Impact of a Semi-Virtual Lifestyle Medicine Program on Health Metrics of Metabolic Dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction: Lifestyle medicine can reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic disease. Yet, interventions are predominantly designed for rehabilitation, and many struggle with time and location barriers. Virtual health coaching modalities show promise in addressing these barriers. This paper describes the outcomes of a semi-virtual, prevention-focused lifestyle medicine program that ranged from 10-12 weeks. Method: A retrospective, observational study was conducted to examine the impact of this program on participant outcomes. The results included changes in health risk factors (eg, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference) and lifestyle behaviors (eg, nutrition habits, exercise frequency, quality of life). Results: When comparing pre-post data, reductions in the primary health metrics including weight (mean: -8.5 pounds; SD: 7.54, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (mean: -6.1 mmHg; SD: 11.62, P < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (mean: -4.7 mmHg; SD: 9.03, P < 0.001) were observed. Significant improvements were noted in body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, resting heart rate, and quality of life. Participants adhered to the program and experienced meaningful clinical improvements. Conclusion: The reported outcomes demonstrate the potential benefits of this semi-virtual program, which utilized a health coaching approach, on participant health metrics.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet; behavior change; chronic disease; chronic disease management; diabetes; exercise; health behaviors; health coaching; heart disease; hypertension; lifestyle medicine; mindful eating; mindfulness; nutrition; obesity; patient education; plant-based diet; prevention; quality of life; risk factor management; virtual; weight management; wellbeing; wellness; wellness program.