Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven is expanding its Obesity Centre to offer weight-loss medication for patients with severe obesity. The initiative provides a non-surgical alternative for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 35. Consequently, the expanded center now delivers both surgical and medical treatments for this chronic condition. However, patients must obtain a referral from a general practitioner or medical specialist to enter the program.
High demand drives non-surgical weight-loss options
Doctors increasingly refer patients with severe obesity to the Catharina Obesity Centre for specialized care. Although many individuals qualify for treatment, some cannot or do not wish to undergo surgery. Therefore, the hospital designed this program to offer a safe, medically supervised option for these patients.
Multidisciplinary teams tailor care to individual needs
The new medication track integrates directly into the hospital’s existing care network. As a result, patients work alongside a multidisciplinary team:
- Dietitians provide tailored nutritional guidance throughout the process.
- Physiotherapists assist patients with safe physical activity routines.
- Specialized nurses and doctors monitor health metrics and medication response.
Bariatric surgeon Simon Nienhuijs emphasizes that obesity is a chronic illness requiring flexible care pathways. For some patients, surgery offers the best outcome, while others respond better to medication or a combined approach. By housing all services under one roof, specialists can personalize care based on individual medical needs and long-term health goals.
Two-year program focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes
Doctors evaluate applicants carefully to confirm medical eligibility, personal motivation, and commitment. The hospital strictly pairs medication with lifestyle coaching, healthy diet changes, and exercise routines.
During the intensive two-year program, patients attend group meetings and individual consultations. Furthermore, dropping below the BMI threshold of 35 during treatment does not end participation. Because obesity is a chronic disease, clinicians evaluate full medical histories to ensure lasting progress before transitioning follow-up care back to general practitioners.
Insurance coverage requires prior lifestyle programs
Health insurers do not automatically cover weight-loss medication for every patient. To qualify for reimbursement, individuals must complete a one-year lifestyle intervention program first or hold a formal diagnosis of diabetes.
@ Catherina Zeikenhuis |NEWS BRAINPORT
