Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?

Michael P Kelly, Mary Barker

July 2016 Public Health

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The collection reflects broad consensus on the difficulty of changing health behaviors, supported by references to the article, discussions of psychological and social factors, and calls for better understanding of misconceptions. The tone varies from scholarly appreciation to practical insights, indicating a strong recognition of the article’s relevance and potential for impact.

A
Agreement
 Strong agreement

Most discussions explicitly agree with the article's premise, emphasizing the complexity and common errors in health behavior change models.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

Participants show strong curiosity, referencing additional related works, personal research, and highlighting the article as insightful and well-written.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

While many posts engage deeply by discussing implications and sharing opinions, some are more surface-level, such as sharing links or brief comments.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

The discussions suggest the article's influence is moderate, sparking interest in behavioral science, research, and practical strategies, though not yet transforming practice widely.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

72 Posts

Instagram

7 Posts

Blogs

1 Articles

News

1 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

1,103

Total Likes

179

Extended Reach

459,761

Social Features

83

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Understanding the Challenges in Changing Health-Related Behaviors

Understanding the Challenges in Changing Health-Related Behaviors

Changing habits is difficult, and shifting lifestyle choices is even more challenging. This video explores why altering health-related behaviors is so hard, focusing on psychological and social influences, and introduces effective strategies to promote lasting change.

Annie Bello, Nutricionista PhD

December 27, 2022

1,094 views

Understanding Challenges in Changing Health-Related Behaviors

Understanding Challenges in Changing Health-Related Behaviors

Changing health-related behaviors is difficult because social, political, and economic factors influence individual choices, requiring comprehensive approaches that consider the broader environment and latest behavioral science insights.

Jessica RN

November 10, 2023

9 views

  • Joyce Varella
    @joycevarellatt (Twitter)

    "Por que é tão difícil mudar o comportamento relacionado à saúde?" https://t.co/VEaNkLZBnV https://t.co/TphekX99jb
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    March 17, 2025

  • Seb
    @ibdseb (Twitter)

    RT @pash22: @alf_collins @ShaunLintern @JoeHMK @KateBurkeNHS @DrSharma @HealthyDebate Also chk out this 2016 article by @Mk744P et al "Why…
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    April 21, 2024

    1

  • Ash Paul
    @pash22 (Twitter)

    @alf_collins @ShaunLintern @JoeHMK @KateBurkeNHS @DrSharma @HealthyDebate Also chk out this 2016 article by @Mk744P et al "Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?" https://t.co/uUUs45czQR https://t.co/ftRcg35cP1
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    April 21, 2024

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    1

  • Ash Paul
    @pash22 (Twitter)

    @singhv2003 Behaviour change is very much easier said than done. "Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?" https://t.co/2NR0zufm9c via @Mk744P et al
    view full post

    March 11, 2024

    1

  • Ash Paul
    @pash22 (Twitter)

    @gourmetmetrics @ggkuhnle Behaviour change is incredibly difficult in adults, so it must be even more difficult in children. "Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?" https://t.co/uUUs45czQR via Prof @Mk744P et al
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    October 12, 2023

  • Ash Paul
    @pash22 (Twitter)

    @SABOURETCardio @bittman Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/2NR0zufm9c via @Mk744P et al
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    1

  • Dr Nathan Cook (PhD, APD, AccSD)
    @NRG_Cook (Twitter)

    Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? Thanks @DeeGoody79 for this paper to help my research on #behaviourchange. https://t.co/zE2GsE5tRZ #mondayread
    view full post

    February 5, 2023

    3

  • ACPSEMdance
    @ACPSEMdance (Twitter)

    RT @SleepAndSports: "It is important to understand the conditions preceding behaviour psychologically and sociologically and to combine psy…
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    January 5, 2023

    1

  • Jesse Cook
    @SleepAndSports (Twitter)

    "It is important to understand the conditions preceding behaviour psychologically and sociologically and to combine psychological ideas about the automatic and reflective systems with sociological ideas about social practice." https://t.co/HZRsrrY1sP
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    January 4, 2023

    3

    1

  • Jane Boissiere
    @EdinPublishing (Twitter)

    RT @AideenLarmer: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    March 18, 2022

    49

  • @ACPOM_IT
    @ACPOM_IT (Twitter)

    RT @JeffAdamsNZ: Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/VU0i4q8BcI
    view full post

    September 1, 2020

    5

  • Adam Dobson
    @adamdobson123 (Twitter)

    RT @JeffAdamsNZ: Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/VU0i4q8BcI
    view full post

    September 1, 2020

    5

  • Bronnie Lennox Thompson
    @adiemusfree (Twitter)

    RT @JeffAdamsNZ: Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/VU0i4q8BcI
    view full post

    September 1, 2020

    5

  • Dr Danielle Pollock
    @Daniellep89 (Twitter)

    RT @JeffAdamsNZ: Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/VU0i4q8BcI
    view full post

    September 1, 2020

    5

  • Jeff Adams
    @JeffAdamsNZ (Twitter)

    Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/VU0i4q8BcI
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    September 1, 2020

    5

    5

  • Thiago Dias Sarti
    @dias_sarti (Twitter)

    RT @ChooseWiselyBR: MUST-READ! Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/JecIRMmMAX Six common errors: 1. It is…
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    August 17, 2020

    1

  • Choosing Wisely Brasil
    @ChooseWiselyBR (Twitter)

    MUST-READ! Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/JecIRMmMAX Six common errors: 1. It is just common sense (the argument is that it is obvious what needs tobe done, so let us just get on and do it); 2. It is about getting the message across;
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    August 16, 2020

    2

    1

  • Salah
    @Rabea2026 (Twitter)

    Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? by #Qontender https://t.co/q9Qg8MXxX3
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    June 19, 2020

  • Virginia Rivers Bulkeley
    @BulkeleyV (Twitter)

    RT @thecliniccoach: Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? Check out my latest blog to find out more https://t.co/HS9zd1ekH…
    view full post

    February 5, 2020

    2

  • Gareth Jones
    @gareth_lee_j (Twitter)

    RT @thecliniccoach: Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? Check out my latest blog to find out more https://t.co/HS9zd1ekH…
    view full post

    February 4, 2020

    2

  • Orla
    @thecliniccoach (Twitter)

    Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? Check out my latest blog to find out more https://t.co/HS9zd1ekHi https://t.co/OpBonw74y1
    view full post

    February 4, 2020

    4

    2

  • Orla
    @thecliniccoach (Twitter)

    Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? Check out my latest 'To be read....' blog post to find out more. Link in the bio https://t.co/XgFSjFwmiX
    view full post

    January 7, 2020

    1

  • Prof Scarlett McNally
    @scarlettmcnally (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 26, 2019

    49

  • Ian Beattie
    @IanBeattie (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 20, 2019

    49

  • Ruth Stevens
    @katesmates (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 20, 2019

    49

  • Prof Kiara Lewis
    @Aspire5335 (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 20, 2019

    49

  • Ben Jane
    @BenJaneFitness (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 20, 2019

    49

  • Paul Shawcross
    @paulshawcrossPT (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 19, 2019

    49

  • Jeffrey H. Berg MD
    @DrJeffBerg (Twitter)

    Do you have trouble changing unwanted behaviors or getting your loved ones or patients change theirs? It is common bc the solution is so complex. But a "nudge" can help...Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? - ScienceDirect https://t.co/UJyDlt1dt6
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    September 19, 2019

    2

  • John Drummond
    @GatesPhysio (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 19, 2019

    49

  • Cornwall AHPs
    @cornwall_ahps (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 19, 2019

    49

  • Kyle Ridgeway
    @Dr_Ridge_DPT (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Jason Silvernail DPT,DSc
    @jasonsilvernail (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Ruth Newsome
    @rnewsome2901 (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Rachel Love (Morris-Love)
    @RachelMorrisLo1 (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Lucy Fidelia
    @fidelia_lucy (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Mere M
    @justmerebear (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Anna Lowe
    @annalowephysio (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Christine Steel
    @christineahp (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Mark Jessop
    @mjchiro (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • UoWPhysio
    @uworcphysio (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Rodrigo de A. Ortiz
    @Rodrigo_A_Ortiz (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Pain-ed
    @pain_eddotcom (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Chris Holt
    @choltPT (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • James
    @nico_3210 (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Alan J Taylor
    @TaylorAlanJ (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Mark hughes
    @Physiomark2 (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49


  • @FizzioHeather (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Christopher Tuckett MCSP
    @HealthPhysio (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Kelvin Wee
    @kelbystrike (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Ash James
    @ashjamesphysio (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Sean O'Sullivan
    @SeanOSu37 (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Darren Finnegan Physio
    @DarrenFinnegan2 (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Elaine Wainwright
    @dr_wainwright (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Linda Hindle OBE
    @HindleLinda (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Sarah Bond
    @BondSaradunc (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Debbie Provan PhD
    @DebbieProvanRD (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Richard Pell
    @PseudoPhysio (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 18, 2019

    49

  • Jim Millard
    @bodymechJim (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 17, 2019

    49

  • Rachiphile
    @joshlavalleeMK (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 17, 2019

    49

  • Lisa Roberts physioprof
    @LPhysioprof (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 17, 2019

    49

  • Hiroki Saito
    @hiroki_pt (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 17, 2019

    49

  • Steve Nawoor
    @stevenawoor (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 17, 2019

    49

  • Running-Physio
    @tomgoom (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 17, 2019

    49

  • Helen Foster
    @HelenFosterPhys (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
    view full post

    September 17, 2019

    49

  • The Sp⚽️rts Physio
    @AdamMeakins (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 17, 2019

    49

  • Jon Ryan
    @JonRyanCSP (Twitter)

    RT @AideenPhysio: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 17, 2019

    49

  • Aideen Larmer
    @AideenLarmer (Twitter)

    'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'
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    September 17, 2019

    96

    49

  • Brent Osborn-Smith
    @clickaback (Twitter)

    Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? Take a read! https://t.co/rbsJa9Xkwi
    view full post

    June 28, 2019

  • Alexandra Michel, MPH
    @alexandra_em (Twitter)

    If you're a health behavior person, this article was one of the best I've read in a while. Also, it's well-written, easy to understand, and has a delightfully dry sense of humor. Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult? https://t.co/0fHfBi3oPq
    view full post

    May 26, 2019

    1

  • Nina Zhu
    @SupraChemina (Twitter)

    Really fun to read. A computational version of the highly cited research article ‘Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?’ published in Public Health. https://t.co/jZMUOZMFgc
    view full post

    May 8, 2019

    2

  • Magdalena Rechnio ANutr
    @M_D_Rechnio (Twitter)

    A thought-provoking text on 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?' identifying 6 mistaken assumptions: https://t.co/TgxYVTJ19X
    view full post

    January 21, 2019

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Abstract Synopsis

  • Changing health-related behaviors is difficult because common errors in policy and practice hinder the application of current psychological and sociological research, limiting successful behavior change efforts.
  • Most attempts to alter health behaviors related to diseases like alcohol misuse, poor diet, and inactivity have had limited success, partly due to misconceptions and errors in approach.
  • The article advocates for a new model that integrates recent advances in behavioral sciences, emphasizing the importance of understanding both psychological and social factors that influence health behaviors to improve prevention strategies.]