Do I need a referral from a GP for Saxenda?
All registered doctors in the Netherlands are allowed to prescribe Saxenda, so a client does not necessarily have to go to their GP for a Saxenda prescription. However, it is advisable to go to a specialized clinic if you plan to use Saxenda, so that you receive optimal support during the process.
Choose a specialized clinic with Saxenda guidance
The Saxenda medication is particularly effective in combination with a lifestyle change, for which the help of a specialized doctor and a Saxenda nutrition coach is important. It is therefore advisable to go to a clinic that has knowledge and experience with Saxenda medication and can offer guidance during the process.
Is Saxenda reimbursed through the GP?
Whether the Saxenda medication is reimbursed has nothing to do with the type of doctor, but with the conditions set by the Dutch government and health insurers. You are eligible for reimbursed care if you meet the following conditions:
- A BMI of 35 or higher combined with cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea or osteoarthritis, or a BMI higher than 40. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a measure used to determine whether someone has a healthy weight, is overweight or underweight.
- Participation in the combined lifestyle intervention (GLI) for at least one year.
- Not having type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- (Still) not eligible for operations such as a gastric bypass.
More information about Saxenda reimbursement.
Saxenda can also be prescribed without reimbursement
The above conditions only apply to reimbursed care. However, Saxenda can also be prescribed by a doctor without reimbursement. A doctor can prescribe Saxenda for a BMI above 27 with at least one weight-related condition.
My GP does not want to prescribe Saxenda
In practice, we see that general practitioners often apply the reimbursement requirements of the health insurer, as described above; even if the client indicates a willingness to pay for the medicine themselves. The reason is often that prescribing Saxenda (liraglutide) is not standard general practice. When using Saxenda, support from a doctor and a nutrition coach is important, and a general practice often cannot provide this support. That is why general practitioners often only prescribe the medicine for a BMI of 35 or higher with the other requirements.
Never buy Saxenda online
There are also many providers who sell Saxenda online. However, our urgent advice is not to engage with them. Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine, which is only dispensed if you have had a physical consultation with a doctor. These restrictions around medication have a reason. If you buy Saxenda online, you have no idea of the authenticity of the medicine, and no doctor has assessed your health risks. You are thereby taking a life-threatening risk. Therefore, always consult a doctor for a consultation. That can be with your general practitioner, The Body Clinic, or another specialist, as long as you physically consult a real doctor.
