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October 2025
Welcome member to
Your Home of Lifestyle Medicine News
As autumn settles in and the days grow shorter, we hope you are finding time to enjoy the season and stay connected with nature.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our Members and the wider Lifestyle Medicine community for your continued engagement and support. Your contributions help us grow a strong, diverse and forward-thinking network that advances the practice and understanding of Lifestyle Medicine across the UK and beyond.
In this month’s update, you will find the latest news and highlights from October at BSLM, along with a preview of what’s coming up in November.
In this month's Newsletter...
HEADLINE NEWS
BSLM2025: Relive the best moments
It may be over for another year, but we are still feeling inspired by everything that took place at BSLM2025. It was an incredible few days that brought our Lifestyle Medicine community together to share knowledge, ideas and meaningful connections.
If you were not able to join us in person, or would simply like to revisit the experience, our highlights reel is now available. Take a look back at the energy, insight and inspiration that made our 9th Annual Lifestyle Medicine Conference one to remember.
Interested in speaking at BSLM2026 or one of our upcoming Lifestyle Medicine events?
We are now welcoming expressions of interest from those who would like to share their work or suggest inspiring speakers for next year’s programme.
All disciplines are encouraged to apply. We are particularly keen to hear from Nurses, Physiotherapists, Dentists, Social Prescribers, and professionals working within the charitable sector.
This is your opportunity to showcase your expertise, share your experiences, and help shape the conversations that will take place at BSLM2026 and beyond.
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE IN FOCUS
Some noteworthy lifestyle medicine features within the recent news in Britain.
Lifestyle Medicine has made an important leap forward in medical education with its formal recognition in the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA).
The MLA is the new standardised assessment for all UK medical students, introduced by the General Medical Council (GMC). It ensures that every doctor graduating from a UK medical school meets a consistent level of knowledge, skills and professional values before joining the medical register.
The updated MLA now expects future doctors to consider social and lifestyle factors in patient care, review and safely reduce unnecessary medications, and create management plans that include lifestyle support. This is the first time lifestyle factors have been included, marking a meaningful milestone for BSLM and the wider Lifestyle Medicine community.
While this is a big step forward, it also highlights the need for universities to make sure this content is fully delivered within their curricula. BSLM is ready to support medical schools in bringing Lifestyle Medicine to life through evidence based education and resources, including the Essential Lifestyle Medicine textbook.
A new report from Cogora, The Power of Practice Nurses, explores the evolving role of general practice nurses (GPNs) within primary care and their growing influence in clinical decision-making.
Based on insights from more than 600 members of the Nursing in Practice audience, the report reveals that GPNs play a central role in prescribing, medicines management and patient care. Nearly half are changing medications or dosages when needed, 41% directly influence the ordering and purchasing of medicines and equipment, and 48% lead cost-saving prescribing initiatives.
The report also highlights the leadership and operational responsibilities held by GPNs, from coordinating care and training staff to driving quality improvement and clinical audits. Their long-standing relationships with patients help to build trust and continuity of care, particularly in managing long-term conditions.
With a foreword by Patricia Marquis, Executive Director of the Royal College of Nursing, England, the report underscores the vital contribution of practice nurses to the NHS and their influence across multiple areas of primary care.
Newest releases available to read now!
The Lifestyle Medicine Journal has published a new collection of articles this October, continuing to offer evidence-based insights across key areas of health.
In early September, Dreamy Dwellings: How the Sleep Environment Affects Sleep Health in Adults — A Narrative Review was published, exploring how environmental factors influence sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
Later that month, Addressing Differences in Cancer: A Framework for Synergistic Programming in Cancer Prevention and Control was released, presenting a model for improving cancer outcomes through integrated prevention and control strategies.
Most recently, in October, The Role of Healthy Relationships and Social Connectivity in the Mediterranean Lifestyle: An Umbrella Review of Reviews was published, examining how social connection and supportive relationships contribute to the benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
If you missed them last month, make sure to take a look at the abstract submissions from BSLM2025.
These include the posters featured in our conference programme and during the Poster Tour at this year’s Annual Conference. Many of the submissions are now published in the Lifestyle Medicine Journal.
We are proud to showcase the high-quality research and innovation presented by our community. You can explore the abstract categories and submissions online here.
Other Lifestyle Medicine News and Events
We want to advise our followers that we as a charity welcome membership from organisations aligned with our aims, and in line with strict ethical and sponsorship policies in order to provide funding sources to the charity.
If you have a query around the subject matter we will happily discuss this with you, do drop us a DM or email: Office@bslm.org.uk as we want to make sure this content is a good fit for you.
Yakult Science: Female Gut Health Guide
Interested in women’s health?
The Female Gut Health Guide, created by the Yakult Science for Health team, describes the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and female sex hormones, with particular focus on the different stages of a woman’s life. This essential guide covers menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause, while addressing issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Packed with the latest research and practical advice, it’s a must-read for healthcare professionals supporting female patients.
Download today via their website or email science@yakult.co.uk for your FREE hardcopies.
ION: Graduate Diploma from Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) – February 2026 Intake
Advance your healthcare career with the Graduate Diploma in Integrative Functional Nutrition.
This course, which is validated by the University of Portsmouth, equips healthcare professionals to integrate personalised nutrition and lifestyle advice, identify root causes using functional testing, support recovery with targeted supplementation, and broaden clinical options for clients.
Early bird enrolment is open until 11 November 2025. Secure your place today and benefit from discounted fees.
LifeMed Community: Join Our Free Workshop: 7 Steps to Thriving with Lifestyle Medicine
Monday 3rd November, 7:00pm–8:00pm, Online
Join us Dr Adam Smith and Dr Caroline Gibson, as we bridge the gap between knowing and doing, in our Free Workshop. We will take you through the 7 Steps of the LifeMed Method to show you the steps to create a thriving, purpose-driven career in Lifestyle Medicine or Coaching:
✓ Clarify your values, strengths and vision
✓ Create a personalised Roadmap so you know what to do next
✓ Build confidence and momentum to take action
✓ Validate your plan with real clients or patients
✓ Develop systems focused on your wellbeing for long-term success
This relaxed and informal session will be an opportunity to ask questions, get advice and see how LifeMed Community can support you on your Lifestyle Medicine or Coaching journey. You'll leave with actionable strategies and our top tips for creating a career that works for you.
Can't make it live? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording - just sign up using the link above.
LATEST NEWS AT BSLM
In his latest blog, Dr Seb Gray, Co-Lead of the Paediatric Special Interest Group, reflects on the key discussions and insights for Children and Young People (CYP) from this year’s BSLM Conference.
The piece explores important topics including food addiction, physical activity for mental wellbeing, vaping, and systems thinking in healthcare. Dr Gray also highlights the essential role of nurses, allied health professionals, and educators in supporting young people’s health, while emphasising the need for personalised care and a shift towards prevention-focused systems.
He concludes with a call to action for collaboration across sectors to create environments where every child has the opportunity not only to survive but to thrive.
“Why treat your patients then return them to the conditions that made them sick?”
This powerful question, often shared by BSLM Regional Lifestyle Medicine Lead and newly awarded Fellow, Dr Suzy Scarlett, was at the heart of the NHS Lothian Diabetes MCN Professional Education Conference held on 1 October.
We were delighted to join Dr Scarlett and her team for this annual event, which brought together multidisciplinary professionals passionate about improving diabetes care. BSLM was proud to represent and engage with delegates, showcasing how Lifestyle Medicine can empower clinicians to better support their patients through evidence-based, person-centred approaches.
It was also wonderful to see the enthusiasm from attendees who visited the BSLM and Live Well East Lothian stand. Many were eager to learn more about our next conference, having heard from colleagues who returned from BSLM2025 feeling inspired and motivated to put their learning into practice. Knowing that our events spark real change and innovation within clinical teams is always rewarding.
If there is a local event you would like to see us attend, or if you have introduced a new initiative after one of our conferences, we would love to hear from you.
Dr Maria Goddard Represents BSLM at the SEDA Conference 2025
BSLM was proud to be represented by Dr Maria Goddard at the Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) Conference and Green Careers Fair 2025, held on 24 September at the University of Glasgow.
Part of the university’s Careers and Internship Week, the event brought together organisations dedicated to ecological and sustainable principles, from renewable energy practitioners and hemp insulation manufacturers to green health prescribers.
Dr Goddard highlighted the vital role of Lifestyle Medicine in building sustainable health systems and promoting planetary and human wellbeing.
Introducing our New Aligned Organisation: Monkey Sox
We are delighted to welcome Monkey Sox as one of BSLM’s new aligned organisations.
Founded by husband and wife team James and Lianne, Monkey Sox was created from a shared passion to raise awareness and support the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) community. Following James’s diagnosis with MS in 2016, they launched Monkey Sox in 2018 to inspire active lifestyles and open conversations about living with the condition.
The brand donates 50% of its profits to three MS charities: the MS Society, MS Trust and MSUK. Each pair of Monkey Sox is intentionally “Never Matched,” symbolising how the body can feel different from left to right for those living with MS.
Monkey Sox reflects creativity, positivity and purpose, values that align closely with BSLM’s mission to promote healthy, active living for all.
World Menopause Day 2025: Lifestyle Medicine in Focus
This year, the International Menopause Society (IMS) chose Lifestyle Medicine as the theme for World Menopause Day, highlighting the role of lifestyle choices in managing symptoms and supporting long-term health.
At BSLM, we marked the occasion on social media and through our monthly webinar, featuring Simona Stokes and Olga Morton, who shared their insights on menopause. On 30th October, we were also joined by Dr Wendy Sweet for a special session exploring practical approaches to supporting wellbeing during this stage of life.
We were glad to provide a platform for this important conversation and to continue highlighting the role of lifestyle medicine in supporting women’s health.
Vice Chair Job Opportunity
A vacancy has arisen for a position on the Board of Trustees at BSLM. The Board is seeking a Vice Chair to assist in the management of Board meetings, and deputise for the Chair where appropriate. Candidates must be members of BSLM, and a Lifestyle Medicine qualification is preferred but not essential.
For an informal discussion with either Chair Frances Elliot, or Executive Director Fraser Quin, please contact denise.laurie@bslm.org.uk.
Alternatively, please apply in writing explaining why you are suitable for this post, with a full CV, to Fraser Quin (Via Denise Laurie)
Overcoming MS reflects on BSLM 2025
Overcoming MS have shared a thoughtful reflection on their experience at BSLM 2025, highlighting the value of connection, collaboration, and shared learning in advancing lifestyle medicine. They also emphasise the importance of integrating the voices of people with lived experience of chronic conditions, a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of this work.
At the conference, we were pleased to launch a new online course for healthcare professionals, Transforming brain health: integrating lifestyle and self-management in MS care, developed in collaboration with Overcoming MS.
This course gives healthcare professionals practical tools to support lifestyle-based self-management in MS care, and care of people with neurological conditions more broadly. You’ll learn how to promote behaviour change and guide conversations that empower people to take control of their health.
The course is free for BSLM members, with full details and registration available on the BSLM learning portal.
What's happening in Our Communities?
Voices of Lived Experience Update
Signpost your patients to BSLM’s first patient webinar series!
This series is for patients or anyone living with or recovering from a chronic condition who wants to hear how others have used lifestyle medicine on their own journey.
It is a chance for open conversation and connection through shared experience with lots of time for discussion at the end so your patients can see recovery in action and the impact lifestyle medicine can have on real people!
The next one is Thursday 6th November 7-8PM and then every other Thursday until December.
Send your patients the link to sign up: Voices of Lived Experience - Recovery in Action Webinar Series - British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
Please note: The information shared is to provide information and an opportunity for connection only. It should not be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No healthcare professional-patient relationship is established through participation.
Participants are strongly encouraged to speak with their own healthcare providers before making any changes to their health, lifestyle, or treatment regimen based on anything discussed in the group.
Live Well East Lothian Update
It’s time for a LiveWell East Lothian update, and we’re delighted to share some great news.
We’ve received grant funding from The National Lottery Awards for All Scotland, which will support the continued delivery and growth of our programmes.
This funding will help us reach more people, strengthen our impact, and build on the success of our work in supporting healthier, more connected communities.
We’re grateful to The National Lottery for recognising the value of our work and investing in our future.
Is there something like Live Well East Lothian that you refer your patients to, or something that instills a sense of community and wellbeing? Let us know below, we'd love to share initiatives like this one near you!
Our Podcasts
Microbiome Medics Newest Release:
A Year Without Supermarkets: Mo Wilde's Foraging Microbiome Journey
FEATURED BSLM EVENTS
Head to the dedicated BSLM events page for the full list of upcoming events...
November's webinar is round the corner...
We hope you enjoyed our previous webinar...
Our previous webinars are below if you want to catch up on them!
Schedule the below in your diary for November 2025!
Nursing Live | 5th-6th November 2025 | Hall 6, the NEC, Birmingham
Discover the latest updates on clinical practice helping you to deliver evidence-based care.
Voice of Lived Experience Recovery in Action | 6th and 20th November | Zoom
We are exciting to share a new fortnightly webinar series, taking place every other Thursday! This free webinar series is aimed at people living with a chronic illness or condition who are looking to hear from others navigating similar paths.
Living Well Live! A one day event from Overcoming MS | 15th November 2025 | 9.00am-17.00pm | University of Warwick
Be part of Living Well Live! Everyone is welcome at this all-day event. Attend online or in person at The Slate at the University of Warwick – a modern, fully accessible, lakeside venue nestled in beautiful green surroundings. The day is yours to personalise and enjoy.
What is LM Webinar | North West London NHS Training Hub | 18th November
Join the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM) for an exclusive webinar with the North West London Training Hub. The session will introduce the BSLM by laying the foundations of lifestyle medicine, covering the three core principles that underpin the discipline and the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, demonstrating how these evidence-based approaches can be integrated into everyday clinical practice. The webinar will also explore how lifestyle medicine can be applied in practice to improve the health and wellbeing of your patients — whilst supporting your own health too. There will be plenty of time for Q+A at the end. This event is accredited for 1 hour of CPD.
Lifestyle Medicine for Weight Management & GLP-1 Treatment Wraparound | 29th November 2025 | Royal College of Physicians
Join us at the Royal College of Physicians to learn about Lifestyle Medicine for Weight Management & GLP1 Treatment Wraparound. This event provides 8 hours CPD.
2025 Global Forum - Creating Health through Understanding and Personalising Value | Sprink | 4th and 5th December 2025 | Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow
The 2025 Global Forum will feature an inspiring lineup of visionary leaders, innovators, and renowned experts from health care, policy, industry, and research.
Other events to note...
Learning Academy
This Month’s Learning Academy Update
The learning academy team are really looking forward to seeing you at the BSLM weight management day next month and are putting the finishing touches on our e-learning course which takes you even deeper into this subject. We are really excited about this course which aims to illustrate cutting edge obesity medicine, address the underlying causes and bring a fresh, lifestyle first perspective to the anti-obesity medication forum.
Also coming soon is our health coaching course and exciting new lifestyle medicine resources for different stages of training and different professional backgrounds. Watch this space...
Thought about doing our Core Accreditation?
NHS NETWORKS
Top News Stories in October
World Menopause Day
World menopause day is on 18 October 2025, and the theme is lifestyle medicine. The day aims to raise awareness about menopause and promote health and well-being by focusing on key lifestyle pillars: nutrition, stress management, sleep, and movement.
WHO report on tobacco use
Boost for mental health research
People with experience of mental health problems will be involved in research to develop more effective treatments, as part of an up to £50 million funding boost announced by the Government...
Building the future: premises planning for neighbourhood health centres
Email us - office@bslm.org.uk
