HealthyLIFE launched
Combined lifestyle intervention for overweight adults
KERKRADE, Sept. 2 - Starting Tuesday, Sept. 6, the healthyLIFE pilot program will begin in Kerkrade. This program was developed for overweight adults with an increased risk of heart problems, type II diabetes, osteoarthritis or sleep apnea and for adults who are severely overweight. HealthyLIFE is one of over forty programs of Vie - Leven in beweging, the large-scale health and vitality program in the municipality of Kerkrade that aims to greatly improve the health and vitality of Kerkrade and Parkstad residents.
HealthyLIFE launched
Residents from Kerkrade who are overweight in combination with fragile health or who are severely overweight and want to participate can discuss this with their primary care physician or practice nurse. If they meet the criteria, they can be referred to healthyLIFE. Participation is reimbursed by the health insurance company (with no co-payment).
Customized exercise program
HealthyLife is a combined lifestyle intervention based on the scientifically proven GLI Cool intervention (Coaching on Lifestyle). The first four groups to start consist of eight people each. Participants are guided and supported by a lifestyle coach on nutrition and behavior for 24 months both individually and in the group.
An exercise coach supports participants in a fourteen-week customized exercise program. The goal is for participants to move on to existing sports and exercise programs in the region. Participants can choose their own way and steps to achieve their own goals, so that after two years they can continue with healthy eating, active exercise and a healthy weight on their own.
More impact
In healthyLIFE, attention is also paid to underlying social and health problems that may be linked to obesity. Alderman Jo Schlangen, responsible Vie coordinator: "We aim with this program to increase the quality of life of the participants and to increase their self-reliance and participation. We know that this integrated approach has proven to be more effective than an approach on lifestyle or exercise alone."
Parties involved
The parties involved in the development and implementation of healthyLIFE in Kerkrade are Ecsplore (overall project management & monitoring), Huisartsen Oostelijk Zuid Limburg (implementation of lifestyle coaching) and the municipality of Kerkrade with The MoveFactory (implementation of exercise coaching).
Twelve groups of eight participants are scheduled to start from September through December. The two-year program will continue through December 2024. In late 2022/early 2023 we will have the results of the baseline measurement (start of program) and the1st effect measurement (after completion of 14-week exercise coaching) of the first groups. Based on the first results, expansion of the pilot can be considered in 2023.