Lifestyle Medicine-LM is both a discipline and a movement for change. LM advocated for innovation in clinical practice and prevention. In particular addressing the drivers of chronic disease, health equity, and environmental sustainability. There are six components of LM predominantly whole food plant-based diet, Physical activity, restorative sleep, abstinence from addictions, social connections, and developing strategies to manage stress through Positive Psychology Interventions. Lifestyle medicine (LM) is a burgeoning field, defined in the Journal of the American Medical Association as the ‘evidence-based practice of assisting individuals and their families to adopt and sustain behaviors that can improve health and quality of life”.

In 2019 Riphah International University took the lead in setting up the Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine-RILM, under the able guidance of Dr. Shagufta Feroz. Since then, RILM has been working to create awareness about healthy behaviors in the medical community and public using the power of electronic and social media.

RILM has been conducting postgraduate certifications twice a year, since January 2022, Lifestyle Medicine is embedded in the undergraduate curriculum. RILM is trying to incorporate healthy behaviors in student societies and is keen to participate in Riphah University, ‘Healthy University Initiative’.