Doha Declaration

Purpose

We, the global leaders in Lifestyle Medicine (LM), acknowledge the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) despite current healthcare efforts. We believe that a new, transformational approach is needed, as our holistic LM methods have demonstrated success in reversing NCDs, boosting patient satisfaction, reducing costs, and enhancing clinical outcomes. Our collective experiences and commitment to this cause motivate us to advocate for the widespread adoption of LM.

As members of the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance, we understand the potential of partnering with various sectors to revolutionize healthcare and combat the NCD epidemic. For decades, LM has shown its effectiveness, with established competencies, evolving systems, and growing research. We call for the universal application of LM competencies, integration of LM in healthcare systems, and prioritization of holistic care in education and research to achieve NCD reversal. Together, we can build a solid foundation for transformative healthcare.

We invite you to use the Doha Declaration to help you effectively articulate our shared global consensus on the importance and benefits of lifestyle medicine in creating more sustainable and equitable healthcare systems.

The Doha DeclarationDownload

How to use the Doha Declaration?

Use the Doha Declaration to advocate for lifestyle medicine and foster collaboration with:

  • Government bodies (e.g. legislators, regulatory agencies, local/regional/national government officials)
  • Local and regional public health agencies and NGOs (e.g. WHO, CDC, GACD, WHF, UN)
  • Healthcare institutions and their administrators (e.g. hospitals, clinics)
  • Healthcare education institutions
  • Health insurance providers (state and private)
  • Other medical associations
  • Lobbyists and advocacy groups
  • Legal experts in healthcare
  • Research institutions


Join us in using the Doha Declaration to promote lifestyle medicine and drive transformative change in healthcare globally!

The Origin of the Doha Declaration

The declaration grew from the February 2024 convening of more than two dozen international experts in lifestyle medicine from 21 countries at the Global Lifestyle Medicine Leadership Forum 2024 in Doha, Qatar to advocate for the growing medical specialty as an effective approach to treating noncommunicable chronic disease and transforming health worldwide.

The event was organized by The Institute for Population Health (IPH) of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance (LMGA), and the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM). It was hosted by IPH and included experts from WCM-Q, the Qatar Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), and LMGA.