Wellness Starts with Systemic Change: AMMEV

Q: What are the Mexican Association of Lifestyle Medicine’s (AMMEV) main priorities?

A: The modern lifestyle is making us sick, which is compelling the sector to focus on lifestyle medicine. The association is part of a global network, with over 30 sister organizations around the world. We are members of the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance and the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine.

In Mexico, we began by introducing certifications for healthcare professionals, with the objective of creating an ecosystem where multiple stakeholders can begin to understand that the root causes of most diseases are lifestyle-related. From this understanding, we can start building practical solutions. We are preparing for our fifth congress and are inviting healthcare professionals and stakeholders from across the industry to join us.

Our fifth International Congress of Lifestyle Medicine will take place on June 22-24 in Mexico City, hosted at Proyecto Público Prim. We are expecting world-class speakers and have 87 spots available. 

Q: How prevalent is the lifestyle medicine movement in Mexico?

A: Lifestyle medicine may seem new because it is not widely discussed, but it is a long-standing topic within the field of medicine. The real momentum for lifestyle medicine emerged about 25 years ago, when prominent physicians in the United States began reversing chronic diseases using lifestyle-based interventions.

Dean Ornish, often referred to as the father of lifestyle medicine, demonstrated that it was possible to reverse conditions through plant-based nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness. These therapeutic lifestyle interventions have been shown to reverse chronic diseases. This approach is increasingly being incorporated into medical specialty training programs, reinforcing the idea that the first line of intervention for physicians should be lifestyle-centered.

Q: How has public awareness evolved regarding lifestyle-related illnesses?

A: There is growing awareness of the role of one’s lifestyle in illnesses. Many now understand that many aspects of health are within our own control. However, these topics are often treated as secondary, while we neglect the most fundamental issues. For example, 30% of the global food supply is controlled by ten transnational companies that promote the consumption of ultra-processed foods. This has directly contributed to the global rise in obesity and diabetes.

Unfortunately, public opinion is more heavily influenced by media narratives than by scientific and medical evidence. We must empower individuals with access and education, while also addressing systemic inequalities that prevent people from adopting healthier routines. These inequalities must be acknowledged and addressed if we are to improve population-wide well-being.

Q: What factors influence access to a healthy lifestyle, and how can it be enhanced?

A: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is a matter of access, culture, and various other factors. Companies must understand that we are products of the systems we live in. Corporate action has more transformative potential than government-led initiatives.

Although adopting a healthy lifestyle is often seen as a privilege, it is relatively accessible and ultimately pays for itself. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases, decreases mortality rates, and improves national quality of life. The challenge lies in the fact that the existing system has been built this way for decades. However, there are significant opportunities ahead, because every peso invested in prevention has a powerful multiplying effect across the healthcare system.

Q: What are your expectations for recent regulatory efforts, such as food labeling policies?

A:These initiatives are a step in the right direction, but they are not sufficient on their own. It is similar to the removal of salt shakers from restaurants, a symbolic and necessary move but not transformative without cultural change. If unhealthy habits persist at home, people will continue to value and consume the same types of food.

Industries often find ways to circumvent new regulations. Therefore, these policies must be part of a broader set of measures that gradually foster cultural change across generations.

Q: How does sleep relate to chronic disease prevention?

A: Sleep quality has been in decline since the invention of electric light, and even more so with the rise of television and mobile devices. Poor sleep is now one of the principal determinants of chronic illness.

We live in a system that demands constant productivity and distracts our attention, often at the expense of time with loved ones, our personal well-being, and restorative sleep. Improving sleep habits has an immediate and significant impact on chronic disease prevention and overall health.

Q: What are the long-term goals of the association?

A: The association is here to stay. We have a 20-year strategic plan in place. This year, our focus is on community-building and integrating more stakeholders. Our goal is to grow our network to 300 members and to expand our spaces for collaboration and exchange.

Next year, we will concentrate more on education. Looking ahead, we aim to launch a corporate membership program, allowing companies to share and adopt best practices in workplace wellness and preventive health.
 

The Mexican Association of Lifestyle Medicine (AMMEV) is an interdisciplinary association that focuses on training, certification, and professional collaboration to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases.