Journal of Diabetes and Obesity

Diabetes and obesity directly related to an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, namely, a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity and diet can prevent excess body weight and obesity, and help to manage diabetes. To guide prevention and management of diabetes and obesity more efficiently, this paper introduces a new theory, which explicitly models different health behaviors in unison. The Compensatory Carry-over Action Model (CCAM) proposes five axioms for modeling different health behaviors: (1) Different health behaviors (in this case, physical activity and nutrition) are interrelated, and they are driven by (2) emotionally relevant higher-level goals. (3) Each single behavior needs to be intended; this intention translated into behavior via planning, and the process is moderated by self-efficacy. (4) Carry-over mechanisms enable inter-behavioral learning, and compensatory cognitions can facilitate but also hinder the execution of both behaviors. (5) The outcome can result in the reduction of the stress response and the increase of well-being. There is little previous research on the CCAM’s assumptions, which necessitates further investigations. Likewise, the evidenceand theory-based axioms should guide interventions targeting obesity and diabetes, as well as many other health challenges and diseases. Prevention and management of diabetes and obesity can become more efficient when using the CCAM for designing and evaluating interventions. *Corresponding author: Sonia Lippke, Health Psychology, Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany, Tel: +49-421-200-4730; Fax: +49-421-200-49-4730; E-Mail: [email protected]