State of the Art Reviews: Changing and Adhering to Lifestyle Changes: What Are the Keys?

Michael A. Harris, Rhea Oelbaum, David Flomo

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Given the relationship between lifestyle and health, researchers have examined those factors that predict healthy lifestyle changes. Several key variables have emerged from the literature, and these variables predict positive lifestyle changes across multiple health domains. More specifically, past health behavior, demographics, personality traits, social support, family functioning, ongoing contact with health care providers, and an individual's social ecology or network predict lifestyle change and adherence to lifestyle interventions. These variables are significant predictors of dietary and exercise regimen adherence, smoking cessation, decreased alcohol consumption, and adherence to medical treatment regimens. In addition, the use of behavioral, multicomponent, culturally specific interventions has proven to yield positive lifestyle changes across multiple health domains. For reasons of brevity, this review focuses on predictors of positive lifestyle change within the realms of diet and physical activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)214-219
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Volume1
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • adherence
  • health behaviors
  • lifestyle change

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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