Lifestyle Medicine: Evidence-Based Strategies for Health

Lifestyle medicine is an approach to health that harnesses the power of everyday habits—what you eat, how much you move, your stress levels, sleep routines, and social connections—to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease. Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms with medications or surgery, lifestyle medicine empowers individuals to address the root causes of illness through evidence-based, practical strategies that can improve well-being from the inside out.

With rates of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and mental health challenges on the rise around the world, many people are looking for lasting, sustainable ways to take charge of their health. Scientists now have compelling proof: small changes in your daily routine—such as eating more colorful fruits and vegetables, moving the body regularly, finding healthy ways to manage stress, and fostering strong relationships—can add not just years to life, but vitality to those years.

In this article, we explore the science behind lifestyle medicine, showing how these core habits can transform the heart, brain, and body for the better. By understanding the science behind healthy choices and seeing the research that supports them, you can feel confident about making changes that may indeed improve your health and quality of life.

What is Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle medicine is a medical approach that uses everyday behaviors as powerful tools to prevent, manage, and often reverse chronic diseases. Instead of focusing solely on medications or procedures, lifestyle medicine encourages individuals to adopt evidence-based habits that nurture the whole person—mind and body together. Physicians and health professionals trained in this field empower people to make lasting changes in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, healthy relationships, and avoidance of harmful substances.

Unlike quick fixes or fad diets that promise short-term results, lifestyle medicine relies on scientific research and clinical experience showing that sustainable habits can address the underlying causes of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and depression. For example, increasing daily movement, eating more whole plant foods, and fostering supportive social connections have each been proven to reduce inflammation, improve mood, regulate blood sugar, and strengthen the immune system.

At its core, lifestyle medicine views health as an ongoing journey—one in which small, consistent choices can lead to big benefits over time. This patient-centered approach doesn’t require perfection or drastic transformations. Instead, it empowers people to take simple steps—like cooking a new recipe or scheduling regular walks—that over weeks and months add up to greater energy, resilience, and quality of life.

The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

The foundation of lifestyle medicine rests on six key pillars, each supported by strong scientific research. Focusing on these areas can help people create lasting improvements in health and well-being.

• Whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern: Emphasizes mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, which fuel the body and protect against disease.
• Regular physical activity: Involves consistent movement—such as walking, cycling, or exercise—that strengthens the heart, muscles, and mind.
• Restorative sleep: Encourages getting quality, sufficient sleep each night to promote healing, mood, and brain health.
• Stress management: Focuses on using healthy techniques like mindfulness, breathing, or hobbies to manage daily pressures and lower harmful stress responses.
• Avoidance of risky substances: Guides individuals to minimize or eliminate use of tobacco products, excessive alcohol, and other harmful substances to protect overall health.
• Positive social connections: Recognizes the importance of supportive relationships with family, friends, and community for emotional and physical well-being.

"Grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, lifestyle medicine demonstrates that intentional changes in nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, social connection, and substance use can prevent, treat, and often reverse the course of chronic disease."

— Senior Healthwell Medical Team

Whole-food, plant-predominant eating

A whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern centers meals around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, minimizing highly processed foods and animal products. Scientific studies show that diets rich in these foods provide essential nutrients, healthy fiber, and protective antioxidants that lower inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By filling the plate with vibrant, natural foods—and choosing them most of the time—people can support energy, digestion, immune function, and even mood, all while promoting long-term well-being.

Regular physical activity

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of good health, involving movement that gets the body’s muscles working and the heart pumping, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing. Scientific evidence shows that being physically active on most days of the week helps to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, control blood sugar, maintain a healthy weight, and even reduce the risk of depression and memory decline. Exercise isn’t just for athletes—it can be as simple as taking the stairs, gardening, or enjoying a walk with friends, all of which contribute to a healthier heart, stronger bones, brighter mood, and better quality of life over time.

Restorative sleep

Restorative sleep means getting enough quality rest each night to allow the body and mind to recharge, heal, and perform at their best. Scientific research links consistent, adequate sleep—typically seven to nine hours for most adults—with a wide range of health benefits, including stronger immune defenses, better memory, improved mood, and a lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Good sleep hygiene—such as sticking to a regular bedtime, keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, and limiting screens before bed—can help people fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling refreshed and energized each day.

Stress management

Stress management involves using healthy techniques to cope with life’s demands, such as practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, spending time in nature, or engaging in enjoyable hobbies. Persistent stress can elevate inflammation, disrupt sleep, impact blood pressure, and weaken immunity, increasing the risk of a range of chronic conditions. Scientific studies show that regularly practicing stress reduction strategies can help calm the nervous system, improve mood, and support heart and brain health, making it easier to handle everyday challenges with greater resilience and balance.

Avoidance of risky substances

Avoidance of risky substances means limiting or eliminating habits that can harm the body, such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and misuse of prescription or recreational drugs. Extensive scientific evidence links these substances to a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, liver damage, and a range of mental health problems, as well as negative effects on sleep, mood, and the immune system. By steering clear of harmful substances, individuals can dramatically lower their chances of developing serious illness and support every aspect of their health, from sharper thinking to a healthier heart and stronger relationships.

Positive social connections

Positive social connections are about building and maintaining supportive relationships with family, friends, and community, which are essential for both emotional and physical health. Scientific research consistently finds that people with strong social ties experience less stress, enjoy better moods, recover more quickly from illness, and even live longer than those who are isolated or lonely. Whether it’s sharing meals, volunteering, or simply checking in on a loved one, nurturing these connections boosts resilience, helps prevent depression, and provides a powerful foundation for overall well-being.

The Science of Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle medicine isn’t just a hopeful idea—it’s grounded in real science that explains why healthy habits make such a profound difference in how the body and mind function. Advances in fields like neuroscience, biochemistry, cell biology, and pathophysiology reveal how choices each day can strengthen the heart, sharpen the brain, and lower the risk of serious disease. By understanding this science in simple terms, anyone can see why these changes work—and feel empowered to make decisions that support lifelong wellness.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology underlying most chronic conditions—such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke—shares common roots: elevated blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, and poorly controlled blood sugar. Decades of research reveal that these risk factors often start brewing silently, gradually damaging arteries, organs, and tissues over many years. Lifestyle medicine works at the source, addressing these problems through everyday behaviors that restore balance and function, rather than only treating symptoms after damage has occurred.

For example, a diet rich in whole plant foods can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and support healthier blood vessels, while regular physical activity improves both the flexibility of blood vessels and the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. Stress management techniques—like deep breathing and mindfulness—can reduce overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system, leading to lower blood pressure and decreased inflammation throughout the body. Together, these habits not only slow or stop the progression of disease, but in some cases have even been shown to reverse existing blockages in the heart’s arteries and improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a hidden culprit behind many health problems, from cardiovascular disease and arthritis to certain cancers and mood disorders. Unhealthy eating patterns, lack of sleep, excess stress, and substance use can all fuel this harmful inflammatory state, while lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, restful sleep, and nutritious meals are proven to lower inflammation at the cellular level. By impacting these underlying pathophysiological processes, lifestyle medicine offers an empowering, science-backed path to healing that addresses the true origins of disease, rather than just masking the symptoms.

Cell and Molecular Biology

Lifestyle medicine exerts powerful effects at the cell and molecular level, where the body’s most fundamental processes—such as energy production, repair, and growth—take place. Every day, cells face damage from normal metabolism and external sources like environmental toxins, but nutrients from plant-based foods provide antioxidants and phytochemicals that neutralize these harmful effects, effectively acting as tiny shields for DNA and other cell components. When diets are rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, research shows that rates of cell injury and genetic mutations decline, helping guard against illnesses like cancer and neurodegenerative disease.

Regular physical activity, restorative sleep, and stress management all support the body’s natural repair systems at the molecular level. Exercise triggers beneficial signals that tell cells to repair tissue, boost the creation of fresh mitochondria (the cell’s “power plants”), and enhance the removal of damaged components via a quality control process called autophagy. Adequate sleep gives the brain time for vital “housekeeping” activities such as repairing DNA and clearing away waste products that, when allowed to build up, can drive diseases like Alzheimer’s. Mindful stress management helps keep harmful stress hormones—including cortisol—in check, minimizing cell damage and supporting immune function.

One of the most exciting discoveries in lifestyle medicine research concerns telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that act as biological “clocks” of aging. Studies have found that people who consistently eat well, move more, manage stress, and maintain supportive relationships can actually slow the shortening of telomeres, and in some cases, even lengthen them. This means that healthy lifestyle choices may not only reduce disease risk, but also influence how rapidly the body ages at the cellular level, adding not just years to life, but life to years.

Biochemistry

At its core, biochemistry examines the chemical processes that keep the body running—and lifestyle medicine profoundly influences these processes through daily choices about food, movement, and self-care. Nutrient-rich diets featuring a variety of colorful plant foods supply essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that act as co-factors in the body’s metabolic reactions, supporting everything from energy production in the mitochondria to DNA repair and cell communication. Without these vital raw materials, the body’s natural defenses weaken, making it harder to recover from stress and resist disease.

Antioxidants play an especially important role in protecting cells from oxidative stress—a process in which unstable molecules called free radicals damage tissues and contribute to chronic inflammation, aging, and disease. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and polyphenols, which neutralize free radicals and help turn off harmful inflammatory signals in the body. By consistently choosing foods rich in these compounds, people can lower systemic inflammation and support better long-term health at the microscopic level.

Lifestyle habits also help maintain hormonal balance, which is key to managing stress, hunger, energy, and mood. Regular physical activity and restorative sleep regulate hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and endorphins, reducing the risk of diabetes, depression, and immune dysfunction. By fueling the chemistry of the body with the right nutrients, healthy sleep, and restorative routines, lifestyle medicine not only addresses symptoms but supports the deep biochemical balance needed for lasting wellness.

Neuroscience

Lifestyle medicine has a remarkable impact on the brain, with neuroscience showing that healthy habits can actually reshape how the brain functions and even its structure over time. Regular physical activity, for instance, stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a protein that supports the growth of new brain cells, strengthens existing neural pathways, and protects against cognitive decline. People who are physically active tend to have better memory, sharper focus, and a lower risk of dementia, as movement boosts blood flow, delivers essential nutrients to the brain, and helps clear away waste products.

Nutrition is just as critical for brain health. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, berries, beans, and whole grains provide the building blocks that brain cells need to communicate, make new connections, and protect against inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that people who eat more plant-based, nutrient-dense foods experience improved mood, greater resilience to stress, and even lower risk for depression and Alzheimer’s disease. The balance of micronutrients and antioxidants in such diets supports the chemistry necessary for neurotransmitters—like serotonin and dopamine—that regulate mood, sleep, and cognitive function.

Social connection is also crucial for a healthy mind. Neuroscientists have discovered that positive relationships stimulate the release of “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, reducing anxiety and buffering the effects of stress. Engaging in meaningful conversations, group activities, or supportive friendships encourages the brain to form new connections, increases adaptability, and can even slow age-related brain changes. Together, these lifestyle approaches weave a protective web around the brain, boosting both daily mental sharpness and long-term cognitive health.

The Evidence Supporting Lifestyle Medicine

A large and growing body of research demonstrates that lifestyle medicine powerfully supports both cardiovascular and brain health by targeting modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, unhealthy diets, inactivity, poor sleep, and chronic stress. Landmark studies and organizations such as the American Heart Association and American College of Lifestyle Medicine now recommend adopting comprehensive lifestyle changes—centered on nutrition, regular movement, sleep health, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and nurturing relationships—to prevent, manage, and often reverse chronic heart and brain conditions.

Cardiovascular Health

Extensive scientific research confirms that lifestyle medicine is one of the most effective strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Numerous long-term studies show that adopting a plant-predominant diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol collectively help lower blood pressure, decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar—three of the most powerful risk factors for heart disease. Meta-analyses and large population studies have demonstrated that individuals who consistently practice these behaviors experience significantly fewer heart attacks and strokes and live longer than those who do not.

Perhaps most compelling is the evidence that comprehensive lifestyle changes can not only halt but actually reverse coronary artery disease in some people. Clinical trials led by experts in lifestyle medicine found that participants who switched to a whole-food, plant-based diet, added regular exercise, managed stress, and cultivated supportive relationships saw measurable regression of atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in the arteries), reduced chest pain, and improved overall cardiac function. These improvements have been supported by medical imaging showing that blockages in arteries can shrink with strict adherence to lifestyle changes even without medication or surgery in selected individuals.

The benefits of lifestyle medicine interventions are not limited to reducing heart attacks and strokes; they also improve quality of life and overall wellbeing for people living with heart disease. Studies reveal that adopting healthy habits enhances energy, stamina, and emotional resilience, while also reducing the need for multiple medications and hospitalizations. By focusing on sustainable, evidence-based lifestyle modifications, people can dramatically lower their risk of cardiovascular problems and enjoy a longer, more active life.

Brain Health

Recent clinical trials and large-scale studies provide compelling evidence that lifestyle medicine can significantly enhance brain health and cognitive function, especially in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. The U.S. POINTER trial, a two-year randomized clinical study led by the Alzheimer’s Association, demonstrated that both structured and self-guided lifestyle interventions—including regular exercise, adherence to the MIND diet (rich in plant-based foods, berries, and healthy fats), cognitive training, and social activities—resulted in measurable improvements in global cognition among more than 2,100 adults aged 60 to 79. The greatest gains were seen in participants engaged in structured, goal-oriented programs, but even modest changes brought meaningful cognitive benefits.

Further supporting these findings, another randomized controlled trial published in 2024 assessed people with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and found that intensive, multimodal lifestyle changes significantly improved cognitive performance and daily functioning over just 20 weeks. Measures of memory, overall cognition, and daily ability improved in the intervention group while worsening in the control group, with changes reflected in key biological markers such as improved Aβ42/40 ratios, lower inflammation, and beneficial gut microbiome shifts. These improvements correlated directly with how much participants adhered to the lifestyle recommendations, suggesting a powerful, dose-dependent effect on brain health.

Population-level studies echo these results, showing that combinations of healthy habits—regular movement, plant-focused diets, quality sleep, social engagement, and stress reduction—may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 60% and support sharper memory, faster thinking, and a longer, healthier life. These interventions are not only accessible and sustainable, but their benefits span diverse communities and backgrounds, making lifestyle medicine a cornerstone in preserving brain health and cognitive resilience from midlife onward.

Lifestyle Medicine and Chronic Disease Reduction

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, and certain mental health conditions are responsible for the vast majority of premature deaths and healthcare costs worldwide. Lifestyle medicine offers a powerful, evidence-based strategy to tackle the root causes of these conditions by focusing on sustainable changes in daily habits—nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoiding harmful substances, and building social connections. Rather than relying solely on medications or procedures that treat symptoms, this approach addresses the behaviors and risk factors that drive the onset and progression of chronic illness.

Research shows that up to 80% of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes—as well as nearly 40% of cancers—are preventable through effective lifestyle intervention. Studies demonstrate that people who consistently practice healthy behaviors experience lower blood pressure, better cholesterol, improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and a much lower risk of developing or worsening chronic diseases. Lifestyle medicine also goes beyond prevention, with evidence showing that changing daily routines can slow disease progression and sometimes even reverse existing health problems, leading to better quality of life and reduced need for invasive treatments.

By embracing a holistic, patient-centered approach, lifestyle medicine empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being with practical, low-cost, and accessible strategies. Healthcare professionals trained in lifestyle medicine guide, support, and motivate people to make lasting changes, while systems and communities create environments that make healthy choices easier for everyone. As the burden of chronic diseases continues to rise globally, lifestyle medicine stands out as an effective, sustainable, and transformative solution for improving public health.

Stroke

Lifestyle medicine plays a crucial role in lowering the risk of stroke by addressing modifiable factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, poor diet, lack of physical activity, sleep issues, substance use, and unmanaged stress. Studies indicate that up to 80% of strokes could be prevented through healthy lifestyle interventions, including adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats; participating in regular physical activity; maintaining healthy sleep habits; and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, has shown a significant reduction in stroke risk, especially when supplemented with nuts and olive oil, and moderate-to-high levels of physical activity are associated with an estimated 30–43% decrease in stroke risk.

For those who have experienced a stroke, lifestyle medicine can also support recovery and reduce the chance of a second event. Secondary prevention studies show that changes in diet, exercise, and substance use can improve physical function, blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, and even quality of life in stroke survivors. Evidence-based programs that focus on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine help stroke survivors adopt healthier routines, with research supporting positive effects on health behavior change and promising improvements in both physical and mental well-being as patients work toward recovery.

Type 2 Diabetes

Lifestyle medicine has demonstrated remarkable success in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes through comprehensive lifestyle changes, particularly dietary modification, regular physical activity, and weight management. Large-scale studies such as the U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program have shown that lifestyle interventions—including a healthy, plant-predominant diet and moderate weight loss—reduced the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 58%, outperforming prescription medication (metformin) in high-risk individuals. Other landmark studies in Finland, China, and Japan echoed these results, showing that individualized counseling on diet and exercise not only prevents diabetes but may also mitigate genetic risk, providing powerful evidence that the condition is largely preventable through sustained lifestyle change.

For patients already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle medicine offers hope not only for better glucose control, but also for possible remission of the disease. Research has shown that a whole-food, plant-based diet, combined with increased physical activity, better sleep hygiene, stress management, and the avoidance of risky substances, can lower hemoglobin A1c, promote healthy weight loss, reduce medication requirements, and improve quality of life—even achieving remission in some individuals. Multicomponent, group-based programs focused on skills rather than just knowledge yield robust benefits sustained for years, underscoring that with professional support and self-management, people living with type 2 diabetes can truly regain their health and dramatically reduce their risk of complications.

Cancer

A growing body of research shows that lifestyle medicine can significantly lower the risk of developing several major types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, and lung cancer. Modifiable lifestyle factors—such as maintaining a plant-predominant diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes; engaging in regular exercise; avoiding tobacco; limiting alcohol; and managing stress—are associated with decreased inflammation, hormone regulation, and enhanced immune function, all of which are crucial in cancer prevention. Large-scale studies demonstrate that these healthy habits may reduce overall cancer risk by up to 10–12%, and adherence to such routines before, during, and after cancer treatment is linked to lower mortality and recurrence rates, particularly in breast and colorectal cancers.

For people living with or recovering from cancer, lifestyle medicine offers a comprehensive framework to support treatment, healing, and long-term survivorship. Evidence indicates that regular moderate physical activity, even as simple as walking or stretching, can reduce cancer-related fatigue, enhance mood, and improve physical functioning for survivors. Additionally, a balanced and varied diet that emphasizes nutrient-rich, plant-based foods helps the body repair tissues, maintain a healthy weight, and minimize side effects during and after treatment—while sleep optimization and stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, further improve resilience and quality of life for cancer survivors.

Psychosocial and behavioral support are also important pillars of lifestyle medicine in the context of cancer care. Managing emotional well-being, participating in support groups, and engaging in meaningful activities can reduce psychological distress, which is now recognized as both a risk factor for cancer progression and a determinant of recovery. Collectively, these interventions are not only safe and accessible, but offer cancer patients and survivors practical ways to boost strength, lower the risk of recurrence, and enjoy a better quality of life at every stage of their cancer journey.

Additional Benefits

Lifestyle medicine goes far beyond simply preventing disease—it’s also about optimizing daily function, increasing energy, and supporting emotional well-being throughout life. Healthy choices such as nourishing the body with plant-predominant foods, getting regular physical activity, and prioritizing sleep work in harmony to boost the immune system, sharpen focus, and enhance productivity, making it easier for people to perform their best at work, home, and school. People who consistently practice these habits often report fewer sick days, quicker recovery from illness, and greater resilience in the face of life’s daily demands.

Another powerful benefit of lifestyle medicine is improved mood and mental health. Scientific studies show that regular movement, healthy eating, restorative sleep, and strong social connections can help lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. These positive impacts are achieved in part because healthy habits regulate hormones and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, which are responsible for mood, motivation, and emotional balance. In addition, healthy coping skills—like mindfulness or spending time in nature—can make it easier to manage daily pressures and enjoy deeper, more fulfilling relationships.

Finally, lifestyle medicine supports healthy aging and extends healthspan—the years of life spent in good health, free from disability or dependence. Research reveals that people who maintain healthy routines are more likely to remain mobile, independent, and cognitively sharp into later decades. By focusing on daily practices that nurture both body and mind, lifestyle medicine empowers individuals to live not just longer, but with a greater sense of joy, purpose, and connection.

The Bottom Line

Lifestyle medicine is grounded in the principle that everyday choices—what is eaten, how much movement takes place, the quality of sleep, levels of stress, use of substances, and the strength of social connections—can profoundly impact health, longevity, and quality of life. Unlike traditional approaches that often focus on managing symptoms with medication, lifestyle medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, offering people the tools to prevent, halt, and sometimes even reverse chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, and more.

The real value of lifestyle medicine extends far beyond simply living longer; its true power lies in extending “healthspan”—the years lived in good health and independence, not just lifespan. Decades of research confirm that practicing the six pillars of lifestyle medicine can lead to more productive, energetic, and fulfilling lives, with fewer medications, greater resilience, and a deeper sense of well-being at every age.

5 Ways to Get Started

Getting started with lifestyle medicine doesn’t require an overnight transformation—small, simple steps can quickly add up to meaningful changes in health and well-being. By focusing on a few key habits, anyone can lay a strong foundation for a healthier, more vibrant life.

1. Eat Colorfully: Fill half of each plate with vegetables and fruits.
2. Move More: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity each day.
3. Prioritize Quality Sleep: Keep a consistent bedtime and avoid screens an hour before bed.
4. Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness, meditation, gratitude, and regular walks outside.
5. Connect: Reach out to friends, family, or community groups each week.

By weaving evidence-based lifestyle habits into daily routines, anyone can take charge of health in a way that truly lasts, improving vitality, reducing disease risk, and promoting happiness at every stage of life. The science is clear: small choices made each day really can add up to a healthier, more fulfilling future.

About the American College of Lifestyle Medicine

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), founded in 2004 by visionary physicians, is the leading medical professional society dedicated to advancing evidence-based lifestyle interventions as the foundation of healthcare. ACLM’s mission focuses on the prevention, treatment, and reversal of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity by empowering clinicians and patients to adopt therapeutic lifestyle changes—nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connections, and avoidance of risky substances.