Lifestyle Medicine Performance Measures: An Expert Consensus Statement Defining Metrics to Identify Remission or Long-Term Progress Following Lifestyle Medicine Treatment.

Objective: The objective of this expert consensus process was to define performance measures that can be used to document remission or long-term progress following lifestyle medicine (LM) treatment.

Methods: Expert panel members with experience in intensive, therapeutic lifestyle change (ITLC) developed a list of performance measures for key disease states, using an established process for developing consensus statements adapted for the topic. Proposed performance measures were assessed for consensus using a modified Delphi process.

Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine and its Evolution.

Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is a rapidly growing discipline that focuses on the role of lifestyle factors in preventing, managing, and reversing chronic disease. At this point in the field's evolution, there is strong evidence that the 6 pillars of LM-a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections-are central in the creation and maintenance of health. Previous publications, many of them randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses, have solidified the evidence base for the use of the 6 pillars within the field of LM.

Lifestyle Medicine During (and After) the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging for individuals and families to maintain a healthy lifestyle, quality of life, and well-being. Preliminary evidence have suggested that higher odds of both mortality and severity of the COVID-19 are closely associated to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Thus, in an effort to contribute to this challenging global situation, we joined a group of lifestyle medicine researchers and/or practitioners to provide scientifically sound information, recommendations, resources, and suggestions related to the main pillars of lifestyle medicine (healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, tobacco/alcohol, stress management, relationships, and planetary health) that may help health practitioners to support clients and patients maintain a healthy lifestyle during (and after) the COVID-19 crisis.