- Lifestyle programme (GLI): covered by basic insurance.
- Weight loss medication: covered under conditions, always with guidance.
- Gastric balloon: temporary, almost never reimbursed.
- Surgery: from BMI 40, or 35 with a related condition.
- Every step only works with a changed lifestyle.
Which obesity treatments are available in the Netherlands?
A GLI is a programme of about two years with guidance on food, exercise and behaviour, such as COOL. It is covered by the basic insurance without a deductible. For many people with overweight it is the first step, and for treatments higher up the ladder it is often a requirement.
Weight loss medication in the Netherlands is only given with guidance from a healthcare professional. A gastric balloon temporarily takes up space in the stomach. Weight loss surgery changes the stomach, and with a bypass also the intestine, permanently.
Why the order matters
Insurers and centres work in steps. At Vitalys, for example, people who lose more than ten percent with a GLI no longer qualify for covered medication, because the lifestyle approach is working. Conversely, if medication does not help enough, you can still have surgery if you meet the criteria. For surgery, centres almost always ask for proof of an earlier non-surgical pathway.
Which option fits which BMI?
Roughly: with overweight and a BMI between 25 and 30, lifestyle is the basis. From a BMI of 27 with conditions, or 30 and higher, medication comes into view. The gastric balloon is offered from a BMI of about 27 to 30, depending on the clinic. Surgery from a BMI of 40, or 35 with a condition such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea or high blood pressure; with poorly controlled diabetes some centres already consider 30.
Calculate your BMI and discuss the result with your GP, who will refer you to the right step.
Advantages and points of attention per option
Advantages
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle programme (GLI) | covered, no procedure, basis for every next step |
| Weight loss medication | no surgery, dose can be adjusted |
| Gastric balloon | no surgery, on average 10-15 kg in a year |
| Weight loss surgery | most and longest-lasting loss with severe obesity |
Points of attention
| Point of attention | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle programme (GLI) | result depends fully on keeping it up |
| Weight loss medication | weight can return after stopping; side effects such as headache |
| Gastric balloon | nausea in the first days; not reimbursed |
| Weight loss surgery | operation risk and lifelong vitamins |
Cost and insurance (2026)
Coverage differs strongly per step. Always check your policy and the centre's criteria.
| Item | Amount or arrangement |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle programme (GLI) | covered by the basic package |
| Weight loss medication | covered under conditions; Mounjaro not |
| Gastric balloon | about €3,000-€5,000, not covered |
| Weight loss surgery | basic package, €385 deductible 2026 |
Obesity treatment options: key figures
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Adults with obesity in NL (2024) | 15.6% |
| Adults with overweight | 50.0% |
| Obesity range per GGD region | 11.6% to 19.2% |
| Gastric balloon: average loss | 10-15 kg in 12 months |
| Surgery: loss of total weight | about 20-40% |
The options side by side
| Option | From BMI | Permanent? |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle programme | overweight | as long as you keep it up |
| Weight loss medication | 27 with conditions, or 30 | as long as you use it |
| Gastric balloon | 27-30 (per clinic) | no, 6-12 months |
| Weight loss surgery | 40, or 35 with conditions | yes |
Step by step
- Determine your BMI. Use the BMI check and note conditions.
- GP. Discuss which step fits; ask about a GLI.
- Lifestyle. Follow a recognised programme.
- Next step. Medication, balloon or a referral for surgery.
- Keep it up. Every treatment needs lasting guidance.
Read next
- BMI thresholds per option — calculate yours
- Gastric balloon — non-surgical
- Obesity clinics in the Netherlands — where to go
- Types of weight loss surgery — surgical options
What you can do today
Start with your BMI and an honest overview of what you have already tried: dietitian, lifestyle programmes, medication. Ask your GP about a combined lifestyle intervention; it is covered and is a requirement for almost every next step.
If you qualify for surgery, attend an online information session of a centre without obligation, so you know what the pathway involves before asking for a referral.
Frequently asked questions about obesity treatment
It depends on your BMI and health. With severe obesity, surgery gives the most weight loss in the long term. With less severe obesity, a lifestyle programme is the basis, possibly with medication. Your GP helps you choose.
A combined lifestyle intervention: a programme of about two years with guidance on food, exercise and behaviour, such as COOL. It is covered by the Dutch basic insurance.
Under conditions. Vitalys, for example, mentions coverage of injections (except Mounjaro) with a BMI of 35 or higher and a related condition. Medication is always combined with lifestyle guidance.
Yes. If medication does not help enough, you can still qualify for surgery as long as you meet the criteria.
That is possible. Centres therefore reduce medication under supervision and check whether a lower dose remains necessary. A healthy lifestyle stays the basis.
Another name for weight loss or bariatric surgery. In the Netherlands it means the sleeve, bypass, mini bypass or SADI, performed at one of the 20 DATO-certified centres.
Yes: a lifestyle programme, weight loss medication and the gastric balloon. On average they give less weight loss than surgery but are less invasive.
For children and teenagers lifestyle guidance is the basis, via the GP or youth health care. Surgery under 18 is an exception under a separate guideline.
Centres and insurers want proof that you tried without a procedure. The programme also teaches the eating pattern you need after any next treatment.
According to the Health Monitor 2024, 15.6 percent of Dutch adults have obesity and half are overweight. Per GGD region obesity ranges from 11.6 to 19.2 percent.
Call +31 6 38048347 (Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00) or email info@maagverkleining-info.nl. This page is also available in Dutch.
Sources
- Gezondheidsmonitor Volwassenen en Ouderen 2024, RIVM, CBS and GGD
- Vitalys (Rijnstate): weight loss medication, balloon and surgery
- Richtlijn Chirurgische behandeling van obesitas, NVvH
- YourWeightcare: balloon criteria
- Nederlandse Obesitas Kliniek: discontinuation of the balloon
Search terms leading here: obesity treatment Netherlands, weight loss options Netherlands, obesity medication Netherlands, GLI lifestyle programme.
Author: Gijs Bodenstaff. Last reviewed: September 2026.