Author: Gezondland Editorial Team | Source: Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is difficult. Old habits are stubborn, motivation fluctuates, and the environment often works against you. Research consistently shows that social support makes the difference between temporary attempts and lasting change.
“80% of our health outcomes are determined by behavior and environment — not by medical care. The pendulum is therefore moving from hospital back to the community.” — Deloitte Center for Health Solutions
The JLAM Lifestyle Community is built on this insight. It is a smart health community where technology, knowledge, and human connection come together — designed around proven behavior change techniques.
Unlike Facebook or Instagram, no algorithm determines what you see. There is no advertising, no distracting content, no polarization. You connect with real people making the same journey as you. This creates a supportive environment where healthy behavior is the norm.
In the community, you meet people who are further along on their journey. Their stories show that change is possible — not in theory, but in practice. “If they can do it, so can I.” At the same time, you share your experiences with newcomers. This way, everyone is both learner and example.
In the community, everyone is equal. Whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years — your experiences matter. Peer support works precisely because peers can reach each other in ways that healthcare providers cannot. Self-discovered insights and solutions stick better than advice from outside.
The community is built on the philosophy of Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn (Your Lifestyle As Medicine): making lifestyle measurable and improving it with social support. All information is evidence-based, all programs are developed with medical advisors and based on proven behavior change techniques.
The community is organized into themed clubs where members can join based on their interests and goals.
| Club | What you’ll find |
|---|---|
| Welcome and orientation | Introduction and first steps |
| Introduce yourself | Meet other members |
| Community messages | Current updates and news |
| Open forum | Free discussions on all topics |
| Calendar | Events and activities |
| Chat | Direct contact with other members |
For anyone who wants to eat healthy without sacrificing taste.
Movement is a pillar of lifestyle medicine. In the movement club you’ll find:
Health is more than food and exercise. In the purpose club you explore:
“What makes you get up in the morning — and where do you get your energy from?”
For those who want to dive deeper into the science behind lifestyle medicine. Knowledge alone doesn’t lead to change, but it is the foundation: you need to know what works before you can apply it.
The courses combine understandable information with practical exercises — not just theory, but also how to apply it in your daily life. Become a member to get access.
Access to exclusive content from Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn:
The heart of the community:
“Making lifestyle measurable and improving it with social support” — The JLAM motto
SWIM stands for Saturday Weigh-In and Measure (ZWEM in Dutch: Zaterdag Wegen En Meten) and is the heart of the JLAM approach. Every Saturday morning, hundreds of members come together virtually to share their progress. No vague intentions, but concrete numbers. No lonely struggle, but shared responsibility.
Since 2018, thousands of participants have made their lifestyle measurable with SWIM. The program combines multiple proven techniques: self-monitoring, goal setting, social support, and feedback.
Each week, participants measure:
| Measurement | Why? |
|---|---|
| Weight | Track the trend, not day-to-day fluctuations |
| Waist circumference | Indicator of visceral fat and metabolic health |
| Blood glucose | Fasting, for insight into insulin sensitivity |
| HbA1c | If available, for long-term trend |
The data is entered into the SWIM app, after which you see:
Every Saturday there is a group moment where members share and discuss their measurements. This creates accountability — you know others are watching, and that motivates you to keep going. At the same time, you see how others are doing: this normalizes the ups and downs, and you learn from each other’s approach.
With SWIM, you set concrete, measurable goals:
These goals are specific and measurable — not vague intentions but clear targets you work towards. And each week you see whether you’re getting closer.
“A plateau week, only my waist circumference went down, the rest slightly up. It will be fine I know, just keep going. I resisted the pepernoten (Dutch cookies), I’ll manage with the Christmas pastries too.” — Karin H., SWIM participant
“Weather and rheumatoid arthritis. The weather lately has had a negative effect on rheumatoid arthritis. To my great joy, thanks to plant-based eating, it has decreased enormously compared to last year. Happy with that.” — Yvonne P., community member
The community is not just for patients. There are special sections for professionals:
For healthcare professionals who want to integrate lifestyle:
Exclusive content from JLAM’s medical advisor:
Become a Founding Member
For the first 1,000 members, a special price of €25 per year applies. This price remains valid forever as long as you remain a member. There are already more than 700 members.
What do you get?
The JLAM Community is not just an online platform — it is designed around proven behavior change techniques. Each component has a function:
| What you find in the community | The technique behind it |
|---|---|
| Weekly SWIM measurements | Self-monitoring — What you measure, improves |
| Graphs of your progress | Feedback — Immediately see what works |
| Comparison with healthy norms | Normative feedback — Know where you stand |
| Concrete, measurable goals | Goal setting — Give direction to your efforts |
| Stories from other members | Role models — See that it’s possible |
| E-learning courses | Skills training — Learn how to do it |
| Clubs and peer support | Social support — Not standing alone |
| Weekly SWIM moment | Reminders — Structure and rhythm |
| Algorithm-free environment | Supportive environment — No distraction, just focus |
The JLAM Lifestyle Community is built on five core elements:
| Pillar | How JLAM implements this |
|---|---|
| Empowerment | Tools, knowledge, and e-learning to take control yourself |
| Sense of community | Clubs, peer support, and group activities |
| Technology | SWIM app, community platform, Lampie AI assistant |
| Data-driven improvement | Weekly measurements, personal graphs, trends |
| New ecosystem | Collaboration between members, coaches, and healthcare professionals |
No. Although JLAM started with a focus on type 2 diabetes, the community is for anyone seeking a holistic approach to health. Whether you want to lose weight, get fitter, or address a chronic condition — you are welcome.
Absolutely not. The community exists precisely to help you get started. Beginners are warmly welcomed and embraced by experienced members who have made the same journey.
That's up to you. Some members post daily, others mainly read along. There is no minimum activity required. You get out what you put in.
No. The community provides support for self-management but does not replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your treatment. Peer support is complementary to professional care.
SWIM stands for Saturday Weigh-In and Measure (ZWEM in Dutch: Zaterdag Wegen En Meten) — the heart of the JLAM approach. Each week participants measure their weight, waist circumference, and blood glucose. The data is shared in the community, which creates accountability and motivation. On average, participants lose 7.3 kg in the first year. More information: jeleefstijlalsmedicijn.nl/zwem-maak-de-leefstijl-meetbaar
The community is only accessible to members. However, you can find plenty of free information about the approach and philosophy at jeleefstijlalsmedicijn.nl.
Behavior change is difficult. But you don’t have to do it alone. In the JLAM Lifestyle Community you’ll find:
“I want to grow old healthy without overweight, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.” — Willie P., community member
Hundreds of members share that wish. And together they work on it — every day anew.
Imagine: a year from now you look back. Your waist circumference has decreased, your energy has increased, your blood values have improved. You’ve built new habits that now feel natural. And you did it with support from people making the same journey.
That’s not a fantasy — that’s what thousands of JLAM members have already achieved. The question is: will you join?
Medische Disclaimer: De informatie van Stichting Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn over leefstijl, ziektes en stoornissen mag niet worden opgevat als medisch advies. In geen geval adviseren wij mensen om hun bestaande behandeling te veranderen. We raden mensen met chronische aandoeningen aan om zich over hun behandeling goed door bevoegde medische professionals te laten adviseren.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided by Stichting Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn regarding lifestyle, diseases, and disorders should not be construed as medical advice. Under no circumstances do we advise people to alter their existing treatment. We recommend that people with chronic conditions seek advice regarding their treatment from qualified medical professionals.