Frequently Asked Questions About Obesity Treatment
Answers to the most common questions about obesity medications, costs, side effects and the treatment process
1.How can I start obesity treatment in Slovenia?
Medications for obesity treatment are available in Slovenia exclusively on a doctor's prescription. At our clinic, the doctor performs a comprehensive examination, assesses your suitability and prescribes appropriate medication as needed. You then purchase the medication at the pharmacy with the prescription. No referral is needed — book directly with us for a first consultation.
2.How much does obesity treatment cost?
The first consultation costs €140 (60 minutes) and includes a comprehensive medical history, body composition analysis, review of results and prescription. Follow-up appointments cost €80 (30 minutes). There are also two discounted programmes: Monitoring (€420/3 months) and Transformation (€690/6 months). Medications are not included in the price and are purchased at the pharmacy on a private prescription.
3.Does health insurance (ZZZS) cover weight loss medications?
At present, the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS) does not cover the costs of obesity medications. Treatment is entirely self-pay. Medications are prescribed on a private prescription and the patient purchases them at the pharmacy at market price. For patients with type 2 diabetes, some of these medications are partially covered through ZZZS, but only for the diabetological indication.
4.What are the side effects of modern obesity medications?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain. These typically appear in the first weeks of treatment and with gradual dose increases, then subside in most patients. Slow dose escalation significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of side effects. At follow-up appointments, the doctor adjusts the dose according to your medication tolerance. More serious side effects, such as inflammation of the pancreas and gallstones, are rare.
5.How quickly will I lose weight?
Results are individual, but clinical studies show an average loss of 15–20% of body weight in 68–72 weeks. The first noticeable changes (reduced appetite, loss of 2–5 kg) occur in the first 4–8 weeks. The fastest weight loss is usually between months 3 and 9 of treatment. After 12 months the pace slows as the body approaches a new equilibrium weight. Results are better when combined with changes in eating habits and increased physical activity.
6.Are obesity medications different from each other?
Yes. Various medications for obesity treatment are available in Slovenia, differing in their mechanism of action, method of administration (weekly injections or daily) and degree of efficacy. Some act on one hormonal system in the body, while others (a newer generation) act on two simultaneously, resulting in a greater effect on weight loss. The choice of the right medication is individual and depends on your health status, goals, tolerance and budget. This decision is made by the doctor at the first consultation after a comprehensive examination. Specific information about medications can be found in the public medicines database at www.cbz.si.
7.What happens after stopping the medications?
After stopping treatment, most patients may experience partial weight regain — studies show that about two thirds of the lost weight is regained in the year after discontinuation if eating habits are not changed. It is therefore essential to establish healthy habits (diet, exercise) during treatment that will help maintain the achieved weight. For some patients, long-term maintenance treatment at a lower dose makes sense. The doctor will advise gradual dose reduction rather than sudden discontinuation.
8.Who is a suitable candidate for treatment?
Treatment is intended for adults (aged 18 and over) with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (obesity), or with a BMI of 27 or more if they have comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or blood fats, or sleep-disordered breathing (apnoea). Treatment is not suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers or persons with certain health conditions. Suitability for treatment is always assessed by the doctor at the first consultation.
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Contact us by phone or email. We are happy to answer all additional questions.
01 777 42 55 | info@ultrazdravje.si
What We Offer at Our Obesity Treatment Clinic
MEDICAL CARE
Prescription of weight loss medications
After a comprehensive examination, the doctor assesses suitability for treatment and prescribes appropriate medication when medically indicated. The choice is based on your health status, goals and budget.
More about treatment
ANALYSIS
Body Composition Analysis
A professional 8-electrode bioimpedance device measures 40+ parameters in 30 seconds: fat and muscle mass, visceral fat, hydration, basal metabolism.
Analysis
COUNSELLING
Nutritional Advice
Basic nutritional advice from the doctor at every appointment. Emphasis on maintaining muscle mass with adequate protein intake.
Counselling
MONITORING
Monthly Monitoring
Regular follow-up appointments with body composition measurement, medication dose adjustment and side effect monitoring. We accompany you throughout the entire process.
MonitoringBook an appointment
No waiting, no referral. Appointment within 24–48 hours.
Štihova ulica 3, Ljubljana | Mon–Fri: 9:00–16:00