A once-weekly injection has, in recent years, made weight loss possible for many people for whom diet and exercise alone did not bring a lasting result. Here we explain in plain language how the treatment works, who it suits and how it is organised at Élan Clinic in Tallinn, in the clinic or online.
How the treatment works
The medicine mimics a hormone your body produces after eating that signals you are full. Hunger decreases, you feel full sooner, and many people describe that constant thinking about food quietens down. The treatment does not replace nutrition and exercise, but it makes them easier to follow.
It is a prescription medicine, prescribed by a doctor or a nurse with prescribing rights and sold only in pharmacies. It is injected under the skin once a week with a pen-type device that is easy to use yourself. We teach you how at the first consultation.
Who the treatment suits
In Europe the treatment is indicated for adults with a body mass index of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related health problem such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar or sleep apnoea. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain medical conditions.
We always assess suitability individually at the first consultation: we review your medical history, current medicines and, where needed, blood tests. If the treatment is not right for you, we say so honestly and discuss other options.
Injections, tablets and over-the-counter products
Online you will find "weight loss tablets" and natural capsules. A food supplement is legally a food, not a medicine, and nobody has to prove it works before it is sold. In Estonia a prescription medicine may only be bought from a pharmacy with a prescription; products sold on social media may be counterfeit, and nobody checks what is in them.
How it works at Élan Clinic
- First consultation, 60 min, €150. In the clinic at Ülemiste Tervisemaja in Tallinn or by video call. We talk about your goals, assess your health and decide together whether the treatment suits you. If it does, you receive a prescription, an injection guide and a clear plan.
- Starting on a low dose. The dose is increased step by step so your body adjusts and side effects stay low. We answer your questions by email within one working day.
- Follow-up. A follow-up consultation of 45 min, €130, or the "Active weight treatment" package, €300 for three months, which includes three consultations and all prescriptions for that period. Dr Ingmar Lindström supervises the treatment throughout.
- Keeping the weight off. Once your weight has stabilised, the "Maintain" package, €150 for three months, helps you keep the result and end treatment as planned.
What to expect
Side effects. In the first weeks and when the dose is increased you may experience nausea, constipation or diarrhoea. These are usually mild and pass; smaller portions, stopping eating as soon as you feel full and avoiding fatty food help. If symptoms persist, the dose increase can be slowed down.
Muscle. As with any weight loss, part of what you lose is muscle. That is why we talk about protein and strength training at every visit: they help you keep muscle and maintain the result later.
Ending treatment. In studies, many people regained part of the weight after stopping, because excess weight is often a long-term condition, like high blood pressure. That is why ending treatment matters as much as starting it: we make the plan, the habits and the gradual stop together.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to come to the clinic in person?
No. The first consultation and follow-up work well by video call. The prescription is issued as an Estonian digital prescription, and you collect the medicine from a pharmacy of your choice in Estonia.
How quickly does the treatment work?
It varies. In the first weeks the dose is low and the goal is for your body to adjust, not fast weight loss. The dose is increased step by step and we review the effect at every visit.
Will I need the medicine for the rest of my life?
The length of treatment is decided together and depends on your goal and health. Some people stop treatment as planned, others continue on a lower dose. In studies, many people regained part of the weight after stopping, so we plan the end of treatment as carefully as the start.
How much does it cost in total?
The first consultation is €150 (60 min), a follow-up consultation €130 (45 min). The 'Active weight treatment' package is €300 for three months and includes three consultations and the prescriptions for that period. The medicine itself is bought from the pharmacy separately.
Is the treatment safe?
The medicine is used under its European Union marketing authorisation and treatment is supervised by a doctor. We review suitability, possible risks and interactions with your other medicines before starting, and monitor you during treatment.