The role of lifestyle medicine in primary care: a Brazilian study

Abstract

Lifestyle Medicine (LM) has emerged as a multidisciplinary approach to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, based on six principles: physical activity, nutrition, stress management, sleep, toxic reduction, and social connections. Its integration into Primary Care is vital for patient-centered care. This study analyzes the perceptions of 41 health professionals about LM, evaluating its effectiveness and integration, in addition to identifying facilitators and barriers to its implementation. The professionals, predominantly women (82.9%) and young (46.3% under 25 years old), answered an online questionnaire about sociodemographic data and perceptions of LM. The analysis was performed using the MAXQDA software. LM was considered "very important" by 95.1% of participants, with physical activity being the most discussed topic in consultations. However, 51.2% reported little practical experience and 48.8% evaluated their training as "unsatisfactory". The main barriers to implementing LM include patients’ resistance to behavior change and lack of time during consultations. Despite the recognition of the importance of LM, clinical practice still faces gaps. The lack of experience and adequate training of professionals contributes to the difficulty in promoting changes in habits. The identified barriers indicate the need for training strategies and institutional support to integrate LM into primary care. Although LM is considered essential in care coordination, its practical implementation remains challenging. To improve its effectiveness, it is crucial to invest in the education and training of health professionals and to create an environment that favors patient behavior change and the integration of LM into consultations.