Lifestyle medicine – a new promise for shifting the tide of non-communicable diseases

Lifestyle medicine developed as a response to the global burden and consequences of non-communi- cable diseases (NCDs), which dominate epidemiological trends in mortality, morbidity, and disability worldwide during the last couple of decades. Lifestyle medicine includes six pillars, the use of whole food, plant-predominant dietary pattern, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress manage- ment, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connection, as evidence-based and primary therapy modalities aiming for treatment and reversal of chronic diseases. Interest in lifestyle medicine is increasing globally, and it was even further advanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addition- ally, professional interest in lifestyle medicine is fueled by the extended learning opportunities based on the findings of recent studies demonstrating the reversible nature of NCDs, especially for diabetes type 2 and obesity. These results request a thorough contemplation of our current understanding of the “uncurable” nature of diabetes type 2, but also for other chronic non-communicable diseases, and de- mand a paradigm shift in medical practice and education. This requires education of medical students and doctors, adaptation of reimbursement and health insurance policies, and forming multidiscipli- nary teams that will be able to deliver lifestyle intervention procedure to all who need it. The future of healthcare and NCDs management is the long-term self-care by patients, assisted by physicians and other professionals, such as nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists or kinesiologists, psychologists, health educators, pharmacists, and social workers, as indicated. The ultimate goal has to be reaching the best possible health in individuals and communities. The time for action is yesterday