[Support of lifestyle modifications in health care: effectiveness and means]

The effectiveness of non-drug interventions within the health care as well as the most effective means of inducing lifestyle modification are reviewed on the basis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Health care is not the right place for intervening in the lifestyles of healthy people, but among those at risk or already affected with a disease significant effects can be achieved with relatively minor measures. Motivational interviewing is effective in view of the minor effort required. It suits for most patients and all lifestyles. Follow-up and provision of feedback as part of routine consultations will increase the effectiveness.