Deciding between The Life Program and Vively to improve your metabolic health?

Here's a quick breakdown:

• The Life Program: Focuses on lifestyle changes through structured health coaching and group sessions. It supports long-term behavioural changes to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ideal for individuals needing guidance to improve their health habits with support from trained facilitators.
• Vively: Focuses on real-time feedback using the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. Offers actionable advice, access to dietitians, and instant updates for lifestyle adjustments. Perfect for self-directed users aiming for quick, practical changes.

Quick comparison table:

Your choice depends on your goals: extensive health management (The Life Program) or real-time, self-guided insights (Vively). Both platforms harness CGM technology to improve metabolic health.

Core features and tech specs

A closer look at how each platform collects and interprets health data, including the technology behind their glucose monitoring systems and app functionality.

CGM hardware details

While Vively relies on 14-day CGM sensors, The Life Program does not use CGM hardware. Instead, it monitors participants' progress through behavioural, biometric, and lifestyle assessments over time.Vively relies on advanced 14-day CGM sensors that automatically track glucose every few minutes, helping users take real-time action based on their body’s responses. In contrast, The Life Program does not use CGM technology, focusing instead on general lifestyle assessments over time.

Vively’s use of real-time CGM technology gives users a clear and immediate view of how food, stress, and exercise impact their glucose levels—something The Life Program doesn’t offer.

App and device integration

The Life Program does not rely on wearable integrations like Fitbit or Apple Health. Instead, it tracks progress through regular assessments during sessions and health coaching.

‍Vively focuses on Apple Health, offering a streamlined view of health metrics that makes it easy for users to track progress, spot patterns, and make quick lifestyle adjustments based on real-time data.

Key platform features

The Life Program supports behaviour change through:

• Group-based or phone coaching sessions
• Practical goal-setting and lifestyle planning
• Education on nutrition, physical activity, and stress
• Regular assessments to track progress over time

Vively, on the other hand, prioritises immediate feedback:

• Notifications for real-time glucose responses
• Analysis of how specific meals affect glucose levels
• Instant updates on the impact of physical activity
• Insights to guide meal choices

The Life Program supports long-term behaviour change through structured coaching and regular assessments, while Vively uses data-driven insights and real-time predictions to guide daily decisions. These differing approaches shape how each platform helps users improve their health.

Blood sugar monitoring

Vively uses continuous glucose monitoring technology, while The Life Program focuses on behavioural and biometric assessments. 

Their methods differ significantly in how they approach health tracking and data application.

Vively provides users with real-time glucose trends through its mobile app. This is aimed at helping users - especially non-diabetic individuals - take proactive steps to prevent conditions like pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Here’s how the platforms differ in data interpretation:

1. Data integration
   Vively focuses on immediate glucose responses linked to meals, exercise, and lifestyle choices, offering users instant insights. The Life Program, by contrast, uses periodic lifestyle assessments to monitor progress over time.
   
2. Alert systems
   Vively includes real-time alerts for glucose changes, allowing users to take quick action. The Life Program does not use alerts, as it does not rely on CGM technology.
   
3. Pattern recognition
   Vively identifies short-term patterns using CGM data to guide day-to-day decisions. The Life Program emphasises gradual behavioural shifts based on long-term trends identified through coaching and regular check-ins.

Vively combines continuous glucose monitoring with other health metrics to give users a dynamic view of how their habits affect their metabolic health. The Life Program supports change through structured coaching and lifestyle assessments. While their methods differ, both aim to build better health through awareness, education, and habit improvement.

Platform usability

How users interact with these platforms plays a big role in how effective they are, especially since they take different approaches to health management.

Getting started

The setup process varies quite a bit between these platforms. Vively makes it easier to get started, offering a simple process using a Freestyle Libre 2 CGM sensor and the Vively mobile app. Here’s how it works:

• Subscribe and receive the sensor
• Activate it by scanning with the app
• Enter your health baseline data

In contrast, The Life Program involves eligibility screening and structured sessions delivered in groups or one-on-one coaching. Medical prescriptions are not required to participate.

These differences in onboarding reflect their priorities: Vively offers fast, user-friendly access for those ready to take immediate control of their health, while The Life Program takes a more structured, traditional approach focused on long-term behaviour change.

Customer support options

Each platform handles user support in its own way, reflecting their distinct philosophies. Vively prioritises accessibility with:

• 24/7 app-based support
• Access to accredited practicing dietitians (for an extra fee)
• Email and chat for technical help
• Built-in educational resources in the app

On the other hand, The Life Program focuses on structured lifestyle support, offering:

• Coaching from trained health facilitators
• Group education sessions and phone-based support
• Evidence-based tools for long-term behaviour change
• Practical resources on nutrition, exercise, and wellbeing

The apps themselves reflect each platform’s unique approach. Vively stands out with real-time notifications, intuitive design, and personalised insights, helping users make quick, informed decisions and stay on top of their health throughout the day.

In contrast, The Life Program supports gradual, long-term habit changes through structured coaching and periodic assessments. These differences highlight their core strategies: immediate, data-driven action with Vively versus long-term lifestyle support with The Life Program.

Pricing and plans

When it comes to cost, Vively and The Life Program take distinct approaches, highlighting their different priorities and services.

Vively offers straightforward pricing with clear tiers, catering to users who prefer transparency and flexibility.

On the other hand, The Life Program is a free government-funded initiative focused on lifestyle change. It typically includes:

• Eligibility screening
• Group sessions or phone-based coaching
• Support from trained health professionals

Coverage and availability

Geographic access
Vively is Australian-based and also available in New Zealand and the UK, making it easy for users to get started without referrals or waitlists. In contrast, The Life Program is a free government-funded initiative offered mainly in Victoria, Australia, with eligibility criteria and structured enrolment through community health services.

Insurance and payment options
Insurance compatibility varies between the two platforms due to their differing models:

• Vively operates as a wellness tool, following a direct-to-consumer model.
  
  • Offers a 20% discount on annual plans.
  • Pricing is straightforward and all-inclusive.

• The Life Program is free for eligible adults living in Victoria, Australia, who are at risk of chronic disease. It is funded by the Victorian Government and may not be available outside this region.

These pricing structures reflect the core missions of each platform. Vively emphasises ease of access and immediate lifestyle adjustments, while The Life Program focuses on in-depth metabolic management with clinical-grade monitoring.

Long-term costs will depend on factors like sensor replacements, consultations, and insurance coverage.

Target users and applications

Both platforms address specific needs in metabolic health, but their approaches and accessibility vary. Vively offers direct-to-consumer access with real-time data insights, while The Life Program focuses on structured, government-funded support for long-term health improvement.

Sports and fitness use

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can benefit from both platforms, though in different ways. Vively stands out with instant feedback during workouts through app integrations and continuous glucose monitoring, helping users fine-tune performance in real time.

The Life Program, while not focused on athletic tracking, supports general fitness goals through structured coaching and education.

Here’s how Vively is often used:

• Tracking glucose responses during workouts
• Enhancing recovery periods
• Timing nutrition before and after exercise

Health condition monitoring

These platforms go beyond basic glucose tracking to help manage various health conditions, although their methods differ.

Vively focuses on real-time feedback and wellness, making it a good fit for:

• People looking to boost energy levels
• Users aiming for weight management
• Those prioritising preventive health

On the other hand, The Life Program takes a medical-first approach, which works well for:

• Individuals with diagnosed metabolic conditions
• Those needing professional health oversight
• Users seeking structured support for disease management

These use cases highlight how each platform’s philosophy is applied in practical scenarios.

Conclusion: Making your choice

Deciding between The Life Program and Vively depends on your personal health goals, budget, and the type of support you prefer. Here's a quick breakdown of how they differ:

‍Looking for extensive health support? The Life Program might be the better option if you need structured guidance and ongoing lifestyle support. It offers group sessions or one-on-one coaching with trained health professionals, making it a strong choice for individuals at risk of chronic conditions who benefit from a guided, evidence-based program.

Prefer a self-directed approach? Vively shines as a more accessible option, offering immediate feedback and data-focused insights. Its simple interface and seamless integration with Apple Health and Google Fit make it a great fit for those who want to take charge of their health independently.

Who should choose The Life Program?

• You need expert guidance to manage specific health conditions.
• Long-term analysis of metabolic patterns is a priority.
• Clinical-grade monitoring is essential for your health journey.

Who should opt for Vively?

• You want real-time glucose feedback.
• Integration with Apple Health or Google Fit is a must-have.
• You're focused on making quick, data-driven lifestyle changes.

Your choice depends on whether you prefer structured coaching through a government-supported program or a more hands-on, independent approach with real-time data. Vively showcases how CGM technology can empower everyday health optimisation, while The Life Program offers guided support for long-term behaviour change.