Health Benefits Take Priority Over Climate Arguments in Lifestyle Counseling, Study Finds

Recent research highlights that patients generally prefer lifestyle advice centered solely on health benefits rather than messages that also emphasize climate change risks or benefits. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, involved over 1,490 participants from various regions in Germany. Participants reviewed three versions of advice related to diet or physical activity: one focusing exclusively on health advantages, another combining health and climate benefits, and a third adding climate risks. Results showed that the advice emphasizing only health benefits was rated the most acceptable. This preference was especially strong among individuals skeptical about climate change or with conservative political views. Conversely, those already concerned about climate issues found less distinction among the messaging formats.

These findings suggest that effective communication in healthcare should consider individual values and attitudes. Introducing climate-related messages might be more successful if initial emphasis is placed on personal health benefits, which tend to resonate better across diverse groups. The study also underscores the importance of training healthcare providers in communication strategies that promote both personal and planetary well-being. As Nikolaus Mezger from the Institute of Environmental Medicine notes, framing clinical advice around health and environmental sustainability can enhance patient understanding and support shifts toward healthier, more sustainable behaviors. Looking ahead, further research is needed to assess how such framing influences broader societal support for plant-based diets and increased physical activity, ultimately benefiting both individual health and the planet.