Lifestyle intervention strategies to prevent and control type 2 diabetes.

The intensive lifestyle intervention of the DPP (Diabetes Prevention Program) showed weight loss to be a dominant predictor of reduced diabetes incidence for those at high risk for the disease. The intensive lifestyle intervention of Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) has also shown that weight loss is associated with improved diabetes control and cardiovascular risk factors and reduced medicine for those with the disease. DPP and Look AHEAD implemented the use of motivational incentives and campaigns to assist participants in their commitment to lifestyle change. Other studies have also used incentives as effective strategies to engage individuals in weight loss and in making positive physical activity and dietary changes. Special consideration should be given to implementing various incentive strategies to assist overweight and obese individuals with weight loss. Using these motivational incentive strategies can be an effective means to help individuals succeed with their weight loss efforts.