Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
From ideas to efficacy: The ORBIT model for developing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases
Susan M Czajkowski1, Lynda H Powell2, Nancy Adler3
1Clinical Applications and Prevention Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.
Objective:
Given the critical role of behavior in preventing and treating chronic diseases, it is important to accelerate the development of behavioral treatments that can improve chronic disease prevention and outcomes. Findings from basic behavioral and social sciences research hold great promise for addressing behaviorally based clinical health problems, yet there is currently no established pathway for translating fundamental behavioral science discoveries into health-related treatments ready for Phase III efficacy testing. This article provides a systematic framework for developing behavioral treatments for preventing and treating chronic diseases.
Method:
The Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model for behavioral treatment development features a flexible and progressive process, prespecified clinically significant milestones for forward movement, and return to earlier stages for refinement and optimization.
Results:
This article presents the background and rationale for the ORBIT model, a summary of key questions for each phase, a selection of study designs and methodologies well-suited to answering these questions, and prespecified milestones for forward or backward movement across phases.
Conclusions:
The ORBIT model provides a progressive, clinically relevant approach to increasing the number of evidence-based behavioral treatments available to prevent and treat chronic diseases. (PsycINFO Database Record
Insights
Developing effective behavioral treatments for chronic diseases is crucial. The Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model offers a systematic framework to translate behavioral science into evidence-based health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Chronic Disease Prevention
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Behavioral interventions are vital for chronic disease management.
- A gap exists in translating basic behavioral science into clinical treatments.
- Accelerating behavioral treatment development is essential for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a systematic framework for developing behavioral treatments.
- To outline a pathway for translating behavioral science into clinical applications.
- To address the need for evidence-based behavioral interventions in chronic disease.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model.
- Description of a flexible, progressive process with defined milestones.
- Guidance on study designs and methodologies for each phase.
Main Results:
- The ORBIT model provides a structured approach to behavioral treatment development.
- Key questions, methodologies, and decision points for each phase are detailed.
- Prespecified milestones facilitate progression and refinement.
Conclusions:
- The ORBIT model offers a progressive and clinically relevant strategy.
- It aims to increase the number of evidence-based behavioral treatments.
- This framework supports the translation of behavioral science into effective health interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...

