Lifestyle and Performance Medicine is the military’s adaptation of the existing, evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine sub-specialty, which is one of the fastest growing sub-specialties in medicine. Lifestyle and Performance Medicine adds the tactical component of human performance optimization to sustain warfighter medical readiness.

With the goal of significantly improving performance and readiness of service members, especially active duty members.

The foundation of Lifestyle Medicine is built on six pillars that include - nutrition, sleep, physical activity, mental health/stress reduction, avoidance of risky substances, and building social connection.

The approach is a departure from the traditional way of treating patients by taking a holistic approach to care and addressing the root cause of health concerns. Care begins by addressing the patient’s personal health goals, identifying what is most important to the patient, and by developing a treatment plan that includes addressing the foundations of Lifestyle Medicine, which are nutrition, sleep, physical activity, mental health/stress reduction, avoidance of risky substances, and building social connection.

Providers across several medical specialties work in partnership with the patient and can include providers like primary care, dietitians, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, behavioral health specialists, as well as other specialty providers who have training in Lifestyle Medicine.