Treatment of overweight and obesity
- To initiate pharmacological treatment of obesity, it is necessary to include a set of current test results, such as fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) determination, TSH, fT4, lipidogram, ALT, AST, pancreatic amylase, total bilirubin, serum creatinine concentration with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), peripheral blood count, urinalysis and optional abdominal ultrasound.
- Choose a date and book an appointment with a doctor. During the visit, the doctor will conduct a thorough medical interview and determine the best treatment plan for your overweight or obesity.
- If you wish to continue the therapy, you can use the Express e-Prescription option to quickly renew your prescription.
Treatment of overweight and obesity
Extend or start your treatment with Dimedic
If you have concerns about your health and want to speak with a doctor, choose an e-consultation.
Which consultation should you choose?
Choose Express e-Prescription if you only need a prescription.
Choose E-Consultation if you've never taken hormonal medication and want to speak with a doctor.
How does it work?
Select a consultation option
Decide whether you want to extend your prescription or talk to your doctor (e.g. to start therapy with a new drug). In the case of psychotropic drugs or strong painkillers, it is necessary to provide data from your IKP or a certificate from your doctor.
Complete the medical questionnaire
Answer a few questions that will help the doctor assess your health. If you are continuing treatment, attach your previous prescription.
Wait for the doctor to contact you
If you have chosen a teleconsultation/videoconsultation, the doctor will call you on the selected date to conduct a consultation. If you have chosen to extend your prescription and are a new patient, the doctor will call to confirm the data from the questionnaire.
Receive your documentation
After the doctor's decision, you will receive a prescription and/or recommendations via text message and e-mail - without leaving your home.
Treatment of Overweight and Obesity – Questions & Answers
How is obesity treated?
The treatment of overweight and obesity begins with conservative therapy. This includes lifestyle changes, healthier eating habits, and increased physical activity. These are the foundation of any successful therapy and without them, medical treatment may be ineffective. Depending on individual needs, treatment may involve psychotherapy, regular medical checkups with a general practitioner, as well as consultations with a cardiologist, physiotherapist, endocrinologist, or orthopedist. In some cases, medical therapy (prescription medication) may be recommended as a supplement to lifestyle changes. If all other methods fail, bariatric surgery may be considered as a last resort.
How much does obesity treatment cost at Dimedic?
The cost depends on the chosen form of treatment. You can purchase a teleconsultation to start your weight loss therapy or opt for a prescription renewal consultation to continue treatment with your current medication.
BMI ranges – overweight vs. obesity
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height in meters squared (m²). It is one of the most widely used indicators to assess whether your body weight is healthy. The standard ranges are: Normal weight: 18.5–24.99 Overweight: 25.0–29.99 Obesity class I (moderate): 30.0–34.99 Obesity class II (severe): 35.0–39.99 Obesity class III (very severe): ≥ 40.0
Are obesity medications reimbursed?
Currently, no medications prescribed specifically for the treatment of obesity are covered by public health insurance (NFZ).
Which doctor treats obesity?
An obesity doctor is any physician addressing the specific health issues of a person living with obesity. Since obesity is a complex condition, treatment may involve multiple specialists, such as: General practitioner Diabetologist Endocrinologist Psychiatrist Cardiologist
Can I see a dietitian through NFZ?
Yes, under NFZ (Polish National Health Fund), it is possible to consult a dietitian—especially for patients with specific conditions like: Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, ischemic heart disease) Endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism) Diabetes COPD or asthma For patients with overweight or obesity, treatment may also be available at a public obesity treatment center (e.g., a metabolic clinic), or at a private obesity clinic.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is a last-resort form of contraception that does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Emergency contraception works by delaying or blocking ovulation, which prevents fertilization of the egg. In Poland, two main types of morning-after pills are available: Escapelle and EllaOne. They differ in composition and the time window in which they are effective.
Morning-after pill – how does it work and where does the name come from?
To understand how emergency contraception works, it's important to know how the menstrual cycle and ovulation function.
Pregnancy can occur when a viable sperm meets a mature egg in the fallopian tube. The peak of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels happens just before ovulation—the moment the follicle releases the egg.
This fertile window spans a few days before and after ovulation. Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for several days, meaning that sex before ovulation may still lead to pregnancy.
If you've had unprotected sex (or experienced contraceptive failure) and aren't planning to get pregnant, Escapelle or EllaOne may be suitable options.
Note: Using a morning-after pill may affect menstrual bleeding and lead to irregular cycles.
How does emergency contraception (the “morning-after pill”) work?
The mechanism is simple: the active substances in the pill suppress or delay ovulation by interfering with LH hormone secretion.
By preventing the egg from being released, the chance of fertilization is greatly reduced.
Emergency contraception does not affect implantation and therefore is not an abortifacient.
Scientific studies confirm that emergency contraception pills (levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) do not prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg.
They act before fertilization occurs and do not disrupt an already established pregnancy.
Morning-after pills are not abortion pills
It’s important to clarify that morning-after pills are not the same as abortion pills (such as mifepristone or misoprostol), which act differently by triggering uterine contractions to terminate an established pregnancy.
Emergency contraception prevents fertilization—it has no effect on an existing pregnancy.
Types of morning-after pills available at Dimedic.eu
Escapelle – effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex
EllaOne – effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
The doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication after reviewing your medical form and consultation answers.
When should you use emergency contraception?
It should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Its effectiveness decreases with time.
Both Escapelle and EllaOne are most effective when taken within the first 24 hours.
Note: Emergency contraception is not a regular birth control method and should only be used in urgent situations.
Levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception (e.g., Escapelle)
Escapelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.
It prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, especially if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex—ideally within the first 12–24 hours.
Its effectiveness drops significantly if ovulation has already occurred.
It may also reduce sperm mobility and thicken cervical mucus, creating a barrier to sperm.
It does not affect implantation or act as an abortifacient.
Effectiveness:
Up to 84% when taken within 72 hours
Up to 99% if taken within 24 hours and before ovulation
Ulipristal acetate-based emergency contraception (e.g., EllaOne)
EllaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which delays or prevents ovulation.
Unlike levonorgestrel, it can still block the release of the egg even as LH levels are rising—but not at the LH peak.
It is not effective if ovulation has already occurred.
EllaOne does not affect implantation or terminate pregnancy.
Effectiveness:
Up to 98% before ovulation
Ineffective after ovulation
It remains effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
Possible side effects include headache, nausea, and menstrual irregularities.
Which one is better: EllaOne or Escapelle?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
EllaOne is preferred after 72 hours have passed since intercourse.
Escapelle is suitable if taken within 72 hours, ideally sooner.
Both are effective if used correctly and promptly.
The choice depends on the time since intercourse and your personal health profile—your doctor will help decide.
Do you need a prescription for the morning-after pill?
Yes.
Morning-after pills were once available OTC in Poland, but now EllaOne and Escapelle require a prescription from a doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any medication, side effects may occur and are listed in the official leaflet.
Common side effects include:
Headache
Nausea
Abdominal or back pain
Breast tenderness
Vaginal discharge
Fatigue or mood changes
These effects are usually mild and temporary.
What do users say about the morning-after pill?
Both Escapelle and EllaOne are generally well-reviewed by gynecologists and patients.
Escapelle is more commonly prescribed, making it more frequently discussed online.
EllaOne is also praised for its extended time window and reliability.
Is emergency contraception the same as an abortion pill?
No.
Scientific evidence clearly confirms that emergency contraception is not abortive.
It prevents ovulation and thus fertilization.
It does not disrupt implantation or affect an established pregnancy.
Mislabeling it as an “abortion pill” is inaccurate and ideologically driven, not medically supported.
Does the morning-after pill affect fertility?
Emergency contraception may temporarily disrupt your menstrual cycle, but it does not impact long-term fertility.
Some women may experience delayed periods, nausea, or hormonal symptoms after taking the pill.
As long as it’s used responsibly (not more than once per cycle), it’s safe for future reproductive health.
When could problems occur?
If emergency contraception is misused—taken too often or used as a regular method—it may affect hormonal balance.
It’s designed for occasional, urgent use only.
Always speak to your doctor about more reliable and consistent forms of contraception suited to your needs.