handled by our in-house pharmacy. With a subscription, we ensure that repeat prescriptions are always refilled on time. You can cancel at any time easily through your personal account.
  • 1-2 working days

Ondersteuning tijdens je persoonlijke traject

Through your personal account, you have access to many functionalities that will help you throughout the entire weight loss process. You also have easy contact with one of our doctors, and telephone contact is also possible, of course.

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