From guesswork to guidelines: Lifestyle therapy for depression goes mainstream
Industry Buzz
Despite a growing evidence base, lifestyle interventions remain underutilized in mental health care.
—Gia Merlo, MD, MBA, MEd, DipABLM, FACLM
There’s no argument that lifestyle and mental health are intimately related. But until recently, the practical application of this knowledge has been left open to interpretation.
In January 2026, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) developed an official consensus on several lifestyle interventions for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). [] Here are some key points the experts have agreed on.
How was the consensus formed?
Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are the mainstays of treatment for MDD. [] But these methods achieve remission in only half of patients.
To address this gap, the ACLM pulled together a panel of 12 experts. Their backgrounds ranged from psychiatry, primary care, cardiology, behavioral health, obstetrics, and lifestyle medicine.
After reviewing extensive data, the panel formed 71 consensus statements regarding the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of MDD in adults. This report gives mental health providers a framework for lifestyle recommendations.
Consensus on nutrition and exercise
A whole-food, plant-centric diet emerged as the preferred dietary pattern for mental health. [] The panel also advised against very low-carbohydrate diets, including the ketogenic diet, due to lack of evidence and known health risks.
Physical activity was recommended as a key therapy for adults with mild MDD. Along with other lifestyle habits, including quality sleep, stress management, and social connection, exercise should be part of a broader lifestyle approach to support psychiatric treatment.
"Despite a growing evidence base, lifestyle interventions remain underutilized in mental health care," said Gia Merlo, MD, MBA, MEd, DipABLM, FACLM, clinical professor of psychiatry in the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and lead author of the publication. "This consensus statement provides clinicians with clarity on where experts agree and highlights practical opportunities to improve outcomes using evidence-based lifestyle approaches." []
Why this consensus matters
According to the World Health Organization, MDD is on the rise. Between 2005 and 2015, rates of depression increased by more than 18%. []
Establishing standard care—beyond medication and therapy—helps inform evidence-based practice. By offering specific guidelines, the ACLM’s consensus statements help take the guesswork out of what it really means to live a “healthy lifestyle” for mental health.
The ACLM’s panel emphasized healthy habits—and it also addressed lifestyle factors that exacerbate MDD. []Mental health providers can review the consensus for guidelines on risky behaviors, patient support systems, readiness, and access barriers. []
Read Next: Will the expanding 'wearables' industry target mental health next?