Social-Ecological Model

Each state funded by the Nutrition and Physical Activity Program to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases uses the Social-Ecological Model to more fully understand the obesity problem in that state. This model serves as a reminder to look at all levels of influence that can be addressed to support long-term, healthful lifestyle choices.

Individuals

Addressing obesity and other chronic diseases begins by changing everyday behaviors that relate to eating and physical activity. That means changing people’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. But they don’t have to go it alone: through interconnected social relationships ― including families, schools, communities, and government ― individuals can find the support and guidance they need to start making more healthful choices.

Interpersonal Groups

Whether it’s a family or a group of friends, a book club or a biking club, almost everyone belongs to some sort of group. Interpersonal groups are an important way to encourage more healthful behaviors, giving individuals the knowledge and support they need to make good nutrition and physical activity choices.

Organizations

Organizations include schools, places of employment, places of worship, sports teams, and volunteer groups ― to name just a few. Organizations can help members make better choices about healthful eating and physical activity through changes to organization policies and environments as well as by providing health information.

Communities

A community is like a large organization, able to make changes to policy and the environment to give residents the best possible access to healthful foods and places to be physically active. Changes to zoning ordinances, improvements to parks and recreation facilities, creating ways to distribute free or inexpensive fruits and vegetables: these are only a few of the many ways community residents, groups, and organizations can work together to improve nutrition and physical activity.

Society

This all-encompassing category involves individuals, organizations, and communities working together for change. New nutrition and physical activity legislation, statewide school policies, media campaigns, and partnerships with business and industry are just some of the ways a comprehensive strategy to address obesity and other chronic diseases takes shape on a large scale.