Integrating Educational, Environmental, and Behavioral Economic Strategies May Improve the Effectiveness of Obesity Interventions

Interventions that change the food environment, provide nutrition education, and employ behavioral economics strategies can potentially contribute to healthier diets and reduce the risk of chronic disease, but no attempt has been made to integrate these into the same conceptual framework. We present case studies of three multilevel, integrated interventions implemented by Johns Hopkins University between 20042011. We develop a conceptual model based on these case studies. Interventions and policies should effectively maximize opportunities to nudge healthier behaviors. We believe that the integration of educational, environmental, and behavioral economic strategies will balance the strengths and limitations of each approach.