Weight loss medicine Saxenda has been available on the Dutch market for some time now. More effective than predicted, the injectable medicine is considered a revolution in weight reduction. We talked to Simone Kouwenberg about this new and effective weight loss method. Simone specialises in lifestyle and preventive medicine and works as a medical weight loss specialist at The Body Clinic. Furthermore, she is also a general practitioner.
What makes losing weight with injections so effective compared to other weight loss approaches?
“What we see at our clinic is that people who use Saxenda are less obsessed with food and lose weight more easily. In fact, many of our clients feel liberated. With other weight loss treatments, people are often plagued by weight loss resistance or become frustrated. As a result, losing weight becomes increasingly difficult. I don’t see thishappening with Saxenda. Saxenda works in a unique way. The injections contain the active substance liraglutide.
Liraglutide stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, which helps keep blood sugar levels constant. This reducesappetite and makes you feel fuller for longer. Liraglutide is a synthetic version of the hormone that is produced in ourintestines, and provides the same effects. This is truly a breakthrough in the battle against excess weight and obesity.”
Why does The Body Clinic require its clients to see a doctor before starting with injectable weight loss medication?
“First of all, Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine. This means a consultation and prescription are required before you can use this treatment. Secondly, weight loss injections are a medical treatment which requires proper guidance and should be done under medical supervision to prevent complications. As a doctor, I help determine the right dosage and administration technique to get the most out of the treatment. I also review the client’s medical history to avoid any risks. As a specialist, I understand that clients have questions about the use of Saxenda, which is why I find it important to make time to address any concerns. I support clients during their treatments and makeadjustments where necessary. This ensures the treatment is safe. I am assisted by our own Saxenda nutrition coach, who acts as point of contact for our clients. Our strategy is not only very effective, but also makes losing weight a lot easier and safer.”
Does healthcare insurance cover Saxenda?
“Saxenda is the first weight loss medicine that has been included in the basic healthcare package, on the advice of the Dutch National Healthcare Institute. However, the conditions for reimbursement are very strict, so insurance coverage is not guaranteed for everyone. The basic health insurance package only reimburses the medicine for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, participating in a combined lifestyle intervention (GLI) programme. Although this is good news for those who are eligible for reimbursement, the majority of people who want to use Saxenda will have to pay for it themselves. You can find a lot of information online about Saxenda and where to buy it. In any case, I strongly advise against buying Saxenda online via websites without a physical consultation by a registered doctor. Saxenda should only ever be used under the supervision of a medical professional, so it is vital that you obtain it from a doctor. What’s more, ordering Saxenda online isn’t cheaper and there’s also the risk of getting a counterfeit product, which could lead to harmful, even life-threatening, consequences.”
Can you tell us a bit more about the guidance that is offered during the weight loss programme?
“What many people underestimate is that Saxenda is not a standalone medicine. It should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes in order to be effective. This is where support from a specialised doctor and nutrition coach comes in. Therefore, it is advisable to go to a clinic that has knowledge and experience with Saxenda and can offer the right guidance. The Body Clinic only employs specialised doctors who have experience with this weight loss medicine. During the programme, all clients receive primary support from a nutrition coach who monitors theirweight loss journey and offers support. Our nutrition coach Annelieke van Woerkom helps clients build a newrelationship with food – one with which they can maintain a healthy weight. The injections make this process a loteasier. By combining support from a doctor and nutrition coach with weight loss injections, The Body Clinic helps people achieve sustainable and effective long-term weight loss. I have seen clients not only reach their target weight but also stay there.”
Book a free ‘Losing Weight with Injections’ consultation at The Body Clinic
Schedule a doctor’s appointment at The Body Clinic now to discuss if weight loss injections are a solution for you.