Lifestyle Medicine - Evidence Review

Abstract

A. DEFINITIONS OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE There doesn't seem to be a standard definition, but the available definitions are really saying basically the same thing: The use of lifestyle interventions within conventional medicine to lower the risk for a number of lifestyle-related chronic diseases or, if such conditions are already present, to serve as an adjunct to the management plan. Current definitions include: Egger, 2008: The therapeutic use of lifestyle interventions in the management of disease at all levels to help manage the growing number of cases presenting to doctors now with a lifestyle-based cause of disease such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The application of environmental, behavioral, medical and motivational principles to the management of lifestyle related health problems in a clinical setting. ACLM: The use of lifestyle interventions in the treatment and management of disease. ALMA: The therapeutic use of lifestyle interventions in the management of disease caused primarily by lifestyle. Rippe, 1999: The integration of lifestyle practices into conventional medicine to lower the risk for chronic disease and, if disease is already present, to serve as an adjunct to therapy. Rippe Health: The study and practice of how to help individuals understand that their daily habits and practices have a profound impact on their short and long term health and quality of life. ACPM, Johnson, Barry, 2008: A defined scientific approach to decreasing disease risk and illness burden by utilizing lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, smoking cessation, avoidance of alcohol abuse, and rest. Greenstone, 2007: The study and practice of how simple lifestyle measures such as proper diet, proper exercise, and stress reduction are thoughtfully and comprehensively integrated into conventional Western medicine practices; includes promoting health through prevention and therapeutic strategies. Additional descriptions: Bridges the gap between health promotion and conventional medicine. [ALMA] Includes primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary prevention. [Egger, ALMA] An essential component of the treatment of most chronic diseases; incorporated in many national disease management guidelines. [Rippe, 1999] A clinical discipline which involves general practitioners working with a team of allied heath professionals to develop a patient specific intervention. [Egger] Involves a range of health professionals working as a team to prevent, manage and treat the ~70% of modern health problems which have a lifestyle-based cause. [ALMA] Brings together sound scientific evidence from diverse health related fields to assist clinicians in the process of not only treating disease, but also promoting good health. [Rippe, 1999] Requires patients to change high risk health behaviors to behaviors that will help to reverse the pathology and or reduce the likelihood of disease progression. [Egger] Changes the emphasis to an approach in which the patient becomes increasingly involved in his or her care. [ALMA] Isn't simply about prolonging life, it's about ensuring people can enjoy their later years with less pain and disease. [Rippe Health]