Article: Barriers and facilitators to diet, physical activity and lifestyle behaviour intervention adherence: A qualitative systematic review of the literature.

What gets in the way – Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Change

Many healthcare professionals have experienced the frustration of seeing a motivated patient struggle to implement dietary and lifestyle recommendations. While it is tempting to assume that additional education or motivation is required, successful behaviour change is often influenced by a complex interaction of individual, social, environmental and intervention-related factors.

This systematic review explores the barriers and facilitators that influence adherence to diet, physical activity and lifestyle interventions. Rather than focusing on what patients should do, the review investigates why individuals may struggle to implement recommended changes and what factors support successful behaviour change.

The findings challenge dietitians and other health care professionals to move beyond simply providing advice and instead understand, acknowledge and systematically assess barriers and facilitators when planning interventions. By incorporating these factors into care planning, recommendations can become more realistic, patient-centred and supportive of sustainable behaviour change.

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