What is Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine is the use of evidence-based lifestyle interventions (including but not limited to nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, connection and modification of substance use) to prevent and manage chronic disease. It includes an approach to working with people which is informed by the science of behaviour change (a 'coaching' approach), and recognises the broader societal and environmental factors which impact our health.
Research shows that lifestyle interventions that focus on these aspects can be effective in reducing risk factors for several conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.* Lifestyle Medicine is not an alternative medicine, but one that works alongside pharmaceutical or other treatments when appropriate.
* Sadiq I. Z. (2023). Lifestyle medicine as a modality for prevention and management of chronic diseases. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences,18(5), 1115–1117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.04.001
Useful links and resources
Resources and further information around lifestyle strategies for those living with Major Depressive Disorder (developed by the Food and Mood Centre at Deakin University) can be found here
Continuous glucose monitor information:
Considering a continuous glucose monitor CGM? Start here.
Going ahead with a CGM? Read this first.