Dietitian for COPD
With COPD, breathing costs energy. Good nutrition keeps you stronger, fitter and at a better weight.
Heart, blood vessels & lungs · Amsterdam and Almere · no referral needed
Does this sound familiar?
With COPD your body uses more energy, while eating itself becomes more tiring. Unwanted weight loss and muscle loss are lurking, and they weaken your lungs and resistance to illness even further.
Who is this guidance for?
If you recognise yourself in one or more of these situations, a dietitian is a logical next step. Not sure? A single question by e-mail is answered free of charge.
- You have COPD and are losing weight or muscle strength unintentionally
- You have COPD and are overweight, which makes breathing extra hard
- Eating costs you a lot of energy, or you quickly get short of breath during meals
- Your GP (huisarts) or lung specialist has referred you within the COPD care network
- You are in pulmonary rehabilitation and want to keep up the dietary advice at home
What we do
- An energy- and protein-rich nutrition plan that is manageable when you are short of breath
- Practical tips for eating moments that cost little energy
- Support within the COPD integrated care network, covered with no deductible
How nutrition helps with COPD
In COPD the airways are permanently narrowed, so breathing takes more effort. That raises your energy expenditure, while shortness of breath, fatigue and feeling full make eating harder. This is how many people with COPD develop malnutrition and loss of muscle mass without noticing, including in the breathing muscles.
Nutrition is therefore a standard part of COPD care. We look at getting enough energy and protein, spread over small meals that take little effort, and at practical matters: eating calmly, not too large portions, soft foods when you are breathless and quick ways to enrich meals. If you are overweight we work instead on a healthier weight while keeping muscle mass, because every kilo less makes breathing easier.
Within the COPD integrated care network (ketenzorg) via ROHA we coordinate with your GP and practice nurse (praktijkondersteuner), and where needed with your lung specialist or physiotherapist. Exercise and nutrition reinforce each other; together with the physiotherapist we make sure your muscles get the fuel they need.
What to expect from your programme
The aim is a stable weight, maintaining or building muscle mass and more energy in daily life. How that goes differs from person to person and per stage of COPD. We measure weight and body composition at every review and adjust the plan if your symptoms change.
We make no promises about kilos or timelines. What we do is measure the same way at every evaluation, so you see your progress in black and white.
How your programme works
Four clear steps, from sign-up to evaluation. All within the cover of your basic health insurance, at our locations in Amsterdam or Almere, at home or online.
Sign up
Online in a few minutes, no referral letter needed. Choose a location, a home visit or a video call, and your preferred time. We get in touch within one working day.
± 3 minutes
60-minute intake appointment
Full screening with weight and body-fat measurement (circumference measurements where useful), a dietary history and personal advice straight away. Afterwards we work out your plan and sample day menu (30 minutes).
60 + 30 minutes
Personal plan
Treatment goals and an eating pattern that fits your life and schedule, with consultations spread across the year. No standard lists, but choices you can keep up.
after the intake
Guidance and measuring
In follow-up consultations we discuss your progress, answer your questions and measure again, so your progress becomes visible and we can adjust in time.
at your pace
Is a dietitian for COPD covered?
Yes. Dietary advice is covered for three hours per calendar year under the Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering), with no referral letter needed. With supplementary insurance you are often entitled to more sessions. If you are over 18, your deductible (eigen risico) applies, except within an integrated care network (ketenzorg). We are contracted with all Dutch health insurers and bill them directly, so you receive no invoice.
If your care falls under integrated care (ketenzorg, for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk or COPD), dietary advice is fully covered by the basic package and your deductible (eigen risico) is not touched. Your GP (huisarts) arranges the referral for this.
Dietitian without a referral letter
For dietary advice you do not need a referral from your GP (huisarts): you sign up directly online and we get in touch within one working day. Only if you want to be guided within integrated care (ketenzorg), so that your deductible is not touched, does your GP request a referral. Where useful, we always coordinate with your GP or specialist.
Frequently asked questions about COPD
I'm actually gaining weight. Can that happen with COPD too?
Yes, overweight also occurs with COPD and makes breathing harder. In either situation we draw up a plan that fits.
Is dietary advice for COPD covered by Dutch health insurance?
Yes. Within the COPD integrated care network (ketenzorg) via your GP, dietary advice is fully covered by the basic health insurance (basisverzekering), with no deductible (eigen risico). Outside the care network the standard cover of three hours per year applies, with no referral letter needed.
Do I need a referral?
Only for support within the integrated care network (ketenzorg), so that your deductible (eigen risico) is not charged. Ask your GP (huisarts) for a referral to the dietitian within the COPD care network. Otherwise you can register directly.
Can you visit me at home if travelling is too tiring?
Yes. We make home visits in Amsterdam and Almere, and video consultations are also possible. Both are covered in the same way as an appointment at our practice.
Do I need nutritional drinks for COPD?
Not as standard. We first look at what can be achieved with ordinary food. Only if that is not enough do we advise medical nutritional drinks, in consultation with your doctor.
A dietitian near me
Guidance for COPD is available at all our locations in Amsterdam and Almere, at home or by video call. Choose whichever is easiest for you.
- Dietitian Amsterdam SlotervaartGezondheidscentrum Slotervaart, Louwesweg 6, Amsterdam
- Dietitian Amsterdam ZuidoostHuisartsenpraktijk Zuidoost, Florijn 5A, Amsterdam
- Dietitian Amsterdam OokmeerHuisartsenpraktijk Ookmeer, Notweg 30-A, Amsterdam
- Dietitian Almere Stad, Almere
- Online or at home. Video calls are covered in the same way; home visits in Amsterdam and Almere for anyone who finds it hard to leave the house.
Related treatments
All seventeen treatments- Dietitian for underweight and malnutritionGain weight healthily and get your energy back, with a nourishing plan made for you.
- Dietitian for cardiovascular diseaseFood that protects your heart and blood vessels: practical, tasty and sustainable.
- Dietitian for overweight and obesityLasting weight loss without a crash diet, with a way of eating that fits your life and your culture.
- Sports dietitian for athletes and young talent at every levelFrom youth footballer to elite athlete and dedicated amateur: nutrition that measurably improves your performance and recovery.
Lost almost 10 kilos in a few months. I also eat more varied and tastier food.
Thanks to the good, professional advice from NutriHealth I lost almost 10 kilos in a few months, partly by changing my diet. I also eat more varied and tastier food. NutriHealth is highly recommended and I will keep coming back. Thank you NutriHealth!
Start today with guidance for COPD
Sign up in a few minutes. We get in touch within one working day to plan your intake, at our locations in Amsterdam or Almere, at home or online. Covered by basic health insurance, no referral needed.