StopOverweight uses medication from the class of GLP-1 agonists for its treatment. GLP means glucagon-like-peptide and is a so-called incretin. Incretins are hormones found naturally in the intestines. During eating, these hormones stimulate the pancreas to release insulin. The incretin hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) causes decreased appetite and delayed gastric emptying.
FAQ
2. What are the effects of this medication?
Weight loss depends in part on personal lifestyle. On average, participants in the studies below lost about 15.6% of their body weight over a 4-6 month period*.
*See publication: Mehta A et al. | Obes Sci Pract. 2017; 3(1): 3-14.
**See publication: Wilding J.P.H., Batterham R.L., Calanna S., et al. | 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Use of GLP1 agonists reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying. The brain releases less of the “hunger pangs” signal. This makes it more successful to eat less and the client feels satisfied longer.
3. What are the most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists?
The most common side effects are nausea and diarrhea. These occur in more than 10% of clients and are transient. Other side effects, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation and gastritis occur in 1% to 10% of clients and are also transient.
GLP-1 agonists are reimbursed in patients with type 2 diabetes under certain conditions.
4. When should I not take this medication?
The use of GLP1 agonists is discouraged in pregnancy and lactation. There are no known significant interactions of this medication with other medications. During the initial consultation, we will check together whether there are other reasons why it is better not to use GLP-1. We advise clients with type 2 diabetes to contact their family doctor.
5. What does the treatment program/program consist of?
The integrated treatment program consists of an intake interview with a physician, blood tests, supervision by the StopOverweight nurse, weight measurements, exercise and dietary recommendations. The personal primary care physician may be contacted for treatment recommendations.
6. What is the cost of the treatment process?
The total cost for the treatment process will be shared with you in advance and is based on the type of process a client will go through. The costs for consultations, medication, blood pressure measurements and body analysis are all-inclusive. The cost of the blood test may be charged to your health insurance company by StopOverweight.
7. What is the guarantee of success?
The weight reduction results per client depend on client motivation, medication dosage, duration of treatment program and follow-up of exercise and dietary recommendations. The average results for weight loss +/- 15.6% are a statement from the manufacturer: Novo Nordisk.
8. Is the dosage of medication variable?
The maintenance dose of GLP1 agonists is 2.4mg once a week. This is achieved by periodically increasing the starting dose of 0.25mg. This dose will be adjusted after 3 to 4 weeks by the StopOverweight physician based on body weight and gastrointestinal side effects. The standard accrual is:
- Week 1-4 1 per week 0,25 mg
- Week 5-8 1 per week 0,5 mg
- Week 9-12 1 per week 1,0 mg
- Week 13-16 1 per week 1,7 mg
- Maintenance dose 1 per week 2,4 mg
9. What is the advantage of this method over other lifestyle programs such as dieting?
There are many lifestyle programs for weight loss. StopOverweight’s integrative treatment program is based on a new EMA and FDA approved drug for weight loss. Clients quickly experience positive results without drastically changing their lifestyle. The intensive and personal counseling provided by StopOverweight physicians provide a boost in clients’ motivation.
10. Can everyone participate?
StopOverweight’s treatment program is for individuals with a BMI > 27. Blood tests and intake by the StopOverweight physician are standard components of the treatment program. Medical supervision is aimed at minimizing the possible side effects of the medication and at self-efficacy of the clients.