THE IMPACT OF LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON WOMEN’S HEALTH OUTCOMES IN PRIMARY CARE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle modification and physical activity are central to promoting women’s health across the life course. Evidence highlights their role in reducing obesity, improving pregnancy outcomes, mitigating chronic disease risk, and enhancing psychological well-being.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize current empirical evidence on how lifestyle interventions—including diet, exercise, weight-loss programs, and pregnancy planning—affect women’s health outcomes in primary care and related clinical contexts.

Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and postmenopausal women exposed to structured lifestyle interventions compared to usual care. Outcomes assessed included metabolic, maternal, cardiovascular, and psychological health, as well as long-term offspring effects. Twelve studies (RCTs, cohort, and cross-sectional designs) published between 2010–2025 were included. Data extraction was independently verified, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: Interventions such as structured weight-loss programs, preconception lifestyle management, and long-term dietary modification showed significant benefits for weight control (up to 7.9% reduction of initial body weight), glycemic regulation, cardiovascular health, and physical activity engagement. Preconception interventions reduced obesity at conception by 31% and early-pregnancy hyperglycemia by 21%. In women with PCOS, lifestyle factors were linked with altered risks of gestational diabetes, disordered eating, and long-term weight gain. Breast cancer survivors and postmenopausal women demonstrated improved physical functioning and body composition with structured exercise and dietary interventions. However, gaps remained in adherence to preconception health behaviors despite high pregnancy planning rates.

Conclusions: Lifestyle interventions are effective in improving women’s health outcomes, with particularly strong evidence for reducing metabolic and cardiovascular risks. Preconception and pregnancy-focused programs show promise in lowering intergenerational health risks. However, disparities in adherence and program accessibility highlight the need for tailored, equity-focused approaches in primary care.