About obesity
Not everyone who eats too much is obese. And not everyone who has health problems is obese. But what exactly is obesity?
Since 1998, it has been described by the WHO as a chronic disease in which excessive fat accumulates in the body. This can lead to health risks. People who are obese usually suffer from various complaints. The excess fat often leads to a lack of energy. All of this makes people with obesity want to do something about this disease.

This is
how we help you
The specialists at OWL center help you lose weight healthily with lasting results. We do this with scientifically proven methods and coaching that suits you and your situation.
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Own Coach
Throughout the treatment, your coach will help you adjust your lifestyle to maintain weight loss. You’ll discuss topics like food, exercise, mindset, or any questions you have. Your coach will offer guidance, support, and celebrate your successes with you.
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Up to 22% Weight Loss
Now that you’re adjusting your lifestyle and starting treatment, it’s time for results! With expert support, you’ll make big strides toward a healthier lifestyle and weight. Depending on your treatment and motivation, you could lose up to 22% of your weight.
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01
Intake
Before meeting the doctor, you’ll complete a questionnaire and food diary. During the intake, we’ll discuss your situation and create a personalized treatment plan. If you proceed with treatment, the intake fee is 65 guilders.
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Customised Treatment Plan
You and your coach will use a special mind map from the OWL center to identify factors influencing your weight. We’ll also assess the coaching needed to achieve the best results, forming the foundation for your personal treatment plan.
The Body Mass Index (BMI)
The ‘Body Mass Index’ (BMI) can be used to calculate the ratio between a person’s height and weight. This calculation gives a good indication of whether someone is (seriously) overweight. The table below shows the so-called ‘cut-off values’ for adults aged 18 and over, along with an explanation of the severity of the (over)weight.
BMI Range | Category | Recommendation |
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18.5 or less | Underweight | Try to gain some weight or at least not to lose weight. If necessary, contact your GP. |
18.5 – 25 | Healthy Weight | You have a healthy weight. |
25 – 30 | Overweight | Try to lose some weight or at least not to gain weight. |
30 – 40 | Obese | This means that you may suffer from health problems due to your overweight. |
40 or more | Severely Obese (Morbidly Overweight) | You very likely suffer from health problems due to your overweight. |
NB: even with a BMI of 35, there can be serious obesity, if there are health problems caused by the excess weight. Think for example of treated diabetes and high blood pressure and proven osteoarthritis or sleep apnea (OSAS).
You cannot use BMI for the following groups of people:
- Babies
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Seriously ill individuals
- Athletes
- Adults aged 74 or older
Possible complaints
People who are obese almost always have health complaints. These can be physical, but also mental. Below you will find a list of complaints that occur frequently. Do you recognize several of the complaints mentioned? Then go to your family doctor. He or she can help you and tell you whether this is related to your excess weight.
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Diabetes
Frequent thirst and frequent urination, feeling tired, red and burning eyes, blurred, double or poor vision, wounds that heal poorly, shortness of breath, pain in the legs when walking, infections that often recur.
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Elevated cholesterol
Few to no symptoms, but leads to cardiovascular diseases without treatment.
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High blood pressure
Headache, tinnitus, palpitations, dancing spots in front of the eyes, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, muscle weakness and cramps.
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Cardiovascular diseases
Chest pain, nausea and/or sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention, irritating cough when lying flat, insomnia, dizziness, pain in the legs.
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Sleep apnea
Loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, periods of cessation of breathing, morning headaches, depressive complaints, problems in the area of sexuality.
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Osteoarthritis
Pain and/or stiffness of hips, ankles and knees.
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Infertility (women)
Acne, hair in strange places, irregular cycle, absence of menstruation.
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Infertility (men)
Scientific research has shown that overweight and obese men have reduced sperm quality.
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Other possible complaints
Back pain, depression, migraine, asthma, heartburn and gout.
Causes
There is often not one reason for being overweight. It is often a combination of reasons, such as:
- Eating too much
- Too little exercise and sitting a lot
- Another disease, such as Cushing’s syndrome
- Eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder
- Eating more carbohydrates, especially fructose
- Stress
- Too little sleep
- Genetic predisposition; so it runs in the family
What are the consequences?
Being overweight does not only cause health problems. Many people also feel that they have a lower quality of life. Some daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs or playing with the children, are difficult or impossible. People with obesity often also have psychological problems, such as depression, low self-confidence and low self-esteem. It is an increasing problem in our society. One in ten diseases in the Netherlands is even related to obesity or being overweight.
Treatments
During the intake we will draw up a personal treatment plan.
Medication (Injection Pen)
- Sustainable support
- Up to 22% weight loss
- 6 months of personal coaching
- No waiting time, start immediately
Medication (Tablets)
- Specifically against food cravings
- Average 8-12% weight loss
- 6 months of personal coaching
- No waiting time, start immediately
Intra gastric balloon (Allurion balloon)
- No surgery, no anasthesia, no hospital admittance
- Swallowable pil
- Fast weight loss within 6 months
- Up to 15% weight loss
- 6 months follow up
- Program with BIA analysis to follow up on your progress
- No waiting time, start immediately