ABSTRACT
The clinical practice of Lifestyle Medicine (LM) begins with a comprehensive approach that identifies underlying lifestyle-related risk factors through the history, vital signs, physical examination, and relevant screening and diagnostic tests. A LM history includes an assessment of risk factors that predispose one to developing preventable lifestyle-related diseases, including physical activity level, nutrition, stress, sleep, emotional wellbeing, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, pain level, and environmental/occupational factors. Screening for sensitive areas related to mental and emotional wellbeing is an important area within LM counseling, as perceived risks of disclosing concerns can inhibit willingness to participate in substantive counseling. Evaluating physical activity may seem daunting within clinical practice given the variety of activity, duration, and intensity possible. A clinical diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome is useful because it affects therapeutic strategy in patients at higher risk, with a LM approach focused on weight reduction, increased exercise, and improved nutrition.
