By the end of 2022, the number of participants in the Combined Lifestyle Intervention (CLI) had grown to over 73,000. This is according to a semi-annual report by RIVM. The figure represents a 51% increase since the end of May 2022. The number of participants was around 48,000 at that time.
The CLI has been helping people change their lifestyle and behaviour since 2019. Those who take part receive two years of guidance and advice on healthy nutrition, eating habits and exercise. Participation in the CLI is covered by basic healthcare insurance, subject to certain conditions. In addition to the number of participants, the number of claims for participation submitted to care insurers also grew to over 290,000 (+60%) in the past period. Since 2019, care insurers have reimbursed a total of €33 million for participation in the CLI.
Effects of participation
The results achieved by CLI participants are similar to those in the previous report. On average, participants lost 3.5% of their weight after nine months. Waist circumference decreased by 3.4% and body mass index (BMI) by 1.2 kg/m². RIVM observed no difference in this regard between people with a lower or higher BMI at the start of the CLI. These figures are based on measurements taken among a group of 923 people that is representative of all participants.
CLI programme completion
A CLI programme lasts two years. Half of participants complete the full programme, while 26% stop in the first year. Of those who continue past the first year, around 35% will stop before the end of the second year. Previous updates have shown that the reason for stopping is often a lack of time and/or motivation.
Combined Lifestyle Intervention developments
RIVM has been monitoring the development of the CLI for the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport since 2019. It publishes data on the CLI twice a year. These are based on claims data from care insurers and, since August 2021, from the CLI register. This register is continuously updated with data on participants.