Lifestyle medicine as a modality for prevention and management of chronic diseases

J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2023 Apr 15;18(5):1115-1117. doi: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.04.001. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Lifestyle medicine is an approach that focuses on modifying unhealthy behaviors and promoting healthy ones to prevent and manage chronic diseases. This modality addresses multiple risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and stress. Evidence shows that adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the incidence and progression of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The implementation of Lifestyle medicine requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, patients, and communities. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in educating and motivating patients to adopt healthy behaviors, while communities can provide a supportive environment that fosters healthy lifestyles. The aim of this letter to editor is to summarize the evidence supporting the use of Lifestyle medicine in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Keywords: Chronic diseases; Diet; Healthy eating; Lifestyle medicine; Physical activity.