
27th to 29th October 2025

Venue
To be Confirmed
Mental health challenges have reached unprecedented levels worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, 970 million people globally are living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common.
Globally, mental disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability. Mortality is higher in people with severe mental health conditions and their lifespan is shortened by 10 to 20 years. Mental health condition also increases the risk of suicide.
This alarming trend is also reflected in Malaysia. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, depression in Malaysia has doubled since 2019, with over one million individuals aged 15 and above suffering from this condition. Younger age groups, particularly those aged between 16 to 29, are among the most affected, with nearly half experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Growing recognition of the global impact of mental illness has led to a movement to find solutions not only to manage and treat mental illness but also to promote positive mental wellbeing.

Historically, lifestyle medicine has focused on the prevention, management, and treatment of physical ailments such as heart disease and diabetes, but there is growing evidence that lifestyle-based strategies can effectively improve mental health and emotional well-being, often at levels comparable to pharmacological intervention. Accordingly, there is an increasing call from outside the lifestyle medicine community to use lifestyle-based strategies for the prevention, management, and treatment of mental health conditions.1 It is important that lifestyle medicine responds to this call because mental health is one of the major health challenges of our time,
This year, the Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (MSLM) invites healthcare professionals, policymakers, and wellness advocates to join us in exploring transformative strategies to combat this mental health crisis.
The conference this year with the theme Reimagining Mental Health with Lifestyle Medicine centres on integrating evidence-based, lifestyle intervention—such as diet, physical activity, stress management, sleep optimization, substance reduction, and fostering positive relationships—into mental health care. Attendees will discover how these pillars, combined with addressing social determinants of health, can significantly enhance mental and emotional resilience.
With insights from leading experts, interactive workshops, mindfulness practices, and networking opportunities, this two-day conference and pre-conference workshop is an unparalleled platform to learn, share, and collaborate in reshaping the future of mental health care.

Lifestyle Medicine In Mental Health

Exploring The Intersection Of Mental Health And Chronic Diseases

Social Determinants Of Health In Mental Health

Exploring The Food -Emotion Connection

Role Of Ultra-processed Food In The Mental Health Crisis

How Does The Gut Microbiome Influence Mental Health?

The Science Of Happiness

Positive Psychology In Mental Wellbeing

Loneliness Epidemic And Mental Health Disorders

The Power Of Connection

Sleep -Circardian Interface And Mental Disorders

The Stress-Mitochondria Connection

Restoring Mental Health And Mindfulness

Boosting The Endorphins With Physical Activity

Double Burden Of Tobacco Use And Mental Illness

Connection Between Alzheimer’s And Depression

Is Social Media Fuelling The Mental Health Crisis?

Mental Health Lessons From The Blue Zones
On behalf of the Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you, to the 5th Malaysian Lifestyle Medicine Conference from the 27th to the 29th of October 2025 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel. This year’s conference is scheduled to be a hybrid conference. Following the conference is the Board Certification Examination in Lifestyle Medicine on the 30th of October 2025.
This year’s theme, Reimagining Mental Health with Lifestyle Medicine, reflects our commitment to addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Mental health is not just an individual concern but a societal issue that demands holistic and innovative solutions.
At MSLM, we believe in the profound interconnectedness of the mind and body. Our approach is rooted in empowering individuals and communities to adopt lifestyle modifications that promote both mental and physical well-being. While we acknowledge the importance of medication for severe cases, our focus is on equipping healthcare professionals with tools and strategies to prevent, manage, and treat mental health conditions through lifestyle interventions.

The scientific program this year highlights the integral role of nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management social connectedness and more in mental health care. We’ll also delve into the social determinants of health, recognizing that issues such as inequality, poverty, and chronic stress significantly contribute to mental distress. Our distinguished speakers, representing expertise from across the globe, will offer practical insights and innovative approaches to these challenges.
This conference is not just an academic gathering; it is a call to action. We invite physicians and allied health professionals to attend this exciting conference, which has lectures, workshops, forums, mindfulness session and more. You will learn about strategies to help your patients promote mental wellbeing and to keep mental illness at bay. It also gives you an opportunity to network and forge relationships with like-minded healthcare professionals.
Let us work together to revolutionize mental health care, foster a culture of compassion, and create a future where everyone has access to holistic, effective solutions for their mental well-being.
I look forward to seeing you at the conference and let us work together toward a healthier, happier Malaysia.
Best Regards,
Dr. Siva Poobalasingam MD, Dip IBLM
Founder and President, Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine Expert Consultant, WHO (WHO-MOH Lifestyle Medicine
For Remission Of Diabetes Programme)
Chair, Advisory Board, International Board Of Lifestyle Medicine/Lifestyle Medicine
Global Alliance
Advisory Board, International Journal Of Disease Reversal And Prevention
Keynote Speakers
Our Speakers

Mr. Simon Matthews
Adjunct Lecturer, Lifestyle Medicine And Health Research Centre,Avondale University

Dr. Mechelle Palma
President, Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine

Ms Nisha Lakshmanan
Director, Mind Body Medicine, Amrita Integrative And Lifestyle Medicine Centre
Coming Soon!