Lifestyle Medicine and Preventive Strategies for Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review

Armin Alizadeh Shirazi  Nezhad; Amirali  Ebrahimbabaei

doi:10.18502/jabs.v16i2.20876

Armin Alizadeh Shirazi Nezhad School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
Amirali Ebrahimbabaei Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jabs.v16i2.20876

Keywords: Lifestyle Medicine, Noncommunicable Diseases, Chronic Disease, Diet, Exercise

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leadingcause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and are driven predominantly by modifiablelifestyle-related factors. In recent years, lifestyle medicine has emerged as a distinct clinicaldiscipline and academic field at many leading universities, employing evidence-basedlifestyle interventions to prevent, treat, and, in some cases, reverse chronic disease. Thisreview examines the role of lifestyle medicine in the prevention and management of NCDs.

Material & Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, andGoogle Scholar to identify relevant literature published between 2000 and 2025. Morethan 130 studies, clinical guidelines, and position statements addressing lifestyleinterventions, NCD outcomes, and implementation strategies were reviewed. Prioritywas given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and largeprospective cohort studies evaluating the six core pillars of lifestyle medicine and theirimplementation in clinical practice and public health settings.

Results: Evidence across diverse study designs consistently demonstrates that whole-food, plant-predominant dietary patterns, regular physical activity, smoking cessation,reduced harmful alcohol consumption, restorative sleep, effective stress-managementstrategies, and strong social relationships are associated with a lower incidence andslower progression of major NCDs, as well as improved quality of life. Emerging evidencefurther supports the integration of lifestyle medicine into primary care, community-basedinterventions, and health-professional education.

Conclusion: Current evidence supports lifestyle medicine as an effective andcomprehensive framework for addressing the behavioral determinants of NCDs. Asthe field continues to expand clinically and academically, integrating lifestyle medicineprinciples into healthcare delivery systems and professional training programs maysubstantially strengthen the prevention and long-term management of chronic diseases.