Healthier weight with help from a lifestyle programme
Want to work towards a healthier weight and lifestyle? Discuss with your GP or practice nurse whether a lifestyle programme suits you.
What is a lifestyle programme?
A lifestyle programme helps you lose weight and live healthier if you are overweight. Depending on the programme you participate in, you will receive guidance from a lifestyle coach, dietitian, physiotherapist or exercise therapist, or a combination of these healthcare providers.
Together, you will work for two years to achieve a lasting change in your lifestyle. These programmes are called Combined Lifestyle Interventions (GLI). In the first year, you learn how to live healthier, and in the second year, you learn how to maintain these changes.
You will receive practical tips and guidance in the following areas:
- Healthy eating
- Get more exercise
- Sleep better and relax
- Dealing with stress and other issues that get in the way of a healthy lifestyle
This way, you can work step by step towards a healthier life that suits you — at your own pace, with support.
When are you eligible?
Your general practitioner or specialist can assess whether a lifestyle programme is appropriate for you. These programmes are covered by basic insurance. You are eligible in the following situations:
You have a BMI of 25 or higher and one of these problems:
- increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- increased risk of diabetes
- diabetes
- osteoarthritis
- sleep apnoea
Or, you have a BMI of 30 or higher, and you would like to participate yourself. Your general practitioner or specialist can refer you to a lifestyle coach.
Choice of lifestyle programmes
There are several lifestyle programmes to choose from. All programmes last for 2 years, but they differ in how guidance is offered: online, physical or a combination of both. The number of coaches and type of support can also vary. Some programmes offer additional support through a app, others not.
| Programme | Form | Guidance | Starting opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMARTER | Physical | Lifestyle coach, dietician, physiotherapist or exercise therapist | |
| Cool | Physical | Lifestyle coach + group | |
| X-Fitt | Physical | Lifestyle coach, sports coach | Continuous |
| SSiB | Physical | Lifestyle coach, dietician, physiotherapist or exercise therapist and sports coach | Monthly |
| MiGuide | Online | Lifestyle coach + app | Weekly |
| SLIMMER powered by Ancora | Online | Lifestyle coach + app | Monthly |
| Turn Diabetes2 Around Plus | Physical | Lifestyle coach, dietician and nurse (use of heavy medication) | Monthly |
| Reverse Diabetes2 Online | Online | Lifestyle coach, dietician and nurse | Monthly |
Talk about it with your GP or practice manager
Referral to (desired) lifestyle programme/coach
Intake interview with lifestyle coach
Following the lifestyle programme
Working together for a healthier lifestyle
Thinking of losing weight with medication?
You may have read or heard about it, for instance on social media or in the news. Drugs to lose weight get a lot of attention. It is often about quick results and the high interest in these drugs.
Well-known anti-obesity drugs include Ozempic, Saxenda and Mysimba*. Each medicine works in a different way. What helps for one may not always work for another. What they do have in common: they are not a solution in themselves. Whether a pill or an injection, drugs only work well when combined with a healthier lifestyle.
Therefore, these drugs are only reimbursed if you also participate in an approved lifestyle programme.
Check Causes of Overweight
BMI is a general measure and does not always give a complete picture of your health. It may be useful to also investigate the factors that contribute to your excess weight. Take a look at the website Check Oorzaken Overgewicht (Check Causes of Excess Weight). There you will find reliable information and questionnaires that you can fill in. You can take the results to your doctor for specific advice.
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