Obesity is also a problem in Switzerland Explanations by Stéphanie Foglietta-Dreyfuss, dietitian and nutritionist.
August 2026
1.315 million Decoding: the figure
thank yous In 2025, Groupe Mutuel achieved solid results. What is particularly pleasing is the stability in the number of insured customers, which stands at 1.315 million individuals, for all types of insurance. This figure has remained stable for several years, demonstrating the loyalty and trust of our policyholders. Groupe Mutuel would therefore like to express its sincere thanks to its customers for their loyalty and trust over the years. With a consolidated profit of 115 million Swiss francs, the year can be described as a success. This is all the more significant given that this success comes in a context marked by strong pressure on
healthcare costs and increased competition. These circumstances confirm the relevance of Groupe Mutuel’s strategy, which also includes renewed ambitions for the years to come, particularly in terms of diversification and digitalisation.
Impressum Publisher: Groupe Mutuel – Rue des Cèdres 5 – 1919 Martigny Editors: Lisa Flueckiger, Pascal Vuistiner, Adrien Jacquérioz, Martin Kamber Design and creation: Jean-Philippe Chevassu Internet: groupemutuel.ch/gmmag o Email: gmmag@groupemutuel.ch Photos: Thomas Masotti, Getty Images, Adobe Stock, Kuoni Sports Travel. Printing: Schellenberg Druck AG – Schützenhausstrasse 5 – 8330 Pfäffikon ZH Publication: Total number of copies: 400,000 copies. Twice a year, in French, German, English and Italian. Groupe Mutuel Mag is a publication for Groupe Mutuel policyholders. This magazine is printed on FSC-certified paper – for sustainable forest management.
Printed Matter myclimate.org/01-26-374554
Practical advice
What are generic medicines?
How do generic medicines differ from brand-name medicines? What are their advantages? Here is a short guide to help you understand better.
What exactly are generic medicines? Generic medicines are alternatives to brand-name medicines. They contain the same active ingredients, in the same quantities, and can be marketed as soon as the patent on the original medicine expires. Like brand-name medicines, they must be authorised by Swissmedic to be sold in Switzerland. They therefore meet the same strict requirements in terms of quality, safety and efficacy. The main difference is their price: generic medicines can cost up to 70% less than brand-name medicines. Why ask for generic medicines at the pharmacy? As they contain the same active ingredients, generic medicines can generally replace brand-name medicines. Pharmacists are, in fact, authorised to carry out this “substitution”. Opting for generic medicines helps to reduce healthcare
costs, whilst easing the burden on your household budget. In practical terms, the co-payment – the portion you have to pay that is not reimbursed by health insurance – is 10% for generic medicines, compared with up to 40% for brand-name medicines. Example of prices* Brand-name medicine: Co-payment:
CHF 40 CHF 16
Generic medicine: Co-payment:
CHF 20 CHF 2
* If a significantly cheaper generic medicine is available.
With our alternative insurance model, PrimaFlex, generic medicines are not subject to the deductible. You therefore only pay the 10% co-payment at the time of purchase.
Health advice: prevention
Being overweight remains a major public health issue in Switzerland. A recent survey we conducted with the GFK institute reveals that nearly half of those surveyed (48%) currently consider themselves to be overweight, ranging from slightly to significantly. At the same time, the proportion of people whose weight is considered “within the average range” has decreased compared to the previous year, across all population categories.
How can y lose weight
Here are some tips and s Exercise
Managing calories New medication
Engaging in light physical activity regularly is already a good start. For those who sit at a desk all day, try to move every 45 minutes, even if it’s just to take a few steps. Then choose a more intense physical activity you enjoy, and practise it regularly, with moderation and consistency.
New treatments in the form of injections, and soon tablets, can help, but be careful not to expect miracles.
Therefore, always seek proper medical supervision to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Reconnecting with both your diet and your body is another key to success. Eat a balanced diet whilst trying to avoid excessive sugar, unhealthy fats, and ultra-processed foods. Focus on fresh products, variety, colourful meals, and as much fruit and vegetables as possible. There are experts who can support you.
Health advice: prevention
How can you go about losing those extra kilos without worrying too much? The first thing to do is to ask yourself why you really want to lose weight: is it for health reasons, body dissatisfaction, diet culture, societal pressure, or something else? Once you’ve identified the true reason, you can then work out the best approach for you.
you try to effectively?
suggestions to help you.
Social networks and AI
Miracle diets
In summary
Avoid extreme approaches – even if they are very tempting.
Information is sometimes false or incomplete. The global market for weight loss and obesity management is growing rapidly, set to exceed CHF 230 billion by 2023. Take care of your mental health, unsubscribe from social media accounts, and avoid comparing yourself to others.
Pseudo-scientists, spiritual gurus and miracle cures can be dangerous, as well as putting a strain on your budget. Stay vigilant and use common sense.
Experts advise not to use weight as the only indicator of success and, above all, to seek support from a dietitian to develop the approach best suited to you. It is best to focus on both areas and prioritise the winning combo: exercise and a balanced diet.
Pension planning
New product: ProtectLife
Financial protection when your health falters As a leading partner in both health and pension planning, Groupe Mutuel is launching an innovative new product at the crossroads of these two areas. ProtectLife guarantees comprehensive coverage against life’s uncertainties such as loss of earning incapacity, serious illness, or death. And if you have no health issues, you’ll receive the guaranteed amount when the policy matures – to use for your personal projects!
“I protect my financial well-being in the event of a setback and receive the lump sum either way”
Pension planning
ProtectLife insurance is a genuine health savings solution that:
Also by your side for your real estate projects!
Secures your financial obligations in the event of loss of income due to illness or accident, or in the event of death (for example, to enable your loved ones to repay a mortgage). Provides immediate financial support in the event of a serious illness (for alternative medicine, supportive therapies, childcare, etc.), so you can focus your energy on your recovery. Provides you with a guaranteed lump sum at retirement, provided your health remains stable to carry out a personal project or cover healthcare costs that increase with age.
Because life’s most important projects deserve real support, we assist you from A to Z in buying or selling a property. In partnership with Neho, we support you with all steps related to selling or purchasing your dream home, or financing your mortgage.
Offers annual tax deductions if it is set up as a Pillar 3a plan.
As a Groupe Mutuel policyholder, you benefit from a CHF 500 discount for your real estate project. You take advantage of Neho’s extensive network of financial partners, as well as the best rates on the market!
ProtectLife helps cover health risks that increase with age and, if everything goes well, allows you to receive your accumulated savings upon retirement.
CHF 500 offer
for your real estate project Neho x Groupe Mutuel
www.groupemutuel.ch/leclub/neho
Feature: Obesity is also a growing issue in Switzerland.
Obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach Stéphanie Foglietta-Dreyfuss, ASDD dietitian and nutritionist, answers our questions about obesity in Switzerland and weight loss.
Obesity is on the rise in Switzerland. Do you agree? Obesity is a chronic disease of adipose tissue, associated with complications. The condition must be distinguished from simply being overweight. People who are overweight – that is, with a high body weight or BMI – may be in perfect health, without suffering from the disease known as obesity. In the case of obesity, excess body fat impairs the functioning of tissues and organs. The causes of obesity are multifactorial: -
obesogenic environment: highly palatable foods, sedentary lifestyle, marketing influences biological factors: genetics, dysregulation of hunger and satiety social factors: income, sleep, etc. psychological factors: dietary restrictions, stress, etc.
The rise in obesity is mainly due to this environment, not a lack of individual willpower.
In recent years, weight issues seem to be particularly acute among children. What is your view?
Why does an overweight population pose a threat to public health? I wouldn't quite put it that way: talking about a “threat” can be stigmatising. Weight and BMI alone are not enough to assess health: one can be overweight and healthy, or the reverse. On the other hand, stigma has real consequences: delayed medical care, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and avoidance of physical activity. The public health challenge is therefore twofold: to assess the real risk factors in order to prevent complications, whilst avoiding guilt-inducing messages that often make the situation worse.
The prevalence of overweight and childhood obesity is a cause for concern. The risks are real: the early onset of complications once limited to adults, such as hypertension, insulin resistance, impacts on self-esteem, and the likelihood of these conditions persisting into adulthood, among others. However, we must be very cautious in our approach. The stigmatisation of a child’s weight, whether at school, within the family, and sometimes even in doctors’ surgeries, is itself a recognised risk factor: it is associated with dysfunctional eating behaviours, eating disorders, anxiety and depression.
Beyond weight alone, it is the overall lifestyle that is at stake: poorer diet quality, increased lack of physical activity, and frequent snacking. Priority should be given to a family-based and supportive approach, focused on the enjoyment of physical activity, the quality of diet and sleep, without ever putting the child on a restrictive diet. Such an approach would be counter-productive and dangerous for their growth, mental health, and long-term relationship with food and their body.
According to a survey we conducted this spring with the GFK institute and Blick, 61% of Swiss people have tried to gain or lose weight over the past year, and nearly half considers themselves to be overweight. Are you surprised by these results? No. We live in a society that places a strong emphasis on slimness and communicates contradictory and anxiety-inducing messages about food. Many people alternate between self-control, guilt and putting weight back on. This reflects social pressure and the failure of restrictive diets, which are often followed by a yo-yo effect. There needs to be a shift towards sustainable nutrition education.
What do you think about miracle diets promoted on social media? A great deal of misleading information circulates on social media, often shared without scientific basis or driven by commercial interests. “Miracle” diets rely on restriction, induce guilt, and impose rigid rules. Whilst they may lead to short-term weight loss, they often result in gaining the weight back and can cause eating disorders in the long term. I therefore recommend being wary of any claims that promise quick results or ban entire categories of food. Evidence-based nutrition is less spectacular, but far more effective in the long term.
And what about anti-obesity injections? GLP-1 agonists represent an important breakthrough for some people, particularly in cases of complications. However, they are costly medical treatments with side effects and should be used as part of a comprehensive care plan. The risk would be to treat them as a one-size-fits-all solution, especially for aesthetic purposes. Obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach.
What do you think is the best strategy for losing weight? The best strategy is to aim for healthy lifestyle habits rather than pursuing weight loss at any cost. The goal is to achieve a stable weight, which can be reached without excessive restriction. In practice: - avoid severe restrictions, - adopt a varied and appropriate diet, - engage in regular and enjoyable physical activity, - seek support from professionals suited to each situation (dietitian, psychologist, physiotherapist, or other recognised professionals).
Help, my child isn’t eating well!
Three tips from Dorrit Türck, cookbook author and recipe creator www.mrstuerck.ch
“My child only eats pasta and chicken nuggets…” Don’t worry: these phases are very common and often less worrying than they seem. For young children, eating is also a way of asserting autonomy and control. The most important thing? Stay calm. Continue to offer new foods regularly, without pressure. It can sometimes take 10 to 15 attempts before a child accepts something new. “Just try a bite! “ Rather than forcing the issue, try encouraging them: “You can have a taste if you like.” As soon as children feel pressured, they tend to resist. On the other hand, parental example is very powerful: seeing adults eat a varied, colourful, and balanced diet has far more impact than long discussions at the table. A simple guideline for meals? 50% vegetables, 25% protein sources and 25% carbohydrates. “What else can I do? “ A playful approach often works surprisingly well with children. At home, for example, we talk about foods that provide energy for school and sports or that are “good for your body”. Giving fun names to dishes, offering colourful plates, or cooking together can also make all the difference. Children need time… and we, as parents, need plenty of patience.
Healthy and tasty It is often mistakenly believed that foods that are less beneficial for health are also the tastiest. However, it is entirely possible to combine pleasure and a balanced diet with meals that are both delicious and easy to digest. For lunchtime meals in all-day school schedules, the Swiss Health Foundation RADIX offers a selection of healthy recipes. Discover the recipe collection and feel free to invite a few guests – the portions are designed for ten people!
Scan and discover healthy recipes.
Practical advice
100,000 responses have been reached! At the end of April, our EVA chatbot passed the 100,000-response mark. Since October 2025, this virtual assistant has been an integral part of our customer portal and answers questions related to supplemental insurance benefits. EVA can help you with the following:
o Changing your deductible, insurance model, or payment frequency o Changing your family doctor (GP) o Finding your latest bill, insurance card or tax certificate, etc. o Reporting an accident o
Identifying coverage tailored to your needs
o
And much more...
Easily find a recognised therapist EVA can now also help you find a practitioner in alternative medicine. In just a few clicks, you are able to see which treatments are covered by your supplemental insurance! Simply enter the therapy you are looking for and your place of residence, or search directly for a specific practitioner.
Practical advice
According to Addiction Switzerland, nearly a quarter (23.9%) of people aged over 15 in Switzerland smoke at least occasionally. However, more than half of them would like to quit. It is precisely this group that the national “Smoke-Free Month” campaign targets: in November, a team of experts provides guidance and support to anyone wishing to give up cigarettes, vaping or other nicotine products for good. All the information is available here.
Smoke-Free Month Switzerland 2026 Take up the challenge, quit smoking! (https://mois-sans-tabac.ch/)
Staying safe in urban traffic In Switzerland, cycling is one of the most popular means of transport, whether for daily commutes or leisure. However, the risk of accidents is increasing, particularly in urban areas, as the statistics show. Because these accidents also have an impact on workplace absenteeism, Groupe Mutuel has launched an awareness campaign. In the spring, posters and free bike saddle covers were distributed in Basel, Bern, and Zurich to encourage safer cycling in cities.
leclub
You can find further information and the terms and conditions for all offers at groupemutuel.ch/leclub
VERTBAUDET
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Making everyday life easier for families
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How can I benefit from the offer?
How can I benefit from the offer?
Go to vertbaudet.ch and enter GMCLUB25 when placing your order.
Mention that you are insured with Groupe Mutuel when you visit the store.
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You can find further information and the terms and conditions for all offers at groupemutuel.ch/leclub SWISS VISIO
OBJECTIF THALASSO
Do away with your glasses and contact lenses
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How can I benefit from the offer? Contact Swiss Visio to make an appointment for the eligibility test, mentioning that you are insured with Groupe Mutuel. This test can be taken in Lausanne, Sion, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Zurich, or Bellinzona.
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And that's not all!
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How can I benefit from the offer? By phone at 0848 85 86 85 or by email: info@objectif-thalasso.ch Mention Groupe Mutuel when booking.
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Details of all offers, new partners, and exclusive benefits are shared throughout the year. Feel free to visit our website groupemutuel.ch/leclub or log into your Customer Area, via the app or online portal to find out more.
E x cl o u ff s e iv r e
Pregnancy+
The world’s most widely used pregnancy app Enjoy Premium access offered to Groupe Mutuel customers Baby Kick Counter: daily tracking of your baby’s movements Video lessons and audio guides by experts: childbirth preparation, prenatal yoga Personalised pregnancy tracking: calendar and 3D visualisation of your baby
Download the Pregnancy+ app and activate your Premium access via the Groupe Mutuel app.
614445