Samenvatting

Physical exercise education in overweight and obese patients not only requires knowledge of physical exercise programs, but also knowledge of psychological processes such as cognitions that may hamper adherence to the exercise program and knowledge of social processes, e.g., consciousness of the stigma of obesity. The primary concern of an educational program is not weight loss, but a more active lifestyle that is sustainable during the rest of one's life. At the start of a program an appraisal of expectations and motivation of the patient is necessary. During the program the patient's autonomy needs to be leading and the therapist has both an expert- and coaching role. By empowering the patient and improving physical competence and motivation to exercise, self-regulation increases and the chance at long standing success improves.