For referrers

Do you know a patient who falls just outside the scope of conventional care?

Who is struggling with energy, stress or early metabolic issues, despite few medical abnormalities being found, but where you sense there’s more going on than a single symptom? There is often too little time in a regular consultation to take a thorough lifestyle approach with these patients. At VitaLonga, I offer that time and support, as a complement to the care you provide.

About me

I’m Laura Bonouvrié, a doctor and PhD researcher. For over ten years, I worked as a rehabilitation physician specialising in paediatrics at VUmc and Amsterdam UMC. Since 2025, I’ve focused on prevention, lifestyle medicine and integrative medicine. I am BIG-registered and a member of Arts en Leefstijl and Arts Vereniging Integrale Geneeskunde.

Who we help

• Professionals and business owners in a demanding phase of life, often aged 40–60, whose energy, focus, sleep and ability to recover are gradually declining, without a clear medical explanation.
• Patients showing signs of early metabolic dysfunction, such as overweight (particularly abdominal), insulin resistance, elevated blood glucose, hypertension or increased cardiovascular risk, who are motivated to take early action themselves.
• Women in perimenopause and menopause who experience a combination of symptoms such as sleep problems, fatigue, mood swings and weight changes, and who want to work on their lifestyle alongside any hormone treatment.
• Health-conscious people over 40 who want to invest in healthy ageing through prevention.
• Patients with long-standing, unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue, abdominal complaints or symptoms after eating, who may benefit from a broad, integrated approach.
• Patients experiencing persistent stress and restlessness, who find it hard to unwind and may benefit from a body-based approach.

How I work

•  Complementary, never a replacement. You remain in control of your existing treatment and medication; any changes are made only in consultation with you.
• Evidence-based. I work with the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, relaxation, meaning and substance use.
• Personal, measurable goals. At the start, we set SMART goals together and review progress using Goal Attainment Scaling.
• Targeted diagnostics where appropriate, such as additional blood tests.
• Feedback. I prepare a report at the start and at the end of the programme. The patient may share this with you if they wish.

Alongside the POH and GLI

The GP practice nurse and the Combined Lifestyle Intervention (GLI) are valuable resources and the logical first step for many patients.

VitaLonga is for patients who need something a little different:

•  Medical expertise from a doctor. I can request and assess additional blood tests, and draw on my medical knowledge, including in cases of comorbidities, medication use or symptoms that have not yet been clearly explained.
• Patients who do not fall under integrated care. For example, those with early, still subclinical signs, or those seeking preventive care without a diagnosis.
• A broad, integrated approach. Alongside nutrition and exercise, we address sleep, stress, menopause, gut health and relaxation—all as part of one programme with one practitioner.
• More time and more intensive support. A 60- to 90-minute initial consultation, personal goals and tailored follow-up appointments.

For patients eligible for the Combined Lifestyle Intervention (GLI) and for whom coverage under basic health insurance is important, the GLI remains a good choice. VitaLonga is generally not covered under basic health insurance.

When VitaLonga isn’t the right place for you

In these situations, I’ll refer you back to your usual care provider or recommend other care:

• Acute or urgent symptoms, or symptoms that require further conventional diagnostic testing first.
• Severe psychiatric conditions, such as an acute crisis, psychosis or severe depression.
• An active eating disorder.
• When lifestyle coaching would replace necessary medical treatment.
• When the patient is not yet ready to get started themselves; personal motivation is the foundation of every program.

Unsure? Please feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to help you think it through.