Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Amidst the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, the Society of Lifestyle Medicine in Nigeria (SOLONG) has called for a shift in the nation’s approach to healthcare, advocating for prevention through Lifestyle Medicine.
Dr. Ifeoma Monye, a chief consultant family and lifestyle physician, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of SOLONG stated while addressing a press briefing to kick-start its 7th annual International conference, that Lifestyle Medicine empowers individuals and communities to take control of their health.
Dr. Monye outlined the conference’s central approach to lifestyle medicine, introducing the acronym, DREAMS, as a framework for health promotion.
She further stated that Nigerian society advocates the prevention of chronic diseases with lifestyle medicine
Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders “have overwhelmed Africa’s healthcare systems.”
According to Dr. Monye, decades of research confirm that unhealthy behaviours, including poor nutrition, physical inactivity, sleep deprivation, and substance abuse, are the primary drivers of chronic diseases.
The Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONG) is a professional organization that promotes the use of lifestyle interventions, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, to prevent and manage chronic diseases. It is currently hosting its 7th annual conference, scheduled for November 28-29, 2025, in Abuja.
The main focus of SOLONG’s work centres on evidence-based lifestyle changes to treat and prevent chronic conditions.
Other activities of the society include organizing conferences, such as the 7th annual international conference happening in Abuja on November 28-29, 2025.
The main objective of the conference is to advance the practice of lifestyle medicine within Nigeria, a field that has seen rapid growth globally.
It hosts annual conferences, webinars, and other events to educate professionals and the public on healthy habits, such as diet, exercise, and stress management. In 2025, it held its 7th Annual International Scientific conference. The theme for this conference was “Bridge the Health Gap with Lifestyle Medicine: Live Well, Live Longer.”
Themes: Past and current themes include the benefits of healthy habits, workplace wellness, and the integration of technology like AI in healthcare.
The organization’s leadership includes figures like Dr. Ifeoma Monye, who is also a leader in the global lifestyle medicine community and has contributed to major lifestyle medicine organizations, according to the World Lifestyle Medicine Organisation.
Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria.
DREAMS, according to her, stands for “Diet, Relationships with People, Exercise, Avoidance of risky substances, Mental wellness, and Sleep.”
“The lifestyle medicine approach offers a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to prevent and manage NCDs. It empowers individuals to take control of their health and well-being, helping to build healthier communities across the continent,” she added.
Also, speaking at the press conference, the President of SOLONg’s, Dr. Moyosore Makinde acknowledged the significant work needed to promote lifestyle medicine and emphasised the importance of collective responsibility.
Similarly, Dr. Ede Ojo, a consultant psychiatrist, noted that mental health is an integral part of their advocacy and urged all hands to be on deck to salvage the situation.
The conference, according to SOLONG, serves as a platform for medical professionals and researchers to discuss advancements in lifestyle medicine.
“Over the coming days, we will hear from experts,share best practices,and explore innovative approaches that can help us integrate lifestyle medicine into mainstream healthcare across Nigeria and Africa,” Dr. Monye said.
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