The Current State of Development and the Challenges of Localization in Lifestyle Medicine both Domestically and Internationally

Abstract

Lifestyle Medicine, which emerged in the 1980s, is an interdisciplinary discipline involving various fields such as medicine, nutrition, exercise science, epidemiology, psychology, etc. It serves as a crucial bridge between public health promotion and clinical treatment, and plays a significant role in preventing, treating, and rehabilitating various diseases. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the definition, connotation, origin, development, and evaluation tools for assessing the effectiveness of Lifestyle Medicine. The findings reveal that Lifestyle Medicine aligns remarkably well with the principle of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regarding disease prevention and treatment. Despite notable research advancements in chronic disease management in China, the field of lifestyle medicine is still at an early stage of development. However, there remains a lack of specific, quantified, and standardized guidelines for implementing lifestyle interventions as well as clinical protocols and evaluation systems. The localization of Lifestyle Medicine in China still needs to consider local conditions, while increasing national policy support to establish a national data monitoring system and decision support system. Emphasizing health equity and optimising resource allocation across different regions are also essential aspects to be considered. Furthermore, integrating the advantages of TCM, including of its characteristic therapies, simplicity and cost-effectiveness, will promote the application and dissemination of Lifestyle Medicine for preventing and managing chronic diseases, thereby enhancing overall population health.

Keywords

• lifestyle medicine|preventive treatment of disease|health behavior|health promotion|disease management|review