I arrive at Lanserhof Lans near Innsbruck, Austria, feeling excited but nervous. This world-famous spa, Lanserhof’s original property, has been promoting a total health reset, involving fasting, mindful eating and a range of medical tests, treatments and support, for the past 42 years. In that time various celebrities and one-percenters have walked through these doors.
I’m here for a very particular reason. From October 2024 to August 2025 I was on the weight-loss drug Mounjaro. I am aware that taking these drugs has its pros and cons. There have been horror stories of people unable to control their bowels, getting a gaunt “Ozempic face”, or losing a high percentage of their muscle mass — not to mention possibly increasing the risk of acute pancreatitis. I have lost nearly four stone, which is a lot of weight in a short period of time, and I’m aware that I need a full health check, as well as support in managing my food intake to keep the weight off. The latest programme from Lanserhof looks at precisely this, offering a bespoke package for the “Ozempic generation”.
As soon as I walk through the door of this beautiful schloss, complete with fireplaces that turn on at the flick of a switch, an indoor-outdoor saltwater pool, two saunas and a steam room, it feels special, calm and welcoming.
The first thing I do is meet Dr Nina Berensmeier, one of several highly experienced doctors who work at the almost space-age medical centre at the heart of the spa. She takes my blood pressure, weight, height and medical history. I am lucky not to have any history of illness in my family and, in fact, I rarely see a doctor. My blood pressure is fine and my weight is 64.9kg — down from 89kg when I started on Mounjaro.
We discuss what I want to get out of being at Lanserhof. Essentially I want a reset, some relaxation and a sense of how my body is faring post-drugs. Berensmeier tells me that many weight-loss patients face challenges including changes in body composition, nutritional imbalances, digestive discomfort and fluctuating energy. Lanserhof has introduced medically supervised programmes to support the body through this.
Apparently the programme will help me preserve my metabolic health. I will have my digestion improved through abdominal massage, nutritional guidance and some gentle detox therapies. I will have comprehensive medical examinations including blood tests, a liver fibroscan and abdominal ultrasound, and restorative treatments from cryotherapy to relaxation therapies.
“This is about ensuring long-term health and wellbeing for people who are using weight-loss drugs or want to use weight-loss drugs,” Berensmeier tells me. And it starts with fasting. I must eat nothing for 48 hours bar the clear vegetable broth available between 10am and noon. I must also take a concoction of Epsom salts and various vitamins and minerals. I’m not keen on fasting, but as it is the cornerstone of the Lanserhof, I agree.
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The next few days go by in a blur: I have two sessions in the cryochamber, tests on my muscle-to-fat ratio and scans of my organs. About twenty phials of my blood are taken, as well as a urine sample. I have two detoxing treatments, one with a mud wrap and one with gentle cupping, and I join the wellbeing activity programme, which includes tapping rituals (outdoors at 7am), Nordic walking, talks on nutrition and brain health, yoga, and three sessions with a personal trainer.
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I adhere to this schedule, which is so packed that I barely notice I’m only eating soup and some tough bread. I sip never-ending herbal teas and take my vitamins and minerals. I also swim, hang out in the sauna and submit to having my body encased in an infrared sarcophagus. All of it feels amazing.
At the end of my stay Dr Dinah Putz-Gergely gives me the lowdown. “You are in great shape,” she says. My blood tests are good and my internal organs are tickety-boo. I tell her that losing weight has made me more confident to go to the gym, and I will continue the simple, effective workouts given to me by my Lanserhof personal trainer, Maria Posluschny.
Putz-Gergely suggests I have a Dexa scan to check my bone density, a colonoscopy because I’ve never had one, and a full gynaecological scan, but otherwise I’m good to go.
I’m advised to avoid raw food, meat and processed foods, and the dietician has given me a vegetarian plan to follow. I come away committed to maintaining my good health, and don’t even feel tempted to pick up a burger at the airport.
Details The seven-night Lanserhof Lans Weight Loss Injection Management programme, from £4,675, excluding accommodation. Rooms from £305 a night, lanserhof.com