TOPLINE: The Impact of GPs’ Lifestyles on Patient Health
Have you ever considered how the personal habits of your general practitioner (GP) may affect your own health journey? **Research reveals that patients are more likely to heed health advice from GPs who themselves practice what they preach.** When doctors engage in unhealthy behaviors, it can erode trust and compliance, emphasizing the importance for GPs to model **healthy lifestyles** in managing chronic diseases.
METHODOLOGY: A Closer Look at the Research
- Between April and September 2023, researchers launched a **cross-sectional study** to examine how the personal lifestyles of GPs influence patient adherence to health advice.
- The study involved distributing an **online questionnaire** through various channels, including social media, newsletters from patient organizations, and waiting rooms in medical clinics. A total of **476 adults** from Flanders and Brussels, proficient in Dutch, completed the survey.
- Participants included **73.2% women**, with a median age of **26 years**. Notably, respondents rated their physical and mental health at **8 out of 10** and **7 out of 10**, respectively.
- The study specifically analyzed the correlation between GPs’ unhealthy lifestyles—such as smoking or poor diet—and patients’ willingness to adopt recommendations related to smoking cessation, alcohol use, and physical activity.
TAKEAWAY: The Ripple Effect of GPs’ Habits
- **Findings suggest significant effects**: Patients were 62.3% less likely to follow advice on smoking cessation, 64.9% on alcohol use, and 51.2% less likely to modify their eating habits when GPs exhibited similar unhealthy behaviors. **A striking 68.8%** reported being less likely to adhere to advice when they felt judged by their GP.
- While many respondents felt their adherence was unaffected by advice concerning physical activity, sleep hygiene, and stress management, approximately **one-third** were resistant to following such advice when their GPs did not exemplify those recommendations.
- Interestingly, **age played a role**: Younger respondents reported feeling more judged and were more likely to be influenced by their GP’s unhealthy lifestyle than older individuals.
- Those who rated their physical health more positively were less likely to be swayed by GPs’ lack of active engagement in physical fitness.
IN PRACTICE: Recommendations for GPs
In light of these findings, experts advocate for GPs to prioritize their **own health and wellness** as a means to improve patient outcomes. The study concludes that **empathetic, non-judgmental communication** is essential; patients are more willing to adhere to advice when it’s delivered with understanding and support.
SOURCE: Research Insights
This groundbreaking study was led by **Julie Kerremans, MD**, and **Birgitte Schoenmakers, MD, PhD**, from the Academic Center for General Practice at KU Leuven in Belgium. You can explore the full findings published in BJGP Open [online here](https://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2025/03/22/BJGPO.2024.0221) on April 2, 2025.
LIMITATIONS: A Note on Research Constraints
While the study offers valuable insights, researchers acknowledged certain **limitations**. Challenges with hypothetical scenarios and question formulation, along with a **small sample size** and convenience sampling methods, may have impacted the results. As the responses were gathered through social media and clinical settings, details on response rates and participants’ intentions remain somewhat unclear.
DISCLOSURES: Transparency in Research
No funding was received for this study, and the authors disclosed no conflicts of interest, ensuring the integrity of the research process.
This article has undergone editorial enhancements using AI tools, complemented by human review prior to publication.
In conclusion, the connection between a GP’s lifestyle and patient adherence is profound and complicated. As patients, we are motivated not only by the advice we receive but also by the **example set by our healthcare providers**. Let’s encourage our GPs to embody the healthy lifestyles they encourage!
