Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance Leadership Forum
- Rebecca Stonor, CEO
- 12 Mar 2025
Shaping the Future of Health
I was honoured to be invited to the stunning shores of Phuket, Thailand, to attend a groundbreaking event in the world of healthcare.
The need for change
The 2nd Global Lifestyle Medicine Leadership Forum, organised by the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance (LMGA) and the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM), brought together 33 leaders from 25 countries to inspire, innovate, and empower the global movement towards healthier communities. The forum provided a unique opportunity for these experts to address local, regional, and global Lifestyle Medicine challenges, paving the way for transformative healthcare solutions.
This forum catalysed change, focusing on three key objectives:
- Strengthening bonds between international Lifestyle Medicine leaders
- Fostering collaboration and exchange of best practices
- Sharing knowledge and building resources to support organisational momentum
The LMGA creates a substantial, global network of international Lifestyle Medicine societies that represents a convergence of healthcare professionals who connect and inspire one another. By providing connection, collaboration, tools, and best practice frameworks, LMGA plays a key role in assisting countries to develop vibrant, sustainable Lifestyle Medicine organisations. These groups then advance the evidence-based practice of Lifestyle Medicine to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic disease internationally.
Results of the first LMGA meeting
At the first gathering of world leaders in Lifestyle Medicine in 2024 the Doha Declaration was developed. This document was designed to assist healthcare professionals in effectively articulating our shared global consensus on the importance and benefits of Lifestyle Medicine in creating more sustainable and equitable healthcare systems. World leaders pledged to work together tirelessly to achieve health and well-being for everyone.
Our collective voice
As members of the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance, Doctors For Nutrition understands the potential of partnering with various sectors to revolutionise healthcare and combat the non-communicable disease epidemic. United by our shared mission of turning the tide on the unsustainable trajectory of noncommunicable chronic disease, Lifestyle Medicine can identify and eradicate the root causes.
Why Lifestyle Medicine?
The rise in chronic disease in many parts of the world and related healthcare costs is unsustainable. Type 2 diabetes alone is a looming global pandemic with incalculable consequences. Much of the healthcare cost in Australia and New Zealand are tied to the treatment of conditions rooted in poor lifestyle choices, with similar statistics in many countries around the world. Chronic diseases—also known as non-communicable diseases—are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health conditions.
With chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease driving health care costs and patient suffering, as physicians we need a more sustainable and proactive approach.
– Dr Jorge Otañez
In partnership with the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM), Doctors For Nutrition offers the Lifestyle Medicine Certification Program in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. This internationally recognised certification equips physicians and healthcare professionals with the tools to prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic diseases by addressing their underlying causes. With over 8,000 certified diplomates from 92 countries, the IBLM has established itself as a global leader in Lifestyle Medicine.
With Lifestyle Medicine, our patients benefit from access to the knowledge and tools to improve their health in a way that gives them a sense of agency and empowerment.
– Dr Eliza Ng
Join the movement
Learn more about the Lifestyle Medicine Certification pathway and register to sit the exam this year!
