With the ultimate goal of improvements in quality of life, long-term outcomes, and symptoms, an extensive set of suggestions was developed to serve as a foundation for shared decision-making and discussion about positive lifestyle changes for those with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). In order to create suggestions on lifestyle choices for RMDs, a European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) taskforce was convened.

Seven RMDs (gout, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis) and six lifestyle exposures (work involvement, smoking, alcohol, weight, food, and exercise) were taken into account. Exposure domain experts, persons with RMDs, public health specialists, epidemiologists, geriatricians, and rheumatologists were among the members of the taskforce. To compile the available data, systematic reviews were carried out, from which suggestions were made.

Based on the evidence, 18 specific suggestions and 5 overarching concepts were created. The guiding principles outlined the significance of a healthy lifestyle, the ways to change one's lifestyle, and their relationship to medical treatments. Exercise guidelines emphasized the safety and advantages of exercise for disability reduction and pain relief, especially for those with axial spondyloarthritis and osteoarthritis.

The diet suggestions emphasized how crucial it is for persons with RMDs to have a healthy, balanced diet. Working collaboratively, medical professionals and people with RMDs can maintain a healthy weight. Small quantities of alcohol are unlikely to have a negative impact on RMD patients' outcomes. However, gout and rheumatoid arthritis patients may be more susceptible to flares following moderate alcohol intake. Supporting smokers in quitting is important. Work involvement may have advantages on outcomes of RMD and should be considered in consultations.

These suggestions included a variety of lifestyle choices and can help medical practitioners and persons with RMDs make shared decisions when creating and monitoring treatment regimens.