Dietitian not enough? When medical support makes sense
You visit your dietitian but the weight won't budge. When is it time for medical support alongside nutritional advice? And what does it cost in 2026?
You're doing everything right. But it's not working.
You faithfully visit your dietitian. You follow the nutritional advice. You exercise more. And yet: the scales barely move.
This is frustrating. But you're not alone — and it's not your fault.
When nutritional advice alone isn't enough
For many people with a BMI above 30, lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient. That's not a lack of discipline. That's biology.
Your body has mechanisms that actively resist weight loss: your metabolism slows down, your hunger increases, and your body tries to return to its "set point."
The science is clear: for people with obesity, medical support alongside lifestyle changes is often more effective than lifestyle changes alone.
But medication is expensive and not reimbursed
That's right — in 2026, most weight management medications are not covered by your health insurance. Branded medications cost roughly €150-500 per month, depending on product and dose. For most people, that's simply unaffordable.
The alternative: compounding
What many people don't know: licensed compounding pharmacies in the Netherlands can custom-make the same active ingredients. This is called compounding and is fully legal under the Dutch Medicines Act.
| Branded medications | Compounding | |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursed | Mostly not (2026) | Not applicable |
| Dosage | Standard | Personalised |
| Pharmacy | Regular | BIG-registered, IGJ-inspected |
Does this replace the dietitian?
No. Medical support works best in combination with nutritional advice and exercise. Your dietitian remains important. Compounding is a supplement — it helps your body work with you instead of against you.
What Magistra actually offers
Magistra does not run a questionnaire, doctor-assessment, or pharmacy-matching service. Check our free predictor tool for a personalised view of expected side effects and outcomes, then take that — and this article — to your own doctor or a licensed compounding pharmacy to discuss whether it is right for you. No product is sold or arranged through Magistra.
No referral needed. Compatible with your current dietitian programme.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to stop seeing my dietitian?
No, quite the opposite. Nutrition + medical support together gives the best results.
Does this affect my dietitian?
No. We are a technology platform — we don't offer nutritional advice. We complement it.
What if my BMI is below 30?
Even with a BMI of 27+, you may qualify, depending on your health profile.
Try the free predictor: magistra.health/en/predictor
Magistra is a technology platform. All medical services are provided by independent, registered healthcare professionals and pharmacies. Results may vary.
See your own numbers
Our free predictor estimates your side-effect risk and weight trajectory, with the stated rates and distinct sources shown behind every figure. No signup required.
Open the predictorWorking from the data itself? The dated snapshot behind these figures is available as a one-off purchase, alongside the free public API: Data & API.