Lifestyle Medicine (LM)

Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is the integration of lifestyle practices into modern medicine. This approach aims to reduce the risk factors for chronic diseases and can also serve as a complementary treatment for those already suffering from such conditions. In 2007, Lifestyle Medicine was defined as "the application of environmental, behavioral, medical, and motivational principles to the management of lifestyle-related health problems in a clinical setting."

Lifestyle Medicine is recognized as an effective science for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is based on evidence-based practices to help individuals and communities make comprehensive lifestyle changes.

 

The six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine include:

 

1.Nutrition: Emphasizes the consumption of nutritious foods.

2.Regular Physical Activity: Encourages individuals to engage in consistent physical activity, tailored to their abilities and preferences.

3.Stress Management: Teaches techniques to reduce stress and promotes effective coping mechanisms. Chronic stress affects hormone levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

4.Quality Sleep: Advocates for sufficient sleep, generally between 7-9 hours, to improve overall health. Poor sleep contributes to the development and severity of NCDs. Lifestyle Medicine assesses sleep health and recommends environmental and behavioral adjustments to improve sleep quality.

5.Avoidance of Harmful Substances: Supports the reduction and elimination of harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol, which are significant behavioral risk factors associated with various chronic diseases.

6.Positive Social Connections: Highlights the importance of close, positive relationships that provide love, care, value, appreciation, and emotional support. Lifestyle Medicine practitioners evaluate social isolation, identify causes, and advise on the importance of social interactions for overall health.

The importance of Lifestyle Medicine lies in its patient-centered approach, emphasizing personalized care, shared decision-making, and ongoing support to help patients achieve their health goals. It is an interdisciplinary field that includes nutrition, exercise physiology, psychology, and public health.