Frequently asked questions
Do you have any questions about losing weight with medication?
Here you’ll find clear answers about eligibility, unused medication, costs, the online consultation, results and delivery. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from treatment.
What would you like to ask about?
Select a topic to go straight to the relevant questions.
Eligible
Am I eligible for the medicine disposal scheme?
Your BMI provides an initial indication. A doctor will then assess your health, medical history and other factors before treatment can begin.
Medicines authorised for weight management are generally intended for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above in combination with at least one weight-related condition. Your doctor will always assess whether treatment is medically appropriate in your particular situation.
No. BMI is only one part of the assessment. If your BMI is between 27 and 30, a weight-related condition is also a relevant factor for certain medicines. Your medical history, current medication and any possible contraindications are also taken into account.
This varies depending on the medicine and the condition being treated. Examples of conditions that may be taken into account for registered weight management programmes include high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, sleep apnoea or type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will determine whether your situation meets the medical criteria.
That depends on the specific medicine. For example, pregnancy, breastfeeding, certain medical conditions or the use of other medicines may be reasons not to start treatment. That is why we ask about your health and any medicines you are taking beforehand.
Yes. You start with the BMI check. If the initial result meets the criteria, you move on to the medical questionnaire. The final decision is always made by a doctor.
You do not normally need a referral from your GP to start a programme with us. However, the doctor may require further information or advise you to discuss something with your own GP.
Medication & side effects
Which off-label medicines can be prescribed?
There are various prescription-only treatment options available. Which one is suitable depends on the condition, your health, previous treatment and the doctor’s assessment.
We offer a range of prescription-only treatment options, including Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda. In specific situations, Ozempic may also be discussed. Not every medicine has the same approved indication. The doctor will determine which option is medically justified and appropriate.
The medicines differ in terms of, amongst other things, their active ingredient, dosage, frequency of administration and authorised indication. Wegovy contains semaglutide, Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and Saxenda contains liraglutide. Ozempic also contains semaglutide, but is authorised for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Side effects vary from one medicine to another. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal discomfort are relatively common, particularly whilst the dose is being gradually increased. During your consultation, the doctor will discuss what is relevant to your treatment.
If you experience any side effects, please contact our healthcare team. In the event of serious, unexpected or rapidly worsening side effects, you should not wait for a routine review. The action required will depend on the medicine and the nature of the side effect.
The injectable medicines are administered under the skin using an injection pen. Depending on the medicine, this is done either daily or once a week. You will be given instructions on how to use it correctly.
No. The medicines we use are available on prescription only. A doctor must first assess whether treatment is appropriate for you and, if so, issue a prescription.
In some cases, an alternative treatment option may be considered, for example if the treatment is not effective enough, if there are side effects, or for another medical reason. A change of treatment is not made on the patient’s own initiative, but following an assessment by the doctor.
Costs & payment
How much does treatment with surplus medication cost?
The price depends on the treatment you choose, the dosage and the stage of treatment. You’ll be able to see in advance what the costs are for the stage you’re starting with.
The current price varies depending on the medicine, dosage and stage of treatment. On the fees page, you can find the current price structure and see which elements are included in the treatment.
The exact details are set out under the relevant treatment and fees. Depending on the course of treatment, this may include, amongst other things, the medical assessment, the online consultation, the prescription process, medication dispensed by the pharmacy and support during the treatment phase.
No. Under the current procedure, if you are able to proceed after the initial assessment, you pay for the relevant treatment phase. You then book the online consultation with the doctor.
You can choose from the options listed on the pricing page. If you opt for a one-off course, you are not automatically tied into a rolling subscription. If you choose a subscription plan, the terms and conditions specified for that plan will apply.
The available payment methods are displayed during the online payment stage. This is where you complete the payment for the chosen treatment phase.
Reimbursement depends on the medicine, the medical condition and the terms and conditions of your health insurance. Private online treatment programmes are not automatically covered by basic health insurance. Always check the current terms and conditions with your health insurer to find out what applies to your situation.
The way in which this is handled must comply with the current payment and treatment terms and conditions displayed at the time of registration. In the event of a medical refusal, you will be notified directly.
Results & lifestyle
What can you expect from the treatment?
Prescription weight-loss medication can help with weight loss, but results vary from person to person and depending on the medication. Diet, exercise, sleep and lifestyle habits remain an integral part of the treatment.
Some people notice a change in their appetite or feeling of fullness during the first few weeks. Weight loss usually occurs gradually. How quickly you notice a change and how much weight you lose varies from person to person.
This cannot be guaranteed in advance. Research findings vary considerably depending on the medicine, dosage, duration of treatment and the group studied. We explain the relevant research findings on the individual medication pages.
No. Medication is one tool within a broader approach. Paying attention to diet, exercise, sleep and lifestyle habits not only helps whilst losing weight, but is also important for maintaining the results.
During treatment, the doctor will assess the effectiveness, side effects, dosage and your progress. If the results are not as expected, the doctor can decide whether to continue, adjust the treatment or whether a different approach would be more appropriate.
Once you stop, your appetite may return and you may put the weight back on. That is why, throughout the programme, we also focus on lifestyle, habits and a suitable follow-up or tapering-off plan.
For many people, exercise is an important part of healthy weight management. The type and intensity of exercise that is suitable for you depend on your health, fitness level and any symptoms you may have.
The duration of treatment varies from person to person and depending on the medicine. Factors such as efficacy, side effects, health, the treatment goal and the risk of weight gain after stopping the treatment all play a part. The doctor will discuss periodically whether continuing the treatment is still appropriate.
Consultation & getting started
How does treatment at WeightConsult begin?
You start online with an initial assessment and a medical questionnaire. A doctor will then assess whether it is medically appropriate to begin treatment.
You start by doing the BMI check and then complete the medical questionnaire. If, based on the initial assessment, you are eligible to proceed, you complete the payment and book the online consultation with the doctor.
The medication is available on prescription only. The doctor must therefore assess whether the treatment is safe and appropriate for your situation and will discuss the treatment plan and any questions you may have with you.
The doctor will discuss your medical history, the aim of treatment, the proposed treatment and any points to bear in mind. During the consultation, you can also ask questions about the use of the treatment and the treatment plan.
Once you’ve completed the medical assessment and made your payment, you’ll be able to choose a suitable time for the e-consultation online.
No. Medication is only arranged through the prescription process once the necessary medical assessment and consultation have taken place and the doctor has given their approval.
To ensure safe medical care, it must be clear who is requesting treatment. Identity verification may therefore be requested during the registration and consultation process.
The doctor may then ask further questions or request additional information before a final decision on treatment is made. Sometimes it may be necessary to discuss the matter with your GP or another healthcare professional first.
Delivery & pharmacy
How do you collect the medication?
Once the doctor has approved it, the prescription is processed via the pharmacy. The medication is dispatched in accordance with the required conditions and, where necessary, kept refrigerated.
We work in partnership with eFarma pharmacy in Beverwijk to dispense medicines.
Once the medical assessment has been completed, the online consultation has taken place and the doctor has approved the treatment plan, the prescription can be sent to the pharmacy.
The exact delivery time depends on the pharmacy’s processing time, the availability of the medicine and the chosen delivery option. You will be notified as soon as your order is being processed further.
In the case of medicines that require refrigerated transport, a correct handover is important for safeguarding the quality of the medicine.
Yes. The medication is dispatched discreetly. The outside of the packaging does not need to reveal that you are undergoing treatment with us.
If the medicine needs to be kept refrigerated, the pharmacy will use a suitable delivery method. Once you have received the medicine, always follow the storage instructions provided with it.
The available delivery options are shown during the ordering and pharmacy process. Please select a location where the parcel can be collected in accordance with the required conditions.
Once your prescription has been approved, you will receive an email and/or text message to arrange a delivery appointment. In most cases, you will be given the option to schedule a delivery appointment within 1–3 working days. For hygiene and health reasons, it is not possible to return prescription medicines.
About WeightConsult
Who will be supporting you during your treatment?
We combine online medical assessment with support throughout the process. The treatment is assessed by BIG-registered doctors and medication is dispensed via a Dutch pharmacy.
We work with BIG-registered doctors, nurses and support staff to provide medical assessments, guidance and practical support.
The medical programme is essentially organised online. This means you can complete the initial assessment, the consultation and a large part of the support programme from home.
If you would like extra help when using an injection pen for the first time, there are additional support options available. You can find out where and under what conditions this is available on the website.
You can get in touch via the contact options on the website. For medical enquiries during ongoing treatment, please follow the specified procedure.
On the medication overview, you will find more detailed information for each treatment option, including how it works, how to use it, dosage, possible side effects, research findings and costs.
Medical and personal data must be handled with care and in strict confidence. You can find out how data is used and protected in our privacy notice and throughout the treatment process.
Next step
Can’t find your question here?
Please get in touch if you have a specific question. Would you like to find out whether a particular treatment might be suitable for you? If so, start with the BMI check.