Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2025

A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli
Published on: August 12, 2016
Achieving behavior change at scale: Causal evidence from a national lifestyle intervention program for pre-diabetes
Abstract:
There remains widespread doubt among clinicians that mere lifestyle advice and counseling provided in routine care can achieve improvements in health. We aimed to determine the health effects of the largest behavior change program for pre-diabetes globally (the English Diabetes Prevention Programme) when implemented at scale in routine care. We exploited the threshold in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) used to decide on program eligibility by applying a regression discontinuity design, one of the most credible quasi-experimental strategies for causal inference, to electronic health data from approximately one-fifth of all primary care practices in England. Program referral led to significant improvements in patients' HbA1c and body mass index. This analysis provides causal, rather than associational, evidence that lifestyle advice and counseling implemented in a national health system can achieve important health improvements.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Causality in Epidemiology
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Regression Toward the Mean
Longitudinal Research

