GLI: lifestyle coaching covered by insurance
Two years of support on nutrition, exercise and behaviour, fully covered, with no deductible.
Weight & metabolic health · Amsterdam and Almere · no referral needed
Does this sound familiar?
Do you want to live healthier for good, but need more than a handful of sessions? The Combined Lifestyle Intervention (Gecombineerde Leefstijl Interventie, GLI) is a two-year programme for people who are overweight, fully covered by the Dutch basic health insurance.
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 are 18 or older and have a BMI of 30 or higher
- You have a BMI of 25 or higher combined with an increased risk, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea
- You want longer support than the three hours of dietary advice per year
- You want to work on exercise, sleep and relaxation as well as nutrition
- Your GP (huisarts) has mentioned the GLI, or you would like to ask about it yourself
What we do
- Personal guidance from a certified GLI lifestyle coach
- Attention to nutrition, exercise, sleep and relaxation
- Group sessions and one-to-one conversations, for two years
- No claim on your deductible (eigen risico)
How the GLI works
The Combined Lifestyle Intervention has been part of the Dutch basic insurance package since 2019. The programme lasts two years: a treatment phase of about a year in which you actively get to work, and a maintenance phase in which you hold on to what you have learned. You work on healthy eating, moving more and changing behaviour, with attention to sleep and stress.
The GLI consists of group sessions and one-to-one conversations with a lifestyle coach. In a group you discover you are not the only one and you learn from each other; in the one-to-one conversations we look at your situation, your eating pattern and what is holding you back. Exercise happens in your own surroundings; where needed we point you to activities nearby.
The GLI requires a referral from your GP (huisarts), because the GP determines whether you meet the criteria. We help you with that request and coordinate with your GP during the programme. Because the GLI is covered by the basic health insurance without any deductible, you pay nothing yourself.
What to expect from your programme
The aim of the GLI is a healthier lifestyle that you maintain on your own after two years: eating better, moving more and having more control over your habits. Weight loss is usually a result of that, but not the only measure. We take measurements at the start and at every review, so you can see what is changing.
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 the GLI 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.
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 the GLI
Am I eligible for the GLI?
The GLI is for adults with a BMI of 25 or higher combined with an increased health risk, or a BMI of 30 or higher. A referral from your GP (huisarts) is required; we help you with that.
Is the GLI fully covered by Dutch health insurance?
Yes. The GLI is part of the basic insurance package (basisverzekering) of every Dutch health insurer and is fully covered. Your deductible (eigen risico) is not charged. The programme is separate from the three hours of dietary advice per year.
How long does the GLI take?
Two years: about a year of treatment phase with regular sessions and conversations, followed by a maintenance phase with less frequent contact, aimed at keeping it up.
Do I have to attend group sessions?
The GLI combines group sessions with one-to-one conversations; both are part of the programme. The groups are small and the atmosphere is practical and respectful. If the idea of a group makes you nervous, talk about it at the intake.
Can I follow the GLI in Amsterdam Nieuw-West?
Yes. Our main location is Gezondheidscentrum Slotervaart in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Ask about current start dates and group locations when you register.
A dietitian near me
Guidance for the GLI 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 overweight and obesityLasting weight loss without a crash diet, with a way of eating that fits your life and your culture.
- Dietitian for type 1 and type 2 diabetesControl your blood sugar with food that fits your medication and your daily life, guided by dietitians with a postgraduate qualification in Nutrition and Diabetes.
- Dietitian for high blood pressureLower your blood pressure with less salt, more vegetables and a plan that fits your life.
- Dietitian for cardiovascular diseaseFood that protects your heart and blood vessels: practical, tasty and sustainable.
Clear explanations and I can easily keep it up.
Very happy with the help, especially from Britt. Clear explanations and I can easily keep it up. Very happy with it.
Start today with guidance for the GLI
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.