2013/06/14 by Kathryn R. Middleton, Stephen D. Anton, Michael G. Perri · 1 citation
Psychology · Medicine · Health Professions · Nursing · #Eating Disorders and Behaviors #Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet #Mobile Health and mHealth Applications #Medicine #Psychological intervention #Behavior change #Health promotion #Weight loss #Weight management #Behaviour change #Gerontology #Promotion (chess) #Physical activity #Nursing #Physical therapy #Public health #Obesity
paper · doi:10.1177/1559827613488867
openalex publication_date 2013/06/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
The utility of lifestyle-based health promotion interventions is directly impacted by participant adherence to prescribed behavior changes. Unfortunately, poor adherence to behaviors recommended in lifestyle interventions is widespread, particularly over the long-term; thus, the "adherence problem" represents a significant challenge to the effectiveness of these interventions. The current review provides an overview of the adherence problem and describes a theoretical framework through which the factors that impact adherence can be understood. To further understand the difficulties individuals face when adhering to health behavior changes, we focus our discussion on challenges associated with adherence to lifestyle behaviors recommended for weight loss and healthy weight management (i.e., reductions in dietary intake and increases in physical activity). We describe strategies that improve long-term adherence to health behaviors related to healthy weight management, including the provision of extended care, skills training, improving social support, and strategies specific to maintaining changes in dietary intake and physical activity. Finally, we discuss difficulties involved in implementing long-term weight management programs and suggest practical solutions for providers.