P78 Lifestyle Medicine Intervention: Curbing Depression by Creating Food Pleasure

Abstract

Background Lifestyle Medicine encompasses the adoption and maintenance of attitudes and behaviors that affect health and quality of life through diet and physical activity. Lack of motivation to eat healthier and be active is an issue commonly seen in our contemporary society. Objective This was a secondary data analysis of an interdisciplinary and evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine program to promote the adoption and sustainability of positive attitudes and behaviors towards nutrition. Study Design, Settings, and Participants Previously collected, de-identified data was obtained from a western Colorado hospital. This was an 18-week in-person program delivered by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers (MD, RDN, PT) that integrated nutrition education, cooking classes, and physical activity sessions to stimulate attitude and behavior change. The initiative aimed to improve employees' (n = 113) mental health and physical well-being by means of nutrition education. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Validated Patient Heath Questionnaires (PHQ-9) were taken pre- and post-program to determine changes in health mindset. Questionnaires were analyzed using paired t-tests and descriptive statistics. Results Scores from the PHQ-9 showed a significant decrease in mean scores (-3.32, P Conclusion Implementation of a comprehensive Lifestyle Medicine program by an interdisciplinary team may assist in reducing the severity and prevalence of a negative health mindset. Future research needs to be conducted to establish the impact of Lifestyle Medicine interventions in reducing an unhealthy way of thinking and stimulating food pleasure. Funding None.