The Lifestyle Medicine Revolution: The Future of Healthcare | Food Revolution Network.
Lifestyle medicine is transforming healthcare. On January 17, 2025, experts highlighted its rapid rise during a discussion led by the American Medical Association (AMA). Dr. Michael Suk, Chair of the AMA Board of Trustees and a certified lifestyle medicine physician since 2020, shared valuable insights into this field, its benefits, and why physicians across specialties are embracing it.
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle medicine is a specialty focused on therapeutic lifestyle interventions. These include evidence-based changes in diet, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social connections, and avoiding risky substances. It’s not limited to primary care—it complements every medical specialty. By addressing the root causes of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, it provides sustainable solutions to improve patients’ lives.
Dr. Suk, an orthopedic surgeon, explained how lifestyle medicine’s principles are relevant to his practice. Encouraging physical activity helps his patients prepare for and recover from surgeries more effectively. He emphasized that simple changes, such as getting off the couch, can lead to better musculoskeletal health.
Lifestyle Medicine vs. Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Lifestyle medicine stands apart from other holistic approaches, like Ayurveda and integrative medicine. Ayurveda, rooted in ancient Indian traditions, focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through personalized dietary guidelines, herbal treatments, yoga, and meditation. It emphasizes natural remedies and preventive health, making it a foundational system for long-term wellness.
Integrative medicine, meanwhile, combines conventional treatments with complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, and yoga. Its goal is to optimize healing by integrating evidence-based complementary practices into standard medical care.
In contrast, lifestyle medicine focuses on the practical incorporation of lifestyle changes to manage and prevent chronic illnesses. Its approach is grounded in scientific evidence and addresses behaviors like diet, exercise, and sleep to improve overall health outcomes.
A Field on the Rise
The field’s popularity is undeniable. In 2024, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine joined the AMA House of Delegates, marking a milestone. With over 11,000 members, including Dr. Suk, the organization demonstrates the growing interest among healthcare professionals. Physicians are recognizing the importance of lifestyle interventions not just for treatment but for prevention.
Dr. Suk noted six pillars of lifestyle medicine that resonate across specialties:
- Nutrition: Promoting plant-based diets or healthier eating habits. Studies have shown improved recovery and reduced chronic disease risks.
- Physical Activity: Movement improves physical and mental health. It prepares patients for procedures and enhances recovery.
- Stress Management: Addressing mental and emotional well-being. Chronic stress contributes to numerous health issues.
- Avoiding Risky Substances: Reducing alcohol and tobacco use minimizes health risks.
- Restorative Sleep: Encouraging better sleep habits improves overall health.
- Social Connections: Building meaningful relationships enhances longevity and quality of life.
The emphasis is not just on extending lifespan but on increasing “health span”—years lived in good health. Dr. Suk explained the difference: “Living to 90 healthily is more beneficial than reaching 100 in poor health.”
Impact on Physicians and Patients
Lifestyle medicine is not just for patients. Its principles help physicians combat burnout, a growing concern in the profession. By focusing on self-care, physicians can better serve their patients and maintain their own well-being.
Specialties beyond orthopedics are incorporating lifestyle medicine. Obstetrics, gynecology, and primary care are using it to manage conditions like gestational diabetes and menopause-related symptoms. Even surgical specialties see value in prehabilitation—preparing patients for surgery with lifestyle changes.
Certification: A Growing Trend
The certification process for lifestyle medicine is rigorous but rewarding. Physicians undergo training to learn evidence-based approaches and practical strategies for patient care. Certification boosts credibility and equips doctors with tools to address modern healthcare challenges.
A Healthcare Revolution
The demand for lifestyle medicine stems from the rise in chronic diseases, aging populations, and the desire for healthier lives. Patients are increasingly aware of the link between lifestyle and health, seeking doctors who can guide them toward long-term wellness.
As lifestyle medicine continues to grow, its impact on public health is profound. By focusing on prevention and holistic care, it offers a path to healthier communities and more sustainable healthcare systems. Dr. Suk’s message is clear: lifestyle medicine is not a trend—it’s the future of healthcare.
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