Expert panel: physicians need to practice better lifestyle medicine
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A set of competencies, released in the July 14 Journal of the American Medical Association by an expert panel that included representatives from ACP, urges physicians to take responsibility for helping patients make healthy behavior changes to prevent disease and promote health.
The competencies were developed as a way to begin addressing what the panel identifies as a gap in physician practice; according to the group, the majority of physicians are not talking to patients enough about lifestyle choices. Authors point to evidence showing that lifestyle and behavior changes, such as quitting smoking and increasing exercise, are the most effective first line of therapy in the reduction of chronic disease.