The emergence of "lifestyle medicine" as a structured approach for management of chronic disease

Med J Aust. 2009 Feb 2;190(3):143-5. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02317.x.

Abstract

Chronic diseases with a lifestyle-based aetiology currently make up a significant proportion of primary care consultations, but management often falls between the demands of public and clinical health. A modified clinical approach, based around the concept of "lifestyle medicine", helps fill the gap by adding behavioural, motivational and environmental skills to conventional medical practice. When used in a multidisciplinary setting, lifestyle medicine offers potential cost and effectiveness benefits, which are beginning to be realised.

MeSH terms

  • Causality
  • Chronic Disease*
  • Disease Management*
  • Exercise
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Motor Activity
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Social Marketing*