From hormones to control: how Eveline regained a grip on her weight

“At the start of 2025 I weighed 93 kilos. And you could tell, because I'm only 1 metre 58,” says Eveline. “I didn't feel comfortable in my body. I didn't think I was attractive.” Her weight gain started early. At sixteen she was diagnosed with PCOS, a hormonal condition. “During my pregnancies I sometimes gained as much as fifty kilos because of it. After that I also developed thyroid problems. The medication I took for that helped with those symptoms, but made me gain even more weight.”

She exercised a lot – kickboxing three times a week – but it had no effect. “At some point you lose heart. You do everything ‘right’ and still it doesn't work.”

No judgement, but guidance

Many people who are overweight recognise that feeling, says doctor Diego Keijzer, head of medical services at Wellis. “People have the idea that it's their ‘own fault’. There is also still the stigma that people who are overweight are lazy. Whereas there are often medical causes. That means the simple sum of eating less and moving more doesn't add up. At Wellis, we try to lower the threshold to professional help for those people. Without judgement, but with proper guidance.”

Wellis is an online platform for medically supported weight loss. “I also work as a GP myself,” says Keijzer. “And I see how complicated this subject can be in the consulting room. Online care can help there: accessible, but still careful and safe.”

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‘AFTER YEARS OF FIGHTING THE KILOS, I FINALLY HAVE CONTROL OVER MY OWN BODY AGAIN’

Watch Eveline's story (video, 3 min)

No quick fix

Eveline found Wellis through word of mouth. “I have a B&B in Italy. A guest told me about her experience and was so positive that I became curious.” After an intake, she started a programme in March 2025 that combined medication with guidance and lifestyle changes.

Keijzer stresses that medical weight loss is not a quick trick. “It always starts with a thorough intake. We look at medical history, use the national health record exchange (Landelijk Schakelpunt) and assess everything carefully before someone can start. And guidance remains important after that too. You're not on your own.”

The medical team includes doctors, nurses, dietitians and lifestyle coaches. “That combination makes the difference. Medication can help you feel less hungry, but you only achieve lasting results if someone also changes their lifestyle. That's why we call it an all-in-one approach.”

More than losing kilos

For Eveline, the programme meant more than just weight loss. “When I look in the mirror now, I see a woman who feels good in her body. I had forgotten how good that feels.” She feels fitter, sleeps better and no longer snores. “My fitness was already quite good from exercising, but I still notice a difference. I have more energy.” By her own account she was never really down about her weight, but the difference is clear. “I feel better than ever.” According to Keijzer, that is a familiar story. “Losing weight isn't just about appearance. It's about health, movement, sleep and self-confidence. You see that in many clients.”

‍How does medical weight loss work at Wellis?

Getting started with Wellis begins online and takes just a few minutes.

1. You fill in a medical questionnaire covering your health history and weight.

2. This is followed by an intake by phone or video call with a healthcare professional.

3. A BIG-registered doctor reviews all the information and checks whether medical weight loss is safe and appropriate in your situation.

4. If you are eligible, the medication is delivered discreetly to your home by our own accredited pharmacy and your programme begins.

5. During the programme, you stay in touch with the medical team for questions, lifestyle advice and adjustments.

In this way, Wellis combines medication, personal guidance and lifestyle changes into an all-in-one approach for sustainable weight loss.

Would you, like Eveline, like to lose weight with medical support?Fill in this questionnaireand find out whether you are eligible.