Weight-loss medication can be effective, but it is still medication. Read on to find out why support is essential
Interest in weight-loss medication is growing rapidly. At the same time, there are reports of people experiencing side effects after using such medication without proper supervision, with the term ‘poisoning’ sometimes even being used. That is alarming, but above all it highlights one thing: these are medicines. And they can be used safely if administered as part of a medical programme, with appropriate screening, dosage and follow-up.
Why ‘trying it yourself’ carries extra risk
When weight-loss medication is used outside a medical setting (for example, bought online or obtained ‘through the back door’), we see more frequent problems caused by:
- an excessively high initial dose
- a build-up that is too rapid
- insufficient attention to contraindications and interactions with other medications
- failing to recognise side effects that do require action in time
Reports to the National Poisons Information Centre (NVIC) frequently concern people who have taken the substance without medical supervision.
Side effects: commonly known, sometimes underestimated
Many side effects fall into the category of gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea). These are common with this type of medication and are often temporary, but they can become serious if the symptoms are severe or persist for a long time. Prolonged vomiting, for example, can lead to dehydration, which may require medical assessment.
What medical support actually offers
Proper supervision is not an ‘extra’, but an essential part of safe use. In a medical treatment plan, the following factors are taken into account, amongst others:
1. Whether medication is suitable for you – based on your health profile, medical history and current medication.
2. A dosage that suits you – With a gradual build-up and adjustments where necessary: not faster ‘just because you can’, but because it needs to be safe and effective.
3. Monitoring and clear guidelines – What is considered normal? When should you do get in touch? And how can you prevent complaints from escalating?
4. Lifestyle as the foundation for achieving and maintaining results
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses that weight-loss products are not a quick fix and that lifestyle factors and the causes of excess weight must be taken seriously.
Effectiveness: medication works best as part of a plan
In large clinical trials, semaglutide (2.4 mg) used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes (dietary and exercise guidance) resulted in an average weight loss of around 15% over 68 weeks (compared with placebo plus lifestyle changes).
This shows that medication can provide powerful support, but it is not a ‘stand-alone solution’. It works best as part of a structured approach.
Our advice
- Do not take weight-loss medication on your own initiative, and do not buy it through unofficial channels.
- Never change your dose yourself.
- If you experience any (persistent) side effects, always contact your healthcare professional, and seek immediate medical assistance if you have serious symptoms.
In conclusion
Overweight and obesity are complex conditions. Medication can provide valuable support in managing them, provided it is used safely, following a medical assessment, with the appropriate dosage, and supported by guidance that takes lifestyle changes into account on an ongoing basis.
