November 07, 2023
Integrating lifestyle coaching in a primary care model was found to be feasible and significantly improved various dietary measures and health outcomes, according to data presented at the Lifestyle Medicine Conference.
The study aimed to evaluate the impact and feasibility of a lifestyle intervention integrated into a clinical setting. The intervention involved physicians referring patients to a life coach, who provided weekly virtual 1:1 coaching over a span of 6 months, followed by group sessions after 6 months. The goal of the lifestyle intervention was to increase the consumption of whole plant foods, improve sleep behavior and stress management, and increase physical activity.
The analysis included an intervention cohort of 10 patients who accepted the coaching and a comparison cohort of 10 patients who declined coaching. Among the intervention cohort, the researchers found that:
– 90% of participants doubled, tripled, or quadrupled their intake of whole plant foods.
– 100% reported getting more than 6 hours of sleep, up from 40% at baseline.
– 100% perceived their level of health as equal to or greater than seven out of 10, up from 45% at baseline.
– Daily fiber consumption increased by 50%.
– Erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels decreased by 56%.
– Both the regularity and intensity of physical activity significantly improved.
– Patients in the intervention lost an average of 2.65% of their baseline weight, compared to 0.26% in the comparison cohort.
– HbA1c levels reduced by 4.8% on average.
– Cholesterol levels improved as much as 40% in some patients.
The researchers concluded that lifestyle coaching should be utilized for patients who need or request it. The study demonstrated that implementing lifestyle interventions in clinical settings is effective and feasible without disrupting the regular workflow or adding to the workload of physicians.
The findings highlight the importance of incorporating nonpharmacologic therapies and lifestyle modifications in primary care settings. Physicians should have effective and efficient protocols in place to educate patients on lifestyle modifications to treat common conditions. Additionally, investing in highly trained lifestyle coaching and disease management staff at clinics nationwide could further support the implementation of these interventions.