The Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg) has issued a stark warning about the escalating crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the nation. The group identifies physical inactivity, poor diets, chronic stress, and harmful habits as the primary drivers of this silent but deadly epidemic.
The DREAMS Framework: A Blueprint for Healthier Living
Speaking at a recent conference in Abuja, the society's Founding President and Chairman, Dr. Ifeoma Monye, presented lifestyle medicine as a scientifically validated strategy to combat chronic illnesses. She outlined its foundation in six core pillars, encapsulated in the acronym DREAMS: Diet, Relationships, Exercise, Avoidance of toxic substances, Mental health, and Sleep.
"Lifestyle medicine uses our daily habits to manage chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers," Dr. Monye stated. She emphasized that this approach is internationally recognized and offers a powerful means to prevent and even reverse diseases, reducing dependence on pharmaceuticals and costly medical procedures.
Dr. Monye expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of sudden deaths, heart attacks, and what she termed the "slump-and-die syndrome." She attributed this alarming trend largely to modern behavioural choices, noting a departure from the healthier lifestyles of past generations. "People are dropping dead not because anyone is after them, but because of their behavioural patterns," she remarked.
Evidence-Based Results and Practical Advice
In her address, the President of SOLONg, Dr. Moyosore Makinde, clarified that lifestyle medicine is a distinct, evidence-based discipline rooted in rigorous science, not to be confused with herbal or alternative remedies. She highlighted compelling findings from an 18-month study, which demonstrated that individuals on structured lifestyle modification programs achieved superior health outcomes—including sustained weight loss and stable blood glucose—compared to those relying solely on medication.
"The root cause of type 2 diabetes lies in our behaviour—what we eat, how we sleep and how we are active. With the DREAMS lifestyle, people can bring diabetes into remission and remain off medication," Dr. Makinde asserted, challenging the notion of diabetes as an irreversible, drug-dependent condition.
Both experts provided actionable guidance for Nigerians:
- Increase consumption of vegetables and plant-based foods; consider home gardening if produce is costly.
- Cultivate positive social relationships and let go of grudges.
- Incorporate physical activity into daily life, even through simple movements like walking within one's compound, especially where security is a concern.
- Avoid tobacco, excessive alcohol, and high sugar intake.
- Prioritize stress management and ensure seven to eight hours of quality sleep nightly.
Dr. Makinde also pointed to a common misconception about the field, recalling a radio listener who asked where to purchase a "lifestyle tablet," misunderstanding the core focus on sustainable behavioural change over quick pharmaceutical fixes.
A Collective Call to Bridge the Health Gap
The conference, themed "Bridge the Health Gap With Lifestyle Medicine: Live Well, Live Longer," served as a platform for consensus among health professionals. A key conclusion was that Nigeria cannot simply "treat its way out" of the NCD crisis. Addressing the underlying behavioural and lifestyle factors is not just beneficial but essential for the nation's future health and economic stability.
The urgent call from SOLONg is clear: embracing the principles of lifestyle medicine represents the most effective and affordable path to curbing the rising tide of non-communicable diseases and safeguarding the health of the Nigerian population.
