LIFESTYLE MEDICINE
Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based field of medicine that uses lifestyle change to prevent and treat chronic noncommunicable diseases and, where possible, to help achieve remission. The approach is person-centred and includes professional support in introducing and maintaining change. Lifestyle medicine focuses on the person and the way they live. It includes physical activity and exercise, nutrition and sleep, stress management and mental health, reducing or stopping the use of harmful substances such as tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol, and social connection and relationships. At a societal level, lifestyle medicine also recognises the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing, including the environment and planetary health, poverty and health inequalities, social isolation, and loss of culture and identity.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Lifestyle medicine supports people in finding realistic ways to include more physical activity in everyday life and reduce time spent sitting.
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Lifestyle medicine supports people in developing and maintaining healthy relationships and stronger social connections, which can help reduce stress and support physical and mental health.
NUTRITION
Lifestyle medicine supports people in reducing ultra-processed foods by building the knowledge and skills needed to follow a healthier eating pattern that suits their preferences and circumstances.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Lifestyle medicine promotes evidence-based approaches to reducing stress and can include relaxation techniques. Lifestyle medicine professionals also support people in finding meaning and direction in life and in using connection with nature as one way to support health.
SLEEP
Lifestyle medicine promotes healthy sleep and avoiding behaviours that can disrupt sleep quality.
AVOIDING HARMFUL SUBSTANCES
Lifestyle medicine promotes smoking cessation, reducing excessive alcohol use, avoiding addictive substances and addressing behaviours such as gambling and excessive use of the internet or social media. It also raises awareness of environmental risk factors and risks associated with polypharmacy.
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY, WHOLE-SYSTEM APPROACH
Lifestyle medicine spans biomedicine, healthcare and the social sciences. It also includes what individuals can do through self-care and health education, as well as approaches such as social prescribing and group consultations. It requires clinicians, public health professionals, multidisciplinary teams, researchers, scientists and educators to work together to support change. Lifestyle medicine principles should not be limited to clinical practice. They also have a place in public health policy and prevention. Health professionals, individuals, governments and public health policymakers all have a role to play.
SUPPORT FOR CHANGE
Lifestyle medicine aims to support people in making positive changes in behaviour. It does not rely on lecturing or blame to bring about change. It also recognises the continuing importance of other healthcare interventions, including surgery and pharmacotherapy, when these are necessary, appropriate and effective. Where lifestyle interventions have strong evidence for meaningful benefit, they should form an important part of combined care.
A GLOBAL MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE
Lifestyle medicine is a mainstream global movement for change. Over the past two decades, lifestyle medicine societies, institutes and educational programmes have been established around the world. Our community is part of the European Lifestyle Medicine Council and works with leading international organisations in the field. If this approach matters to you, join the Croatian Lifestyle Medicine Association and become part of the movement.