Losing weight with medication: does it really work?

The problems of obesity

Are you struggling with extra pounds? You are in good company; most people in the Netherlands deal with it.

A growing pandemic in numbers [1,2]:

• 52.2% of adults in the Netherlands are overweight.
• 16% have obesity.

Those extra pounds are more than just a high number on the scale. For instance, obesity increases the risk of:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain types of cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Lower back pain

It also reduces your quality of life [3]. And let's be honest: at the end of the day, don't we all just want to feel comfortable in our own skin and enjoy life? 

In addition, people who are overweight face stigmatization, and it costs society a great deal in terms of healthcare expenses and reduced productivity—about €79 billion per year [4].

In other words: plenty of reasons to turn the tide on being overweight. 

‍In short: Obesity is not just an individual issue, but a serious public health crisis with high costs and major consequences.

Why losing weight is so difficult

You try to live a healthier life. Eat less, move more. Yet you see hardly any results, or the pounds just creep back on over time. That is not due to a lack of discipline, but to your biology.

After weight loss, your metabolism slows down and the hunger hormone ghrelin rises [5]. This is a survival mechanism where your body tries to bounce back to your old weight.

Weight-loss medications can temporarily break through that biological mechanism. They support your brain and metabolism, making you less hungry and helping you feel full for longer.

This is not a quick fix, but support for a sustainable lifestyle change. Think of eating healthier, exercising more, and getting good sleep. 

‍In short: Your biology can work against you, and medication can help you intervene.

Why medication for weight management is being used more often

Healthy eating, exercise, and behavioral change are the foundation for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Unfortunately, this is not made easy for you. It is safe to say: you are being worked against. Many people struggle with:

• An obesogenic environment (think of low prices for unhealthy products, sedentary jobs, the constant availability of fast food and sugary drinks, and extensive marketing of calorie-dense food).
• Relapsing into old habits.
• Psychosocial stress, poverty, or limited health literacy.

That makes long-term weight loss difficult. Weight loss medications, such as Ozempic, are not a luxury in those cases, but a necessary supplement [6].

This also highlights the complexity of obesity. It is about much more than just 'eating healthy for a bit'. You are dealing with your biology, aisles full of unhealthy temptations, aggressive marketing from the food industry, social pressure, and countless other factors.

In short: Not everyone succeeds with lifestyle interventions alone. Medication provides support when things get truly difficult.

How does weight loss medication work?

Most new medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda, are GLP-1 agonists: they mimic the natural hunger-suppressing hormone GLP-1. The medication makes you feel fuller and keeps your blood sugar levels stable, which causes you to eat less automatically [7]. 

Some new treatments, such as Mounjaro, even target two hormones at once (GLP-1 and GIP) for an extra powerful effect.

Please note: this weight loss medication works best in combination with a healthy lifestyle. If you do not adjust your lifestyle, the results are often temporary.

In short: Medications like GLP-1 agonists suppress hunger, stabilize your blood sugar, and help you consume fewer calories.

When are you eligible for weight loss medication?

A doctor may consider prescribing weight loss medication if you have:

• A BMI ≥ 30 
• A BMI ≥ 27 with conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes

Not everyone is eligible. Your doctor will evaluate your health, lifestyle, medical history, and personal goals. Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant? If so, weight loss medication is not suitable. You also cannot use the medication if you are breastfeeding.

In short: You are only eligible for medication if you are medically overweight. Furthermore, it is not suitable for everyone, such as pregnant women.

What can you expect from weight loss medication?

First of all, it is important to realize that you are using a medication, not a supplement. Your body will need to adjust to the medication, and you may experience side effects (you can read more about that below).

Weight loss medication is introduced gradually; you start with a low dose that is increased monthly, provided you tolerate the medication well. This allows your body to adjust to the medication and helps you achieve sustainable results.

Over time, you will also notice that you feel less hungry and get full faster. As a result, you will automatically consume fewer calories. It is therefore extra important to eat healthily. After all, you have fewer opportunities to get all your essential nutrients in.

It is also important to get enough exercise, sleep well, and minimize stress. This enhances the effectiveness of the medication, gives your weight loss journey a boost, and optimizes your health and energy levels. 

How many kilos can you lose?

And what you naturally want to know most: the results. Depending on the weight loss medication you use and your lifestyle, weight loss of up to 26% is possible [8]. This is the most favorable outcome.

One year of using weight loss medication results in an average of 3-12% additional weight loss compared to lifestyle interventions alone [7]. And with just 5-10% weight loss, you already achieve significant health benefits [9]:

• Lower blood pressure
• Better blood sugar levels
• Lower blood fat levels (triglycerides)
• Reduced strain on joints
• Improvement of sleep apnea and other symptoms

How long do you use weight loss medication?

That varies from person to person. If you respond well to the medication—meaning you lose enough weight and do not experience unpleasant side effects—it is safe to use long-term.

If it is not working sufficiently after 16 weeks at the maximum dose (less than 5% weight loss), your doctor will discuss other options with you.

Please note: if you stop taking the medication, the weight often returns (partially). That is why it is important to work on lasting lifestyle changes.

‍In short: With the right lifestyle and medication, you can lose up to 26% of your body weight and significantly improve your health.

What are the side effects of weight loss medication?

Medications can cause side effects . The most common ones are mild and temporary:

• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Reduced appetite

Serious side effects are rare, but always discuss with your doctor whether a treatment is suitable for your situation. 

Important tips:

• Always follow the advice of your doctor or medical specialist.
• Use medication as a supplement, not as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
• Always discuss any other medications or supplements you are taking.

In short: Side effects are usually mild, but for your own safety, only use these medications under the supervision of a doctor.

What weight loss medication is available in the Netherlands?

Below is an overview of the main weight loss medications:

Wegovy / Ozempic

• Weekly injection
• Strong effect on satiety and appetite
• Up to 15% weight loss 

Saxenda

• Daily injection
• Supports the feeling of fullness via GLP-1
• 5-10% weight loss 

Mounjaro

• Newest generation of weight loss medication
• Stimulates both GLP-1 and GIP for a dual effect
• Up to 26% weight loss 

In short: You can access various medications, which differ in their mechanism, potency, and usage.

New medications in the pipeline

The weight-loss medication market is evolving rapidly. For instance, work is underway on oral treatments and other alternatives. 

Treatments such as retatrutide and bimagrumab are showing promising results in studies: they help burn fat while preserving muscle mass [10,11].

In the future, even more effective and personalized weight-loss medications may be developed.

In short: The future may bring even more effective, potentially personalized weight-loss medications.

Are these injections readily available?

No, and for good reason. GLP-1 injections are available by prescription only, through a licensed pharmacy. Only a doctor can determine if you are eligible and what dosage is safe and effective. 

These treatments are intended for people with obesity or serious weight-related health issues, not for cosmetic weight loss. Use without supervision can lead to serious health risks, such as dehydration, gallstones, or heart rhythm disorders.

Please note: the black market for weight-loss medication is growing. Never purchase through unreliable websites or social media. Without medical supervision, you risk receiving counterfeit products, incorrect dosages, and experiencing serious side effects.

In short: Only purchase medication with a prescription and through a licensed pharmacy. Use without medical supervision is risky.

The conclusion: does weight-loss medication work?

Yes. Weight loss medication can be a powerful tool, especially if you aren't seeing enough results with diet and exercise alone. However, it is not a quick fix. The best chance for lasting success lies in combining medication with a healthy lifestyle.

Want to know if weight loss medication is right for you? At Wellis, we look at the big picture: your body, your goals, and your health. Complete our short questionnaire and discover what is possible for you.