How to help patients adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle? A review of behavioral evidence of determinants and means

Abstract

A significant part of the population do not follow dietary and exercise recommendations. In Current Care Guidelines, lifestyle counseling is considered as part of good medical care. Lifestyle diseases are, however, not decreasing. Does counseling fail to reach its goal, or is it being provided at all? In the narrative review article based on systematic surveys, we approach the change in lifestyle through both conscious and automatic psychosocial processes. Research evidence indicates that a change in behavior can be supported through both processes. While intervention studies have been so far conducted mainly by influencing conscious processes, evidence of benefits of using automated processes is growing stronger. We present practical measures to support the desire for change and skills and establishments of habits. The same methods may in part be utilized to change professionals in their own behavior so that provision of quick and simple lifestyle counseling becomes a matter actualized in everyday life.