Goal setting as a health behavior change strategy in overweight and obese adults: A systematic literature review examining intervention components

• Published in: Patient education and counseling Vol. 87; no. 1; pp. 32 - 42
• Main Author: Pearson, Erin S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-04-2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Behavior change; Biological and medical sciences; Diet; Feedback; Goal setting; Goals; Health Behavior; Health behaviour; Health Promotion; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Nursing; Obese people; Obesity; Overweight; Overweight - prevention & control; Overweight - psychology; Physical activity; Physical Fitness; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Risk Reduction Behavior; Behavior change; Obesity; Physical activity; Diet; Goal setting; Overweight; Physical exercise; Objective; Feeding behavior; Fasting; Health; Change; Behavior
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2011.07.018

Abstract Objective This paper describes goal setting components used for behavior change specific to diet and physical activity in community-based interventions targeting overweight and obese adults. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted. Studies were evaluated using the S.T.A.R.T. (Specificity, Timing, Acquisition, Rewards and feedback, and Tools) criteria which were developed for the purposes of this paper in order to elucidate which intervention features elicit optimal health behavior outcomes. Results Eighteen studies were included. Based on the S.T.A.R.T. criteria, it was determined that developing specific goals that are in close proximity, involve the participant in acquisition, and incorporate regular feedback, are common features in this context. Conclusion Goal setting can be useful for effecting health behavior changes in this population. However, as different intervention components were often implemented concurrently (e.g., education sessions, self-monitoring records), it was not possible to ascertain which were responsible for positive changes independently. Practice implications Goal setting shows promise as a tool that can be incorporated into weight reduction programs by health care professionals and researchers. Studies are warranted to identify the specific mechanisms through which individuals with overweight or obesity can apply the S.T.A.R.T. criteria with respect to goal setting for the purposes of weight loss.