{"title":"Species Extinction, Biodiversity, Human Health, and Inevitable Role of Lifestyle Medicine: A Narrative Review.","authors":"John Stevens","doi":"10.1177/15598276261464949","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261464949","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human health and the health of our planet are inextricably linked. The accelerating loss of global biodiversity represents one of the most profound health threats of the 21st century. With species extinction rates estimated to be 10-100 times higher than natural baselines, biodiversity decline is no longer solely an environmental concern. This narrative review synthesizes evidence suggesting that biodiversity decline is increasingly relevant as a determinant of human health and survival rather than solely an environmental concern. The six pillars of lifestyle medicine, offer a coherent framework for interventions that can simultaneously prevent and improve lifestyle related illness outcomes while improving planetary health by reducing environmental pressures that drive species extinction and biodegradation. The review examines evidence synthesized from peer-reviewed databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, and GreenFILE), primarily 2010-2025, organized across seven thematic domains: infectious disease ecology, ecosystem services, microbiome dynamics, lifestyle medicine interventions, One Health integration, behavioural change, and clinical/policy implications. The review argues that lifestyle medicine must evolve from individual-focused clinical practice to also explicitly address structural drivers of ecological degradation, including food systems, transport, and urban design, thereby operationalizing planetary health principles in clinical care.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261464949"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13323048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"AJLM Launches a Lifestyle Medicine in Asia Section.","authors":"James M Rippe","doi":"10.1177/15598276261464124","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261464124","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261464124"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13323032/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Megan E Voss, Cherie O'Neill, Cynthia Austin, Mary Jo Kreitzer
{"title":"Mental Health Referrals in Health Coaching: Guidelines for Safe, Ethical Practice.","authors":"Megan E Voss, Cherie O'Neill, Cynthia Austin, Mary Jo Kreitzer","doi":"10.1177/15598276261464952","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261464952","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose:</b> This paper presents evidence-informed guidelines for National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) to recognize mental health symptoms, initiate referrals, and manage safety considerations. Coaches are essential members of healthcare teams that help to improve patient outcomes and trust in healthcare providers. Currently, NBC-HWCs lack standardized referral standards, creating practice variation and vulnerabilities for coaches, clients, and primary care providers. <b>Setting:</b> NBC-HWCs practicing across healthcare systems, private practice, and community settings, with particular relevance for interprofessional teams in primary care and lifestyle medicine practices. <b>Intervention:</b> Guidelines include (1) mental health screening and referral processes, (2) referral language, and (3) crisis safety procedures, grounded in evidence, ethical codes, and scope-of-practice standards. <b>Outcomes:</b> Clear guidelines equip health coaches to make timely, effective referrals to licensed mental health providers, empowering interprofessional collaboration with confidence. Anticipated outcomes include improved client safety and wellbeing, stronger coach-client trust, and reduced risk of coaches practicing beyond their scope. <b>Lessons Learned:</b> These guidelines may support coaches in acting confidently as lifestyle medicine team members. Symptom recognition, paired with appropriate referral, normalizes mental health care within whole-person wellbeing. Establishing referral networks and understanding legal responsibilities are critical for safe practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261464952"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13318825/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148370302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Johnny Nguyen, Kerryn W Reding, Ralph B D'Agostino, Nathaniel S O'Connell, Amy Ladd, Warren Szewczyk, Alexander R Lucas, Giselle C Meléndez, Shannon Mihalko, Lynne I Wagner, Bonnie Ky, Kathryn E Weaver, Glenn J Lesser, W Gregory Hundley
{"title":"Declines in Social Support During Breast Cancer Treatment and Their Association With Exercise Capacity Reductions in Breast Cancer Survivors.","authors":"Johnny Nguyen, Kerryn W Reding, Ralph B D'Agostino, Nathaniel S O'Connell, Amy Ladd, Warren Szewczyk, Alexander R Lucas, Giselle C Meléndez, Shannon Mihalko, Lynne I Wagner, Bonnie Ky, Kathryn E Weaver, Glenn J Lesser, W Gregory Hundley","doi":"10.1177/15598276261463497","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261463497","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast cancer (BC) survival has improved but is often offset by adverse effects, including reduced exercise capacity. Research in the general population suggests that social support may mitigate exercise capacity declines. However, this relationship in BC survivors has not been examined. This analysis sought to examine relationships between social support overall (and within social support subscales) and exercise capacity declines at 3 months in BC survivors during treatment in relation to cancer-free controls. In 230 BC (stage I-III) survivors and 128 cancer-free controls within the UPBEAT Study (NCT02791581), submaximal exercise capacity and social support were obtained via 6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) and MOS Social Support survey, respectively, at baseline and 3 months. Linear regression examined associations between social support and 6MWD declines in BC survivors and controls at 3 months. Declines in 6MWD were associated with social support ( <math><mrow><mi>β</mi></mrow> </math> = 23.8; <i>P</i> = .03). Positive social interactions showed the greatest reduction during BC treatment (<i>P</i> = .02). Whereas no association was observed in controls, in BC survivors lower positive social interaction was associated with 6MWD declines ( <math><mrow><mi>β</mi></mrow> </math> = 23.8; <i>P</i> = .03; <i>p</i> <sub>int</sub> = 0.02). The findings suggest the importance of social support, particularly positive social interactions, during BC treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261463497"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13318837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148370268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonathan P Bonnet, Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling, Steven Mauro, Janet Calhoun, Ron Stout
{"title":"Public Perception of Lifestyle Medicine and the Integration of Behavioral Health: A Nationally Representative Survey of U.S. Adults 18.","authors":"Jonathan P Bonnet, Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling, Steven Mauro, Janet Calhoun, Ron Stout","doi":"10.1177/15598276261459085","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261459085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lifestyle Medicine (LM) and Behavioral Health (BH) are increasingly recognized as complementary, synergistic disciplines that positively impact chronic disease. Limited data exist on public awareness, perceptions, preferences, and barriers to care. This study evaluated United States (U.S.) adults' understanding and attitudes toward LM, BH, and their integration. A cross-sectional, nationally weighted survey of U.S. adults was conducted in November 2025. Measures included health status, familiarity with LM, provider communication, access barriers, BH attitudes, and preferences for integrated care. Overall frequencies and cross-tabulations were reported. Respondents included 1,001 adults (51% women), with 71% reporting one chronic disease. Half had never heard of LM, 91% were at least somewhat interested in changing lifestyle habits, and 41% were very or extremely confident in their ability to make behavior changes. Seventy-five percent said addressing mental health was very or extremely important, with 82% responding they would be at least somewhat likely to use BH services if offered by their primary care doctor. Commonly cited barriers were cost, insurance coverage, and scheduling difficulties. Overall, U.S. adults reported a strong desire to improve health through lifestyle changes and access integrated LM and BH services within primary care.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261459085"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13314652/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148362336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ava T Donaldson, Brian Oddi, Jodi Dusi, Brian F Foster, Marc Federico
{"title":"Combined Exercise Training and Supervision: Impact on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Adherence, and Quality of Life in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.","authors":"Ava T Donaldson, Brian Oddi, Jodi Dusi, Brian F Foster, Marc Federico","doi":"10.1177/15598276261463126","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261463126","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global and national public-health challenge. Most adults do not meet the aerobic and strength guidelines necessary for the prevention and management of the disease. <b>Purpose:</b> To synthesize evidence on how combined exercise training (CET: aerobic + resistance) affects cardiometabolic risk factors, adherence, and quality of life (QoL) in adults with T2DM; identify the impact of supervision features, and produce equity-focused, practice-ready recommendations. <b>Methods:</b> Narrative synthesis reporting CET effects on cardiometabolic risk factors, adherence, and QoL, emphasizing intervention parameters and supervision models. <b>Results:</b> CET consistently yields modest to clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c and fasting glucose and improves body composition, lipids, blood pressure, vascular function, inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6), myokine responses, and VO2max. Supervised CET produces larger effect sizes, greater adherence, better technique and safety, and stronger psychosocial benefits (self-efficacy, social support, QoL) than unsupervised/usual-care programs. Heterogeneity in modalities (MICT, HIIT), resistance intensity/equipment, scheduling, supervision models, outcome metrics, and underrepresentation of diverse populations limit definitive guidance. <b>Conclusions:</b> Supervised CET effectively improves cardiometabolic health and QoL in adults with T2DM. Standardized reporting, head-to-head trials of scheduling and supervision, and pragmatic studies in diverse settings are needed to support scalable implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261463126"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13314655/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148363130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Environmental and Lifestyle Factors in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.","authors":"Teresa Da Cunha, Haleh Vaziri","doi":"10.1177/15598276261462804","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261462804","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, multifactorial disease resulting from complex interactions between the immune system, gut microbiota, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors. Although advances in pharmacologic therapies have improved disease control, increasing evidence indicates that lifestyle and environmental factors influence disease course and patient well-being. In this review, we assess the impact of lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, sleep, mental health, and smoking) and environmental factors (pesticides, microplastics, and heavy metals) on IBD. Our manuscript highlights the importance of minimizing highly processed foods, such as those in the Western diet, while promoting a whole-food and Mediterranean diets, regular physical activity, and monitoring for micronutrient deficiencies. We also provide information on sleep disturbances, mental health, and disease activity, as well as interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, which may improve the quality of life of these patients. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental pollutants, including microplastics and pesticides, may affect IBD risk and progression, highlighting the need for further research. Integrating structured lifestyle recommendations into clinical care may have a significant role in improving outcomes in patients with IBD.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261462804"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13310216/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lifestyle Medicine and Healthy Nutrition.","authors":"James M Rippe","doi":"10.1177/15598276261464120","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261464120","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261464120"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13309353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LaTaya De Jesus, Ronda R Davis, Ginelle Nelson, Janet Simon, David Drozek
{"title":"Effectiveness of a 12-Day Residential Wellness Program: A Pilot Study.","authors":"LaTaya De Jesus, Ronda R Davis, Ginelle Nelson, Janet Simon, David Drozek","doi":"10.1177/15598276261461455","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261461455","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intensive Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Programs have shown promise in improving cardiometabolic risk factors over short durations. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-day residential wellness program in rapidly improving selected cardiovascular disease risk factors. Eighteen participants attended a 12-day residential wellness camp emphasizing plant-based nutrition, structured physical activity, and lifestyle education. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included anthropometrics, blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting glucose, and fitness assessments. HbA1c was measured at baseline. Paired t-tests evaluated changes in biomarkers, and Hedges' g effect sizes were calculated. Sixteen participants completed the program. Significant reductions (<i>P</i> < 0.05) occurred in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and total cholesterol, with medium to large effect sizes. Triglycerides and LDL-C demonstrated nonsignificant reductions. One-mile walk time improved significantly. Three participants reduced/discontinued diabetes medications, and four adjusted hypertension medications. Participation in a 12-day residential wellness program resulted in meaningful improvements in selected cardiovascular risk factors and functional fitness outcomes. Medication reductions highlight the potential of short-term intensive lifestyle interventions to rapidly improve cardiometabolic health. Larger, controlled studies with follow-up to assess sustainability of outcomes are warranted to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261461455"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13303260/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael V Fedewa, Cailin Kerch, Madelyn Simmang, Kate Grasso, Elroy J Aguiar
{"title":"Physical Activity in an Immersive Recreational Built Environment: A Day-Level Analysis of Theme Park Exposure.","authors":"Michael V Fedewa, Cailin Kerch, Madelyn Simmang, Kate Grasso, Elroy J Aguiar","doi":"10.1177/15598276261459337","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15598276261459337","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The built environment comprises human-made spaces that influence our behavior, and theme parks allow the study of physical activity in a highly developed and immersive environment. In this sample (n = 33, 34.5 ± 10.4 years, 78.8% female), physical activity (steps/day) was collected retrospectively over a 7-day period at baseline and during their time spent in Walt Disney World (WDW) resort. Categorical park exposure was defined as baseline days at home, scheduled off days during travel, single-park days, and multiple-park days. Steps were lowest during the baseline week at home, followed by scheduled off days during the trip (12,690, 95% CI 11,017 to 14,364 steps/day), single-park days (20,032, 95% CI 18,762 to 21,301 steps/day), and multiple-park days (25,309, 95% CI 24,211 to 26,406 steps/day) (all pairwise, <i>P</i> < .001). Participants accumulated more daily physical activity during their WDW visit compared with baseline days at home. Immersive and walkable built environments promote higher levels of incidental physical activity without intentional exercise.</p>","PeriodicalId":47480,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"15598276261459337"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13303254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}