Examining Habits, Behavior Needed to Combat Obesity, Says Expert

The advocacy group Trust for America’s Health reported this week that 22.7 percent of American adults were obese in the period between 2002-2004, up from 22 percent in 2001-2003.

Posted on August 24, 2005 at 9:35 a.m.

 

 

 

STORY:

 

The advocacy group Trust for America’s Health reported this week that 22.7 percent of American adults were obese in the period between 2002-2004, up from 22 percent in 2001-2003.

 

 

 

WHAT:

 

But while most Americans have heard that they should eat right and exercise, many have problems sticking with a diet or exercise plan. “Despite decades of behavioral science research on behavior modification, we have not made the principles of behavior change readily available to the public,” says University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., co-author of the new book Stop Telling Me What: Tell Me How: The Simple Answer to Better Health.

“Frequent, action-oriented messages showing people how to change are critical,” Klapow said. “If we continue to inform and educate people on what to do, but not how to do it, we are not likely to see a change.” Klapow offers these tips for sticking with a diet or exercise plan.

  • “Set a specific goal. “Exercising isn’t a goal. Walking for three days a week for 20 minutes is a goal.”

  • “Monitor your actions by marking on a calendar each time you do the behavior. The more you keep track of what you actually do, the more likely you are to do the behavior."

  • “Arrange for your success by modifying your environment and removing all barriers. If you are trying to reduce sweets, remove them from your house. If you plan to exercise in the morning, try setting your exercise clothes out the night before.”

  • “Recruit a support team. Research shows that having others support you in your efforts will increase the chances for success.”

 

 

 

WHO:

 

Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and an associate professor in the UAB Department of Psychology. He can be seen each Monday on the ABC 33/40 Noon Show in Birmingham for a segment called “Healthy Habits.” Klapow has published extensively on the role of psychosocial and behavioral factors in determining health outcomes. He directs the Health Outcome Assessment Unit in the UAB Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education. He also is a behavioral science consultant to the World Health Organization.