Quality of Life: The Primary Goal of Lifestyle Intervention

Abstract

In much of lifestyle medicine, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a primary focus with the assumption that symptom reduction increases quality of life (QoL) in a more global sense. Lifestyle medicine research has shown that reducing symptoms increases the likelihood that QoL is improved. However, little information is available as to the impact of interventions when they are not effective in creating the desired healthy outcomes. It is possible that some lifestyle interventions have a negative impact on QoL, especially when a patient is not “successful” in reducing their symptomatology. Considering QoL from a broader perspective as an outcome in combination with traditional health outcomes may improve provider-patient rapport and empower patients to provide feedback on treatment, which, in turn, may improve overall treatment.