Doctors Prescribe Exercise to Fight Chronic Disease in Luxembourg

Luxembourg has launched a pilot programme that will allow doctors to prescribe physical activity to patients with certain chronic conditions as part of a stronger preventive health strategy. The initiative, starting in early 2026, targets adults living with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or cancer, especially those who are inactive or not sufficiently active. Under the programme, doctors can issue a formal physical activity prescription that gives patients access to six months of supervised exercise classes through partner organisations. 

The government’s health and sports ministries worked closely with national sports and medical groups to design the scheme, aiming to integrate structured exercise into medical care rather than treating it as an optional lifestyle choice. Qualified instructors, often through local associations focused on therapeutic sport groups, will tailor activities to the medical profiles of participants. 

Doctors participating in the pilot have access to a digital platform where they can issue and manage prescriptions, helping streamline referrals and track patients’ progress. The programme will be evaluated throughout 2026 to assess its effectiveness, operational challenges, and patient outcomes. 

Authorities hope this model will show that coordinated exercise interventions can reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life — potentially forming a longer-term public health tool if it proves successful. 

👉 Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/agenda.gouvernement2024+fr+actualites+toutes_actualites+communiques+2026+01-janvier+15-prescription-activite-physique.html 

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