Diet programme didn't work? Here are your options in 2026

You're not alone

You tried Weight Watchers. Or Noom. Or intermittent fasting. Or one of the dozens of other diet programmes that promise this time you'll actually lose weight.

And it didn't work. Or it worked for a while, and then everything came back.

You're not alone. Research shows that 95% of people who lose weight through dieting regain it within 2-5 years. That's not down to you — that's down to the approach.

Why dieting alone often doesn't work

Diet programmes focus on behavioural change: eat less, move more, count points. And that works — for a while. But your body adapts. Your metabolism slows. Your hunger increases. And eventually, you can't win the battle against your own biology.

That's not a willpower problem. That's physiology.

What's the alternative?

There is a growing scientific consensus that for people with a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with health problems), medical support is more effective than dieting alone.

But medical support is expensive. Branded products cost €300-400 per month and are not reimbursed by your health insurance in 2026.

Compounding: the affordable alternative

There is an option many people don't know about: compounding via a licensed compounding pharmacy.

What's the difference?

How does it work?

You complete a short health questionnaire (5 minutes)

An independent BIG-registered doctor assesses your profile

You're matched with a licensed compounding pharmacy

Your treatment is custom-made and delivered to your door

No counting points. No group sessions. No referral from your GP needed.

Who is this suitable for?

Compounding is suitable if you:

Have a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with health problems)

Have tried previous diet programmes without lasting results

Are open to medical support for weight management

Find branded products too expensive

Are 18+ and live in the Netherlands

The difference from Weight Watchers or Noom

Weight Watchers and Noom are behavioural programmes. They teach you to eat differently. That's valuable, but for many people it's not enough.

Compounding is medical support — your body gets help from the inside. Combined with healthy eating and exercise, this is more effective for many people than dieting alone.

And it costs less than you think: from €155 per month. Compare that with the WW subscription + the groceries + the frustration of relapsing again.

Start now

No long contracts. No automatic renewals (looking at you, WW). No hidden costs.

Just an honest questionnaire, a doctor who assesses your profile, and a personalised treatment.

Start the free check: magistra.health/nl/patient/start

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Magistra is a technology platform. All medical services are provided by independent, registered healthcare professionals and pharmacies. Results may vary.