How do you empower young people with eating disorders to take the first step themselves? Accessible, anonymous, and trustworthy.
Accare, one of the largest institutions for child and adolescent psychiatry in the Netherlands, asked us that question almost 15 years ago. The result: 99gram.nl - an online platform for and by young people with eating disorders, developed in collaboration with Accare's Knowledge Line for Nutrition, Eating Disorders, and Obesity.
A digital platform that aligns with the stepped care principle: young people receive reliable and professional information, take a self-test, and based on that, find the help that suits them. Whether that is a self-help module, contact with a practitioner, or support from the community.
After years of development, with a focus on content, security, and user experience, it was time for a fresh, mobile-first makeover. A new look with the same strong core.
The BMI meter: smart and scalable
One component of the platform is the BMI meter - a user-friendly tool that allows young people to quickly see whether their weight is appropriate for their age and height. This module can be used separately, but is also seamlessly integrated into the self-test.
The BMI meter provides immediate feedback, without any medical stamp, and thus forms an accessible first step towards awareness and appropriate help.
Moreover, the tool is reusable and modular in design – ready to be used in other applications or contexts.
Highlights
- Stepped care/matched care: a smart decision tree guides young people to the right help.
- Self-test: anonymous and intuitive, no barriers, but clarity.
- Self-help modules: young people can get started independently.
- Professional content: reliable information in understandable language.
- Community: young people exchange experiences in a safe forum.
- Safe & privacy-first: built according to privacy by design, fully hosted in the Netherlands.
The result
99gram.nl has grown into a trusted platform for young people. In recent years, the platform has continuously grown with its target audience. The recent redesign brought a contemporary style, sleek navigation, and optimal mobile accessibility.
The platform is scalable, secure, and future-proof. Thanks to our close collaboration with Accare, we can respond quickly and continue to innovate. Whether it's new content, technical enhancements, or ensuring security and privacy, we always think ahead.
Thanks to our strong collaboration and shared vision, 99gram.nl has been an example of how digital healthcare guidance can really make a difference for almost 15 years.