Are you unsure about how to dispose of old medicine? Here are the most frequently asked questions
The short answer: Weight-loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have been extensively studied and have proven safe for most overweight individuals, provided the treatment is initiated under medical supervision. It is normal to have doubts before starting treatment, and you deserve honest answers, not a sales pitch.
Nearly 8 out of 10 Goodweigh customers feel some hesitation before starting treatment. This is according to our customer satisfaction survey conducted in June 2026, which included 1,010 participants. This hesitation is understandable: it involves medical treatment, money, and a topic that touches many people personally. Those hesitant about weight management medication primarily want to know if it poses risks and if it will work for their specific situation. In this article, we address the five biggest barriers identified in our survey and what science and our customers have to say about them.
The five biggest barriers identified in our survey
Doubts before starting weight-loss medication are not irrational; they are serious questions that everyone starting treatment is right to ask. Our customer satisfaction survey of 1,010 respondents shows which factors weigh most heavily.
Price and anxiety about an online doctor's visit top the list, but safety and effectiveness follow closely behind. Below, we examine each criterion to explain what it entails and what is known about it.
Are weight-loss medications safe? The scientific perspective
Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have proven safe in large-scale studies when used under medical supervision. Both drugs are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of overweight and obesity and belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, although tirzepatide is both a GIP and GLP-1 agonist.
According to the STEP 1 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide has proven safe and effective over 68 weeks in overweight or obese adults. The most commonly reported side effect is nausea, which occurred in about 44% of Wegovy users compared to 16% in the placebo group, and it usually subsides as the body adjusts to the dose. Diarrhea, constipation, and a slight increase in heart rate also occur. Hair loss has been reported in 2.5% of users compared to 1.0% in the placebo group, and this is usually temporary and resolves on its own.
Serious side effects are rare but significant: pancreatitis, gallstones, dehydration that can lead to kidney failure, and in rare cases, the eye condition NAION. Studies on tirzepatide show a similar safety profile. Individuals with a history of pancreatitis, severe heart failure, or type 1 diabetes, or those who are pregnant, are not suitable for treatment.
At Goodweigh, a doctor assesses whether the treatment is appropriate during the initial consultation, and the progress of the treatment is monitored throughout. If you would like to know more about specific symptoms, you can read about the side effects of Ozempic.
Will it work for me? What you can expect
Most people lose a significant amount of weight, but the rate of weight loss varies greatly from person to person. According to the aforementioned STEP 1 study, participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight during 68 weeks of semaglutide treatment. For tirzepatide, that figure rises to 20–22%, as shown by the SURMOUNT-1 study. A broader analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2025 confirms that GLP-1 agonists as a drug class are consistently effective for weight loss in adults without diabetes. as shown in this meta-analysis.
Starting weight, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition all influence how much weight a person loses and at what pace. In the first few weeks, weight loss is often slow because the dosage is being gradually increased.
After a few months, results usually accelerate significantly. If your weight loss is progressing slower than expected, it is not necessarily a cause for concern: discuss it with your treating physician, who can assess whether the dosage needs to be adjusted.
Why it feels awkward, and why it doesn't have to
Stigma surrounding weight-loss medication is understandable but unfounded: obesity is a biologically based chronic disease, not a result of a lack of willpower. There is already a scientific consensus on this, as stated in a frequently cited review in the journal Obesity Reviews, which describes obesity as a chronically recurring disease process. A pharmacotherapeutic approach supports this medical view of obesity and the role of medication in treating it.
Eleven percent of our clients cited shame as a barrier to starting treatment. Online care lowers this threshold: no waiting room, no physical encounter, no feeling of being judged. Clients who have taken this step despite their shame are satisfied with their choice afterward.
Is it safe to start medical treatment online?
Digital healthcare feels daunting to many, but Goodweigh guarantees the same medical diligence as an in-person consultation. We begin with a comprehensive initial assessment where a doctor evaluates your health status, medical history, and suitability for treatment. The guidance does not end with this first evaluation: the course of treatment is monitored, and you can contact your treating physician or coach if side effects occur or if you have questions.
Furthermore, online medical care in the Netherlands is subject to the supervision of the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) and is governed by legislative quality and safety requirements, even outside of a physical clinic. If you would like to know more about how the initial assessment and treatment at Goodweigh work, you can read about it on the how it workspage.
Still having doubts? Ask your questions in advance
Doubt is allowed, and there is no fixed deadline for your decision. If you need more time, it is a good idea to clarify any open questions beforehand so that you can start with a clear picture instead of uncertainty.
You can do this via the website's frequently asked questions or by contacting the Goodweigh team.
Doubt is normal, but don't let it hold you back
Almost no one starts without questions, and that is not a sign of weakness. In our research, customers ultimately decided to join primarily due to the experiences of others (16%) and a positive initial contact with Goodweigh (14%). Doubt rarely disappears on its own: it fades through concrete information and personal contact.
Do you have questions about whether medical weight loss is right for your situation? Explore our Goodweigh weight loss program or fill out our initial questionnaire to find out what medical guidance can offer you. Still unsure about the method itself? Read how medical weight loss coaching helps you maintain your results.
Viitteet
- Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., ym. (2021). Kerran viikossa annettava semaglutidi ylipainoisilla tai liikalihavilla aikuisilla. New England Journal of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/
- Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., ym. (2022). Tirzepatidi kerran viikossa liikalihavuuden hoidossa. New England Journal of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658024/
- Bray, G. A., Kim, K. K., Wilding, J. P. H., & World Obesity Federation. (2017). Liikalihavuus: krooninen, uusiutuva ja etenevä sairauden kulku. Obesity Reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28489290/
- Moiz, A., Filion, K. B., Toutounchi, H., ym. (2025). Glukagonin kaltaisen peptidi-1-reseptorin agonistien teho ja turvallisuus painonpudotuksessa aikuisilla, joilla ei ole diabetesta. Annals of Internal Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39761578/
- Goodweigh. (2026). Goodweighin asiakastyytyväisyystutkimus, kesäkuu 2026 (n=1010). Sisäiset tiedot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, long-term studies on semaglutide and tirzepatide show that their safety profile has remained stable over several years. Side effects are generally mild and tend to subside after the initial phase. Serious side effects are rare, and Goodweigh monitors your treatment continuously under medical supervision.
Most people don't notice much of a difference during the first few weeks, as the dosage is increased gradually. After two or three months, weight loss typically accelerates significantly for most users, with the most pronounced results appearing only after several months of consistent use.
Yes, you should discuss any side effects with your treating physician, who can adjust your dosage or pause treatment if necessary. At Goodweigh, you are not alone: we maintain continuous contact with your doctor throughout your treatment.
According to our customer survey, reading honest testimonials from others (16%) and having a positive, clarifying initial contact with the Goodweigh team (14%) are the decisive factors that give our customers the confidence to get started.
Yes. Digital healthcare in the Netherlands is subject to the same strict legislative framework and oversight by the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) as in-person consultations. A BIG-registered physician will carefully evaluate your medical background, current health status, and medical history before treatment begins.
