Perceived Importance of the Lifestyle Medicine Pillars on Wellbeing Among U.S. Adults: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of perceived importance of different lifestyle medicine pillars for overall wellbeing among U.S. adults. We analyzed nationally representative cross-sectional data from the Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel (Wave 142, 2024; n = 10,133). Participants rated the importance of multiple pillars to their overall wellbeing. Responses were dichotomized into high vs neutral/low importance. Multivariable models identified factors associated with high perceived importance for each pillar. We found that most adults rated sleep (82.0%), stress management (79.9%), healthy eating (69.6%), and socializing with friends and family (66.0%) as highly important. Exercise (59.2%) and community involvement (21.8%) were lower. Adults aged 18-29 had lower odds of valuing healthy eating (OR: 0.27), sleep (OR: 0.41), and community involvement (OR: 0.54) compared to 65+ (all P < .05). Those with lower education levels had lower odds of valuing exercise, healthy eating, and social connection. Women had higher odds of valuing most behaviors. In conclusion, perceived importance of lifestyle medicine pillars varies by age, gender, and education. The near-universal undervaluation of the social connection pillar is particularly notable given the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 declaration of loneliness as a public health crisis. Health promotion should address perception gaps alongside structural barriers.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 2026 · DOI ↗