Bukola Afeni
The Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg) has called for the integration of Lifestyle Medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system to address the country’s growing crisis of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The group made the disclosure at the 7th Annual Scientific Conference in Abuja.
The medical body emphasized that most NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers are preventable through therapeutic lifestyle interventions delivered alongside medication.
SOLONG President, Dr. Moyosore Makinde, urged government and health stakeholders to make Lifestyle Medicine central to Nigeria’s health agenda.
“Prevention is not a cost; it is an investment,” she said,
Dr. Makinde stressed the importance of the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: healthy nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, strong social connections, and avoidance of harmful substances.
President of the World Lifestyle Medicine Organization (WLMO), Dr. Ifeoma Monye, noted that Nigeria is facing rising rates of NCDs compounded by economic hardship, food insecurity, and mental health challenges.
“Lifestyle Medicine is not a luxury, it is a lifeline. Through low-cost, evidence-based interventions, we can reduce disease burden, support mental wellbeing, and empower communities even in vulnerable settings such as IDP camps,” Promoting the DREAMS framework Diet, Relationships, Exercise, Avoidance of harmful substances, Mental health support, and Sleep.
SOLONG also called for national certification in Lifestyle Medicine, curriculum integration, community-based programs, and increased local research to guide evidence-based practice.
The conference also highlighted three focus areas, which are, lessons from global Blue Zones, integrating AI and telehealth to expand access to care, and improving workplace wellness to reduce stress and chronic disease.
