A person-centred approach is central to effective lifestyle discussions, avoiding stigma and blame that can undermine patient motivation and self-efficacy. This involves shifting from a clinician-led model to collaborative consultations that respect patient values and goals, and fosters a partnership between the clinician and the patient. Compassionate care is essential for this approach. To prepare for consultations, health professionals must consider factors such as language, accessibility, and reception staff attitude that can influence the patient’s perception of person-centred care. Health professionals should use open-ended questions and active listening to gather a comprehensive lifestyle history that aligns with patient values and preferences. They should also understand patient concerns and expectations, and use them to build rapport and develop shared treatment goals. Moreover, health professionals must assess relationships and support systems that can significantly impact health outcomes, and explore positive mental states and life satisfaction to assess mental wellbeing comprehensively. By establishing a therapeutic relationship through compassionate history taking, health professionals can lay the foundations for effective behaviour change interventions.

Behaviour change science is a central concept in Lifestyle Medicine. It focuses on modifying lifestyle risk factors through evidence-based interventions. The COM-B model provides a framework that considers Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation as key components influencing health behaviours. In clinical settings, understanding and modifying patient behaviours are crucial for better health outcomes. Identifying internal and external factors that influence behaviour is essential for effective intervention. Various approaches, such as education, persuasion, and enablement, are used to target different aspects of behaviour change. Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) play a vital role in creating specific strategies for behaviour modification. Contextual understanding recognises the importance of considering the patient’s environment and circumstances. Additionally, addressing health inequalities acknowledges the role of wider determinants of health and emphasises the need for interventions that do not exacerbate disparities. Using behaviour change science in the practice of Lifestyle Medicine enhances patient-centred care and health outcomes.