Is leefstijlgeneeskunde wetenschappelijk onderbouwd?

Yes. Lifestyle medicine is a recognised field with a growing scientific evidence base, including for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and overweight. As a physician and PhD researcher, I draw on research findings and apply them to your situation.

How is this different from working with a lifestyle coach or dietitian?

A lifestyle coach or dietitian can provide valuable support with behaviour or nutrition. As a doctor, I also take a medical perspective: I can request and review additional blood tests, and take your medical history and medication into account. What’s more, I look beyond individual factors to how nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress and recovery all interact.

Can I do this while I’m already being treated by a doctor or specialist?

Yes, you can. My approach complements conventional care; it does not replace it. Do not stop or change any treatment or medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Where needed, I coordinate with your GP or specialist, always with your consent.

Do I need to have symptoms to make an appointment?

No. You’re welcome whether you have specific symptoms or concerns, or simply feel well and want to stay that way. You can make a real difference to your vitality and health in the future by taking action before symptoms arise.

Will I have to follow a strict diet or plan?

No. You’ll receive a personalized plan that we create together, with steps that fit into your life. You’re in control; I’ll give you the knowledge and support to stick with it.

What if I can’t manage it one time?

That’s part of the process. Change rarely follows a straight line, especially when life is busy. At follow-up appointments, we’ll look together at what happened and adjust your plan without judgement. This helps you learn what works for you, even when things don’t go to plan.

How do I know if it works?

At the start, we set your personal goals together, making sure they are specific and achievable. Using Goal Attainment Scaling, a recognised method used in fields including rehabilitation medicine, we define in advance what progress will look like. This way, you can see what you have achieved by the end of your program.

Can you help me with menopause symptoms, including hormone treatment?

Yes. During menopause, lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, stress and relaxation can have a major impact on how you feel, and we work on these together. I don’t prescribe hormone therapy myself. If it’s an option for you, discuss it with your GP or gynaecologist. Where needed, I coordinate with them to ensure your care is well integrated.

Do you prescribe supplements?

I sometimes recommend supplements if they’re appropriate for your symptoms and, where relevant, your blood test results. Supplements don’t replace a healthy lifestyle, but in some situations they can be a useful addition. I only recommend them when there’s a clear reason and evidence to support it, never as a standard approach.

Wat kost een traject, en wordt het vergoed?

Programs cost between €505 and €775, excluding any laboratory testing; the programs and fees overview shows you exactly what is included. 

Lifestyle medicine is generally not covered by basic health insurance. Partial or full reimbursement may sometimes be available through supplementary insurance (service code 90/24005), and hypnotherapy (90/24501) is often covered. Your employer may also offer a vitality or professional development budget. If you choose a follow-up program after The Basics, the amount will be fully credited.

You can find more information under Programs and Fees. 

Will my employer receive information if they contribute to the cost?

No. Anything you discuss with me is covered by medical confidentiality. If your employer contributes to the cost, they’ll only receive the information needed for payment, not any medical information.

Can I stop partway through?

Yes, you can cancel at any time. The programme fee is non-refundable. 

Not sure whether a programme is right for you? Feel free to discuss it during your introductory consultation, or start with The Essentials. You can always add more later.

How much does an initial consultation cost, and what happens?

Nothing. The introductory call is a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone conversation. You tell me what’s going on and what you’d like to achieve; I explain how I work, and together we’ll see whether my approach is right for you. There’s no commitment.

Do I need a referral?

No, you can contact me directly. If your GP or specialist referred you, feel free to bring any referral information to your initial appointment.

How much time does a programme typically take?

It varies by programme and goal. Most programmes last between 2 and 6 months, with an intake, a few follow-up appointments and, if needed, additional tests. During the introductory consultation, we’ll discuss what suits your situation and pace.

How soon can I get started?

You can usually start with your initial consultation within two weeks.

Where do appointments take place?

That depends on the type of appointment and your preference. The initial consultation is by phone. Intake and follow-up appointments can take place at the practice in Amstelveen (Laan van Kronenburg 14), by phone, or by video call. Yoga, hypnotherapy and reiki appointments generally take place at the practice.

How can I fit a program into my busy schedule?

Appointments take place on weekdays during office hours. Many can be held by phone or video call, so you don’t need to travel and can fit them more easily into your working day. The steps in your plan are tailored to your life, not the other way around.

Why do you offer programmes instead of one-off appointments?

Because a single appointment usually only scratches the surface. Your energy, sleep, stress, nutrition and metabolism are all interconnected, and change takes time. In a programme, we first take a detailed look at what’s going on, set your goals together, and provide guidance to help you maintain new habits and adjust them where needed.

This is how we work towards lasting change, rather than a quick fix for just one part of the picture. Would you like to get to know my approach first? Then The Basics is an easy first step.