Public Health July 2016 PMID 27184821

Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?

Michael P Kelly, Mary Barker

Mentions

83
Peak: 46 in Sep 2019
across 5 sources since Jul 2018

Extended reach

459,761
potential audience

Total likes

179

Video views

1,103

Mentions per month

Jul 2018 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter72 posts
  • Instagram7 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • News1 articles
  • Blogs1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

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.

AgreementStrong agreement

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

InterestHigh interest

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

EngagementModerate engagement

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

ImpactModerate 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.

Abstract in brief

  • 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.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Aideen Larmer
@AideenLarmer · X

'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'

Sep 17, 2019 · 96 likes · 49 shares · 597 followers View post →
Jeff Adams
@JeffAdamsNZ · X

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

Sep 1, 2020 · 5 likes · 5 shares · 395 followers View post →
Orla
@thecliniccoach · X

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

Feb 4, 2020 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 80 followers View post →
Jesse Cook
@SleepAndSports · X

"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

Jan 4, 2023 · 3 likes · 1 share · 3,570 followers View post →
Dr Nathan Cook (PhD, APD, AccSD)
@NRG_Cook · X

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

Feb 5, 2023 · 3 likes · 362 followers View post →
Ash Paul
@pash22 · X

@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

Apr 21, 2024 · 2 likes · 1 share · 32,297 followers View post →

All mentions

Joyce Varella
@joycevarellatt · X

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

Mar 17, 2025 · 11 followers View post →
Seb
@ibdseb · X

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

Apr 21, 2024 · 1 share · 3,679 followers View post →
Ash Paul
@pash22 · X

@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

Apr 21, 2024 · 2 likes · 1 share · 32,297 followers View post →
Ash Paul
@pash22 · X

@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

Mar 11, 2024 · 1 like · 32,297 followers View post →
Ash Paul
@pash22 · X

@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

Oct 12, 2023 · 32,297 followers View post →
Ash Paul
@pash22 · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 1 like · 32,297 followers View post →
Dr Nathan Cook (PhD, APD, AccSD)
@NRG_Cook · X

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

Feb 5, 2023 · 3 likes · 362 followers View post →
ACPSEMdance
@ACPSEMdance · X

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

Jan 5, 2023 · 1 share · 2,969 followers View post →
Jesse Cook
@SleepAndSports · X

"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

Jan 4, 2023 · 3 likes · 1 share · 3,570 followers View post →
Jane Boissiere
@EdinPublishing · X

RT @AideenLarmer: 'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'

Mar 18, 2022 · 49 shares · 1,630 followers View post →
@ACPOM_IT
@ACPOM_IT · X

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

Sep 1, 2020 · 5 shares · 504 followers View post →
Adam Dobson
@adamdobson123 · X

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

Sep 1, 2020 · 5 shares · 12,683 followers View post →
Bronnie Lennox Thompson
@adiemusfree · X

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

Sep 1, 2020 · 5 shares · 4,963 followers View post →
Dr Danielle Pollock
@Daniellep89 · X

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

Sep 1, 2020 · 5 shares · 1,607 followers View post →
Jeff Adams
@JeffAdamsNZ · X

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

Sep 1, 2020 · 5 likes · 5 shares · 395 followers View post →
Thiago Dias Sarti
@dias_sarti · X

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

Aug 17, 2020 · 1 share · 472 followers View post →
Choosing Wisely Brasil
@ChooseWiselyBR · X

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;

Aug 16, 2020 · 2 likes · 1 share · 3,887 followers View post →
Salah
@Rabea2026 · X

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

Jun 19, 2020 · 61 followers View post →
Virginia Rivers Bulkeley
@BulkeleyV · X

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

Feb 5, 2020 · 2 shares · 983 followers View post →
Gareth Jones
@gareth_lee_j · X

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

Feb 4, 2020 · 2 shares · 249 followers View post →
Orla
@thecliniccoach · X

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

Feb 4, 2020 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 80 followers View post →
Orla
@thecliniccoach · X

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

Jan 7, 2020 · 1 like · 80 followers View post →
Prof Scarlett McNally
@scarlettmcnally · X

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

Sep 26, 2019 · 49 shares · 4,317 followers View post →
Ian Beattie
@IanBeattie · X

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

Sep 20, 2019 · 49 shares · 2,508 followers View post →
Ruth Stevens
@katesmates · X

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

Sep 20, 2019 · 49 shares · 110 followers View post →
Prof Kiara Lewis
@Aspire5335 · X

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

Sep 20, 2019 · 49 shares · 440 followers View post →
Ben Jane
@BenJaneFitness · X

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

Sep 20, 2019 · 49 shares · 3,414 followers View post →
Paul Shawcross
@paulshawcrossPT · X

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

Sep 19, 2019 · 49 shares · 349 followers View post →
Jeffrey H. Berg MD
@DrJeffBerg · X

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

Sep 19, 2019 · 2 likes · 2,958 followers View post →
John Drummond
@GatesPhysio · X

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

Sep 19, 2019 · 49 shares · 3,914 followers View post →
Cornwall AHPs
@cornwall_ahps · X

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

Sep 19, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,266 followers View post →
Kyle Ridgeway
@Dr_Ridge_DPT · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 10,083 followers View post →
Jason Silvernail DPT,DSc
@jasonsilvernail · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 5,977 followers View post →
Ruth Newsome
@rnewsome2901 · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 123 followers View post →
Rachel Love (Morris-Love)
@RachelMorrisLo1 · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 442 followers View post →
Lucy Fidelia
@fidelia_lucy · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 147 followers View post →
Mere M
@justmerebear · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,014 followers View post →
Anna Lowe
@annalowephysio · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 4,675 followers View post →
Christine Steel
@christineahp · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,896 followers View post →
Mark Jessop
@mjchiro · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 338 followers View post →
UoWPhysio
@uworcphysio · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,173 followers View post →
Rodrigo de A. Ortiz
@Rodrigo_A_Ortiz · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 46 followers View post →
Pain-ed
@pain_eddotcom · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 7,946 followers View post →
Chris Holt
@choltPT · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 258 followers View post →
James
@nico_3210 · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 65 followers View post →
Alan J Taylor
@TaylorAlanJ · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 7,343 followers View post →
Mark hughes
@Physiomark2 · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 136 followers View post →
FizzioHeather
@FizzioHeather · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,428 followers View post →
Christopher Tuckett MCSP
@HealthPhysio · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 4,122 followers View post →
Kelvin Wee
@kelbystrike · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 50 followers View post →
Ash James
@ashjamesphysio · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 11,268 followers View post →
Sean O'Sullivan
@SeanOSu37 · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 321 followers View post →
Darren Finnegan Physio
@DarrenFinnegan2 · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 923 followers View post →
Elaine Wainwright
@dr_wainwright · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 959 followers View post →
Linda Hindle OBE
@HindleLinda · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 7,668 followers View post →
Sarah Bond
@BondSaradunc · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 94 followers View post →
Debbie Provan PhD
@DebbieProvanRD · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 2,494 followers View post →
Richard Pell
@PseudoPhysio · X

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

Sep 18, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,949 followers View post →
Jim Millard
@bodymechJim · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,138 followers View post →
Rachiphile
@joshlavalleeMK · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,815 followers View post →
Lisa Roberts physioprof
@LPhysioprof · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 2,352 followers View post →
Hiroki Saito
@hiroki_pt · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 246 followers View post →
Steve Nawoor
@stevenawoor · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 13,200 followers View post →
Running-Physio
@tomgoom · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 62,051 followers View post →
Helen Foster
@HelenFosterPhys · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 769 followers View post →
The Sp⚽️rts Physio
@AdamMeakins · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 107,600 followers View post →
Jon Ryan
@JonRyanCSP · X

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

Sep 17, 2019 · 49 shares · 1,950 followers View post →
Aideen Larmer
@AideenLarmer · X

'Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?'

Sep 17, 2019 · 96 likes · 49 shares · 597 followers View post →
Brent Osborn-Smith
@clickaback · X

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

Jun 28, 2019 · 1,824 followers View post →
Alexandra Michel, MPH
@alexandra_em · X

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

May 26, 2019 · 1 like · 512 followers View post →
Nina Zhu
@SupraChemina · X

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

May 8, 2019 · 2 likes · 180 followers View post →
Magdalena Rechnio ANutr
@M_D_Rechnio · X

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

Jan 21, 2019 · 166 followers View post →
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