Why do people choose to lose weight with medication in 2026?

In 2026, an increasing number of people are choosing losing weight with medication because classical methods such as dieting and exercising yield insufficient results for many people, especially when biological factors play a role. Medically supervised weight loss offers an approach that aligns with the individual's physiology, rather than relying solely on willpower. The most frequently asked questions about weight-loss medication are answered below.

What makes medication more effective than dieting and exercise alone?

Medication can be more effective than dieting and exercise alone because it interferes with the biological mechanisms that regulate hunger, satiety and fat storage. Where a diet relies on behavioural discipline, certain medication works directly on hormones and brain signals that control eating behaviour. This makes it easier for some people to eat less without constantly experiencing hunger.

Being overweight is not exclusively a matter of eating too much or exercising too little. Factors such as insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance and a delayed feeling of fullness play a major role. People who do not lose weight despite serious effort often experience their bodies actively resisting weight loss. Medication can break this biological resistance by supporting the body in a way that lifestyle changes alone cannot achieve.

That does not mean that medication replaces lifestyle. Behavioural change remains an important part of a successful treatment pathway. Medication works best as a supplement to healthy habits, not as a replacement for them.

Which medication is most commonly used in medically supervised weight loss?

In medically supervised weight loss in the Netherlands, GLP-1 medication is used most frequently. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and the feeling of fullness. GLP-1 medication mimics this hormone and can contribute to weight loss by reducing appetite.

Weight loss using GLP-1 medication has surged in popularity in recent years, partly because clinical research has substantiated its effectiveness. The medication is administered via an injection, usually once a week. Results vary per person and depend on multiple factors, including initial health status, lifestyle and the duration of the programme.

Besides GLP-1 medication, there are other agents that can be used for weight loss, depending on the person's medical situation. A doctor always assesses which treatment is appropriate and responsible for the individual situation.

Is losing weight with medication safe without visiting a GP?

Weight loss with medication is safe provided that a medical assessment always takes place, even if this does not happen with the GP. Online telehealth platforms work with BIG-registered doctors who independently assess the request. Prescription-only medication is never dispensed without a doctor's approval and an independent assessment by a pharmacy.

The idea that a GP visit is necessary for every medical treatment is understandable, but not always correct. Telehealth is a recognised and regulated form of healthcare provision in the Netherlands. Doctors who work via digital platforms are bound by the same medical and legal standards as doctors in a physical practice.

What is always required, however, is a thorough intake, a medical questionnaire and an assessment by a doctor. Not everyone is eligible for weight loss medication. A doctor weighs up the medical history, any contraindications and the health risk before a treatment is approved.

Who is medically supervised weight loss suitable for?

Medically supervised weight loss is suitable for adults who are overweight or obese and who achieve insufficient results with lifestyle changes, and for whom a doctor considers treatment to be medically justified. Suitability is always assessed individually based on health data, medical history, and any risk factors.

In the Netherlands, an estimated six million people are overweight and two million people have obesity. For some of this group, medication is a useful addition to existing efforts. Yet it is not a solution for everyone. People with certain conditions, pregnant women, or people using specific other medication may not be eligible.

A doctor assesses per person whether a treatment is appropriate. This is not a formality, but an essential part of responsible healthcare provision. Anyone who doubts whether they are eligible can start an intake to have this assessed.

How much does a weight loss treatment programme with medication cost?

The costs of a weight loss medication treatment programme vary depending on the type of medication, the dosage and the duration of the programme. Treatment is not a one-off purchase, but a multi-month programme, which means that the total costs are spread over a longer period.

Transparent upfront pricing information is important so that people can make an informed choice. Many people compare prices without taking into account what a full treatment plan entails: medical supervision, doctor's assessment, pharmacy processing and any repeat deliveries. The price per delivery therefore says little without the context of the entire treatment plan.

Health insurers in most cases do not reimburse weight loss medication, or only partially. It is advisable to check this with your own insurer in advance. Some providers apply a refund policy for selected treatment pathways, which offers some financial security if a treatment is not approved or does not work.

How does an online intake for weight loss medication work?

An online intake for weight loss medication starts with completing a medical questionnaire. Based on the answers, a doctor assesses which treatment may be suitable. Following the intake, a doctor gets in touch, after which, upon approval, a prescription is issued and forwarded to a pharmacy for processing and dispatch.

The process is digital and discreet, which removes a barrier for many people that they would experience with a physical doctor's visit. The steps are generally as follows:

• Completing a medical questionnaire about health, weight and medical history
• Assessment by a GMC-registered doctor, usually within 24 hours on working days
• Upon approval: draw up a prescription and forward it to the pharmacy
• Independent assessment and dispensing by the pharmacy
• Discreet shipping of the medication to the specified address

Not everyone who completes an intake is approved. The doctor decides independently and on medical grounds. This is a deliberate choice: responsible care means that not every request automatically leads to treatment.

How Wellumo helps with weight loss using medication

Wellumo makes medically supervised weight loss accessible to people looking for a safe, discreet and transparent way to start a treatment pathway. The platform works exclusively with BIG-registered doctors and a certified pharmacy partner, ensuring that prescription-only medication is never dispensed without a medical assessment.

What Wellumo offers:

• A fully digital intake via a medical questionnaire, without a physical doctor's visit
• Assessment by a BIG-registered doctor within 24 hours on weekdays
• Transparent pricing information beforehand, with no hidden costs
• Discrete shipping of medication following approval by a doctor and pharmacy
• Optional subscription for repeat deliveries
• A 45-day refund policy on selected treatment pathways
• Affiliated with the General Healthcare Disputes Committee (recognised under the Wkkgz)

People who want to know if they are eligible for a course of treatment, can start an intake via Wellumo. More information about the process can be found on the page How Wellumo works. If you have any questions, it is also possible to to contact with the team.