Medical experts have said many chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart-related diseases can be prevented — and in some cases reversed — through healthy lifestyle changes.
The physicians explained that adopting better daily habits like healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, quality sleep, and maintaining positive relationships can significantly improve overall health and reduce dependence on medication.
The experts spoke during the 2026 Global Lifestyle Medicine Week organised by the Society of Lifestyle Medicine in Nigeria.
The event, themed “Live The D.R.E.A.M.S: Simple Choices, Powerful Results,” focused on promoting healthier living and preventing non-communicable diseases through lifestyle medicine.
Speaking at the programme, the President of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine in Nigeria, Dr Moyosore Makinde, described lifestyle medicine as an evidence-based medical approach aimed at helping people prevent and manage chronic illnesses naturally.
According to her, conditions like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are strongly linked to unhealthy lifestyles.
She explained that making simple but consistent changes in diet and physical activity can help the body function better and, in some cases, reverse certain diseases.
“Lifestyle medicine can reverse Type 2 diabetes,” she said.
Makinde noted that regular exercise improves insulin resistance, while healthier diets made up of whole foods and fewer processed meals help the body manage blood sugar more effectively.
She also referenced studies showing that lifestyle changes can stop people with pre-diabetes from progressing to full diabetes.
Another physician, Dr Odiana Ruth, broke down the meaning of the “D.R.E.A.M.S” campaign message promoted during the event.
According to her:
• D stands for healthy Diet
• R represents positive Relationships
• E means regular Exercise
• A stands for Avoiding harmful substances
• M represents Mental wellness
• S stands for quality Sleep
The experts warned that Nigeria is currently witnessing rising cases of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and premature deaths, especially among younger people.
They expressed concern that Type 2 diabetes, once seen mostly among older adults, is now increasingly affecting people in their 20s.
The physicians urged Nigerians to move away from unhealthy diets, junk food, and sedentary lifestyles while prioritising physical activity, stress management, and proper sleep.
Consultant Family Physician, Dr Eniola Afolabi-Obe, also stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, saying lifestyle medicine focuses on tackling the root causes of many illnesses before they become severe.
She added that integrating healthier daily habits into everyday life could reduce the growing burden of chronic diseases in the country.
The doctors encouraged Nigerians to embrace healthier lifestyles, describing simple healthy choices as powerful tools for living longer and avoiding serious illnesses.
Source: Society of Lifestyle Medicine in Nigeria / PUNCH Healthwise.
