What Lessons Have Been Learned From Other Attempts to Guide Social Change?

• Published in: Nutrition reviews Vol. 59; no. 3; pp. S40 - S56
• Main Authors: Economos, Christina D., Brownson, Ross C., DeAngelis, Michael A., Foerster, Susan B., Foreman, Carol Tucker, Gregson, Jennifer, Kumanyika, Shiriki K., Pate, Russell R.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2001; International Life Sciences Institute; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Behavior modification; Biological and medical sciences; Diet; General aspects; Health Promotion - legislation & jurisprudence; Humans; Lifestyles; Medical sciences; Obesity; Obesity - prevention & control; Physical fitness; Planification. Prevention (methods). Intervention. Evaluation; Public health; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Social Change; United States; United States; Physical exercise; Human; Feeding behavior; Countries; Environmental factor; Strategy; Review; Social change; Public health; Feeding; Life style
• ISSN: 0029-6643; 1753-4887
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2001.tb06985.x

Obesity is at an all-time high, physical activity levels are insufficient and eating habits and intakes are inconsistent with recommendations for optimal health. In order to realize change at the individual level, one must understand how individual needs, wants and perceptions interplay with the larger environment. Social subsystems can be created through social change that support behavioral action and maintenance.