Hyderabad Hosts 7th International Lifestyle Medicine Conference ISLMCON 2026

HYDERABAD: The 7th International Conference on Lifestyle Medicine (ISLMCON 2026), organized by the Indian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ISLM), commenced on a grand note at The Park Hotel in Somajiguda, Hyderabad. Held under the theme “From Burnout to Balance: Health through Lifestyle Medicine,” the summit brought together prominent medical practitioners, experts, and public health officials to address mounting occupational stress and the rapid surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through lifestyle interventions.

Preventive Healthcare and Telangana Screening Data

Delivering the keynote address as the chief guest, Christina Z. Chongthu, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana for Health, Medical, and Family Welfare, expressed serious concern over escalating work stress, shifting family dynamics, and mounting personal responsibilities leading to chronic burnout. She emphasized that prioritizing proactive preventive health measures to rectify lifestyle shortcomings is far more effective and vital than seeking treatment after illness strikes.

Highlighting the Telangana government’s public health initiatives, Chongthu revealed that doorstep screenings for non-communicable diseases have been conducted for approximately 1.49 crore individuals across the state. The diagnostic drive identified roughly 18 lakh cases of hypertension and over 9 lakh individuals diagnosed with diabetes. She stated that achieving a healthy balance amidst hectic modern routines requires balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, effective stress management, and strong social connections.

The event also witnessed participation and remarks from esteemed medical figures, including Indian Medical Association (IMA) Telangana President Dr. P. Kishan and former IMA Telangana President Dr. D. Dwarakanatha Reddy.

Addressing Root Causes of Chronic Illness

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Lakshmi Sundar, President of the Indian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, pointed out that burnout represents an overlooked, silent driver behind several severe chronic disorders prevalent today. She emphasized that modern medicine must move beyond symptom suppression to diagnose and remediate the underlying root causes of disease.

Dr. Sundar explained that lifestyle medicine empowers individuals to integrate essential healthy habits—such as balanced nutrition, consistent physical exercise, and structured stress mitigation—into their daily routines. She affirmed that the primary mission of ISLM remains driving public awareness, strengthening clinical research tailored to Indian socio-demographic realities, and equipping healthcare professionals to integrate lifestyle medicine as an indispensable pillar of preventive healthcare.