Health experts have issued a stark warning, declaring Pakistan a “hospital country” due to the rising trend of diseases stemming from unhealthy lifestyles. This alarming assessment was the central theme of a one-day international symposium, “Lifestyle Medicine: Reframing the Foundation of Health,” hosted by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). The event brought together national and international experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss integrating lifestyle medicine into Pakistan’s healthcare framework.
Experts clarified that lifestyle medicine is not an alternative therapy but a fundamental aspect of modern medical practice, essential for preventing diseases in the first place. DUHS Vice Chancellor, Professor Jahan Ara Hassan, advocated for patient-centered preventative healthcare, moving away from a reactive approach to treatment. She highlighted nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, mental well-being, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as essential elements, not mere options. Professor Hassan revealed the launch of undergraduate and postgraduate courses on lifestyle and disease prevention, incorporating community clinics, sports medicine, and resilience training. A dedicated “Lifestyle Medicine and Health Promotion Research Center” was also announced to translate research findings into community-level practices.
Addressing the rising concerns of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, gestational diabetes, and women’s health issues in Pakistan, Professor Hassan emphasized the need to prioritize a balanced lifestyle, physical activity, and mental well-being from a young age. Although genetic predispositions are unavoidable, she explained that lifestyle modifications can control symptoms and disease severity. Former Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, shed light on the importance of early post-surgical rehabilitation and physiotherapy, calling Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) a revolutionary approach.
Professor Kashif Shafique stated that lifestyle medicine empowers individuals to live full, independent lives beyond merely avoiding illness. Sleep quality, physical movement, emotional connections, and mindfulness are now measurable health metrics. He presented global data showing that NCDs account for 74% (41 million) of annual deaths globally, while the rate is 58% in Pakistan. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases play significant roles. With over 19 million Pakistanis suffering from high blood pressure and nearly 33 million with diabetes or prediabetes, he highlighted preventative strategies and lifestyle medicine as crucial interventions.
Dr. Tariq Farman addressed the rising trend of heart disease among young Pakistanis, recommending institutions that promote healthy eating, tobacco cessation, and regular physical activity. He expressed concern over the abundance of cardiac emergency facilities in Karachi (over 20) compared to the lack of preventative and awareness initiatives. Dr. Shagufta Feroz (University of Arizona and founder of the Pakistan Association of Lifestyle Medicine) participated remotely, sharing the global acceptance of lifestyle medicine as a scientific field. She described her practice transformation into a “no-medication clinic,” emphasizing lifestyle changes. Dr. Elias Yemani from the UK stressed the importance of collaborative efforts for effective lifestyle medicine, advocating for combined teams of nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and lifestyle coaches.
Dr. Salma Meher highlighted the changing dietary patterns in children, warning about the long-term effects of processed foods replacing traditional healthy choices. She cautioned against using unhealthy foods as rewards for children, emphasizing the importance of parental education.
The symposium concluded with the shared understanding that the future of health depends not solely on traditional medicine but on lifestyle changes, public awareness, supportive environments, and patient empowerment. Participants lauded DUHS’s initiatives, expressing hope that these efforts will advance lifestyle medicine in Pakistan.