Religion, Spirituality, and the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: A Narrative Review

This article is a narrative review that aims to explore the relationship between religion/spirituality (R/S) and lifestyle medicine (LM) pillars to examine if and how R/S influences health behaviors and inform whole-person LM practice. R/S influences multiple lifestyle behaviors through direct and indirect behavioral, psychological, and social pathways. The strongest evidence supports associations with avoidance of risky substances, stress management, and social connectedness. R/S is also associated with dietary practices and healthier eating patterns, although findings vary across religious traditions and measures of religiosity. Evidence regarding physical activity and sleep is generally positive but remains more mixed and less consistent across populations and religious traditions. Overall, R/S appears to shape lifestyle behaviors through health-related beliefs, meaning-making, coping strategies, spiritual experiences, community involvement, and behavioral norms. Because R/S can influence multiple lifestyle behaviors, recognizing and exploring patients’ R/S experiences, beliefs, values, and practices is consistent with a whole-person approach to lifestyle medicine. Understanding these influences may help clinicians individualize recommendations that are both evidence-based and personally meaningful, supporting person-centered care while potentially enhancing engagement with and adherence to lifestyle interventions.