HOW VIF® WORKS

Illustration de la méthode Vivons en Forme (VIF®)

A proven method for lasting behaviour change

For more than 30 years, Vivons en Forme (VIF®) has supported local authorities in implementing prevention initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles.

Our method combines two complementary approaches:

  • social marketing, which helps us understand behaviours so that solutions can be designed around people’s real needs;
  • collective impact, which brings together local stakeholders around shared objectives.

Because information alone rarely changes behaviour, we focus on creating environments where healthier choices become easier, more appealing and more natural.

DISCOVER THE VIF® METHOD IN VIDEO

In under three minutes, discover the key principles behind the VIF® method and how social marketing helps us design prevention initiatives that are both effective and sustainable.

SOCIAL MARKETING: UNDERSTAND BEFORE YOU ACT

1. Understand needs

We study behaviours and gather insights from residents, professionals and local authorities to identify barriers and drivers of change.

Our aim is to understand why certain behaviours are difficult to adopt before designing solutions.

2. Co-design solutions

Initiatives are developed jointly with local authorities, frontline professionals, families, researchers and local partners.

This co-design approach ensures that solutions reflect the realities of each community.

3. Test through a Living Lab

Before being rolled out more widely, initiatives are tested in pilot communities. This Living Lab approach allows us to:

  • measure effectiveness;
  • collect user feedback;
  • improve tools before wider deployment.

We always favour testing before scaling up.

4. Roll out and evaluate

Once validated, initiatives are made available across the Vivons en Forme network.

Their impact is then assessed so that we can continuously improve our methods and maintain their effectiveness.

AN APPROACH BASED ON COLLECTIVE IMPACT

Individual behaviours are shaped by many factors: family, school, healthcare professionals, community organisations, the urban environment and local policy.

That is why Vivons en Forme brings local stakeholders together around a shared objective: creating environments that support better health.

This collaborative approach helps align local action and strengthen its impact over time.

WHY WORK AT LOCAL-AUTHORITY LEVEL?

Local authorities play a central role in prevention.

They can bring local stakeholders together, shape everyday environments and develop initiatives that respond to the needs of their communities.

By supporting municipalities and inter-municipal authorities, Vivons en Forme helps create places where healthier choices become easier in everyday life.

The pillars of our method

UNDERSTAND BEHAVIOURS

Observe before acting, so that real needs can be identified.

CO-DESIGN

Develop solutions with residents and local stakeholders.

TEST

Trial initiatives in pilot communities before wider deployment.

EVALUATE

Measure results to continuously improve our interventions.

SHARE

Make proven, easy-to-use tools available to local authorities.

For more than 30 years, Vivons en Forme has developed its work with scientific evaluation at its core.

Our methodology has been the subject of several international publications demonstrating its effectiveness, particularly in preventing childhood overweight and obesity.

Today, the network includes:

  • more than 300 participating local authorities;
  • several international scientific publications;
  • national and European programmes;
  • more than three decades of experience in health prevention.

This scientific foundation supports the quality of the initiatives offered to local communities.

A SCIENTIFICALLY VALIDATED METHOD

A CONTINUOUSLY
IMPROVING APPROACH

Every community is different.

That is why our tools, training and initiatives continually evolve through feedback from local authorities, field evaluations and advances in research.

Our ambition is simple: to provide solutions that are increasingly effective, accessible and relevant to residents’ needs.

WANT TO WORK WITH US?

Would you like to join the Vivons en Forme network or learn more about our programmes?

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