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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 214-219 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- adherence
- health behaviors
- lifestyle change
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Health Policy
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health