Interventions to promote physical activity and dietary lifestyle changes for cardiovascular risk factor reduction in adults: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.

Plain Language Summary

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including risk factors such as high blood pressure, altered fats in the blood (dyslipidemia) and diabetes are the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States (US). There is plenty of evidence demonstrating that even small sustained lifestyle adjustments such as physical activity (PA) and dietary changes can substantially reduce CVD morbidity and mortality. Despite this, Americans are increasingly struggling with excess body weight, limited PA, and suboptimal dietary habits. Long-term adherence to lifestyle changes maximises the benefits to an individual and to a population, however the advised changes are frequently not translated into long-term habits. The purpose of this scientific statement is to provide evidence-based recommendations on implementing PA and dietary interventions among adult individuals. The most effective strategies are summarised, and guidelines are provided to translate these strategies into practice. They found that cognitive behavioural strategies are an essential component for promoting behaviour change. Other strategies are discussed such as self-monitoring, frequent and prolonged contact, feedback and reinforcement, self-efficacy enhancement, incentives, modelling, problem solving, relapse prevention and motivational interviewing. Intervention processes (targeting single behaviours versus multiple behaviours) or delivery strategies (e.g., print or media-only, group or individual, computer-based intervention) are reviewed. Special considerations are given to minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations; such as literacy level and cultural sensitivity. More evidence is needed to fill in the gaps in our current knowledge about promoting dietary and lifestyle change.