Question 1

Is this a medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before you're admitted, a BIG-registered Dutch physician assesses whether you meet the medical criteria for pharmacotherapy in obesity. The physician sets the indication, prescribes the medication, monitors your progress and adjusts the treatment plan where needed. Anyone who doesn't meet the medical criteria is declined. Lean Clinic is registered as a healthcare provider under the Wet toetreding zorgaanbieders (Wtza), falls under the supervision of the Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ), and complies with the Wet kwaliteit, klachten en geschillen zorg (Wkkgz).

Question 2

Do you follow a medical guideline?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our approach aligns with the Multidisciplinaire Richtlijn Overgewicht en Obesitas bij volwassenen (2023), developed by Partnerschap Overgewicht Nederland and endorsed by all relevant Dutch professional bodies (including NHG, NIV, NVD, KNMP and BLCN). The guideline recommends pharmacotherapy in combination with a lifestyle intervention.

Question 3

Is obesity a disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The World Health Organization and Dutch clinical guidelines recognise obesity as a chronic disease. At Lean Clinic we treat adults with a BMI of 30 or above (obesity), or a BMI of 27 or above combined with a weight-related health condition.

Question 4

How does the Lean Clinic programme work?

Accepted Answer

Lean Clinic combines GLP-1 medication with a complete online programme focused on lifestyle alongside medication. Once medically approved, you get access to weekly learning modules on nutrition, movement and behaviour. You do weekly check-ins to track your progress and have 24/7 access to our AI coach. You can also chat with your care team and fellow participants in our private community at any time. This combination helps you work towards lasting weight loss and behavioural change.

Question 5

Who is the treatment suitable for?

Accepted Answer

The treatment is intended for adults between 18 and 75 years old with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above combined with weight-related health problems. We don't accept everyone: people with a higher risk profile are declined upfront. A BIG-registered physician always assesses during the consultation whether the treatment is safe and suitable for you. Not eligible? Then you'll receive a full refund.

Question 6

In which countries is Lean Clinic available?

Accepted Answer

Lean Clinic is only available in the Netherlands. To sign up you need a Dutch home address, a Dutch postcode and a Burgerservicenummer (BSN). Medication is only delivered to a Dutch address via a pharmacy based in the Netherlands. If you live outside the Netherlands, unfortunately you can't take part in the programme.

Question 7

What kind of support will I get?

Accepted Answer

You get a personal care team made up of a doctor and a lifestyle coach, weekly learning modules and check-ins, a live chat with your care team, direct chat with the pharmacy, a private community with other participants, and a library of articles and videos about healthy weight loss.

Question 8

Which GLP-1 medications do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Where medically appropriate, our doctors prescribe GLP-1 medication based on the active ingredients semaglutide and tirzepatide. During the online consultation, the doctor will discuss which medication suits you best based on your health, preferences and goals. The final choice is made together with you.

Question 9

What makes Lean Clinic different?

Accepted Answer

With many providers, it's mostly about the prescription. With us, it's not. We're not the place where you quickly pick up a prescription, and we're upfront about that with our clients. Our programme focuses on lasting behaviour change, with weekly learning modules, check-ins, direct chat with your care team, an AI coach, a library of helpful articles and videos, and a private community where experiences and tips are shared.

Question 10

What if I experience side effects?

Accepted Answer

By gradually building up the dose, offering practical advice throughout the programme and monitoring you weekly, we can keep side effects to a minimum. If you do experience any issues, you can reach your care team directly via chat. The medical team is ready to help and can adjust your treatment if needed. So you're never on your own.

Question 11

How are my progress and health monitored?

Accepted Answer

Every week you complete a check-in covering your weight, how you're feeling and any side effects. Your care team actively reviews this, so we can step in quickly if needed. All information is stored in your personal file, which your doctor can access.

Question 12

Can I switch to Lean Clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, switching to Lean Clinic is straightforward and will likely save you money. During onboarding you can indicate that you've used GLP-1 medication before. You'll then automatically receive a switching discount on your subscription. This discount is only available to people switching from another provider.

Question 13

Why should I switch to Lean Clinic?

Accepted Answer

With us you benefit from a fully online programme with medical supervision, a personal care team, weekly learning modules, an AI coach, live chat, a private community and an extensive knowledge library. Everything is focused on lasting behaviour change, not a quick fix. And as someone switching, you'll also receive a discount on your subscription.

Question 14

How much does the treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

You see one total monthly price up front for your whole programme: the medication, the consultations, the guidance, the programme and shipping. That amount depends on your dose, and you can cancel monthly. In practice you pay the Lean Clinic subscription each month, and the medication directly to the affiliated pharmacy each time you place an order. You'll see the full overview during sign-up, before you pay anything.

Question 15

Is it covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, the Lean Clinic programme and GLP-1 medication are not covered by health insurance. You pay these costs yourself. This could potentially change under strict conditions in the future, but there's no clarity on that yet. If you have questions, please contact your insurer.

Question 16

Is this a subscription?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You pay for Lean Clinic's guidance and programme as a monthly subscription. Your medication is separate: you pay for it per order at the pharmacy, only when you need it. You can cancel the subscription at any time through your account. A 1-month notice period applies, so it continues for one more billing period after cancellation. There are no hidden costs.

Question 17

Is there a notice period?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel every month. A 1-month notice period applies, which means your subscription will run for 1 more billing period after cancellation. You'll have full access to all programme services during this period. You can undo your cancellation at any time through your account.

Question 18

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all common payment methods, including iDEAL and credit card. Payments are processed securely via Stripe.

Question 19

Do I get my money back if I'm not eligible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. If the medical consultation shows that you can't start treatment for health reasons, you'll receive a full refund straight away. No hassle, no questions.

Question 20

What does the consultation with the doctor cost?

Accepted Answer

The online consultation with the doctor is fully included in your subscription, so you pay nothing extra for it. Follow-up consultations and contact with your care team are always included too.

Question 21

How does the first consultation work?

Accepted Answer

After payment, you complete your application and schedule an online consultation with one of our BIG-registered doctors through the platform. During this video call of around 20 minutes, you'll discuss your health situation, medical history and goals. If you're eligible, the doctor will issue a prescription straight away and send it to the pharmacy. From there, you can easily request your medication through the platform.

Question 22

Is an online consultation required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before any prescription is issued, a video consultation with a BIG-registered doctor always takes place. During this conversation, you'll discuss things like your health situation and medical history. A questionnaire alone is never enough.

Question 23

What is the LSP and why do I need to give permission?

Accepted Answer

The LSP is a secure network that allows healthcare providers to share medication data. The pharmacy uses the LSP to check whether your medication is safe in combination with other things you're taking. The prescribed medication is also shared with other healthcare providers you give access to the LSP. Through volgjezorg.nl you can always see who has viewed your data.

Question 24

Why do I need to verify my identity?

Accepted Answer

For our medical treatment, we're legally required to verify that you are who you say you are. We do this through a secure check where you take a photo of your passport or driving licence. Verification is carried out by Stripe, a certified security partner. We do not store a copy of your ID.

Question 25

Do I need to visit a physical location?

Accepted Answer

No, everything at Lean Clinic is fully online. Your consultation takes place via video call from the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you. Your medication is delivered to your door too, so you don't need to go anywhere.

Question 26

How long does it take before I can get started?

Accepted Answer

After payment, you can schedule a consultation straight away. Appointments are usually available within a few days. After the consultation, the doctor sends your prescription to the pharmacy and you'll receive your medication at home within 1 to 4 working days. So in many cases, you can get started within a week.

Question 27

What if I have questions after my consultation?

Accepted Answer

After your consultation, you have unlimited access to your care team via the live chat in the platform. You can also chat directly with the pharmacy about your medication. Have a medical question? You can always send a message to the doctor.

Question 28

How quickly will I receive my medication?

Accepted Answer

Once the doctor has written your prescription, the pharmacy will typically send your medication within 1-4 business days. You'll receive an email with tracking information as soon as your package is on its way, so you know exactly when to expect it.

Question 29

How much does shipping cost?

Accepted Answer

Shipping your medication is completely free.

Question 30

How do I request new medication?

Accepted Answer

Through the platform, you can request new medication with just one tap. Your request is automatically sent to the pharmacy, and they'll make sure you receive your new medication on time. Simple and quick.

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