Theory and practice in the study of influences on energy balance-related behaviors

ObjectiveThis paper aims to provide an overview of different theoretical approaches in the study of determinants of energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs).MethodsThe Environmental Research framework for weight Gain prevention (EnRG) is used as a general framework to guide the overview.ResultsTheoretical approaches in the integrated study of EBRBs are discussed, as well as theories addressing environmental factors, mediating factors, moderating factors and automatic environment–behavior links.ConclusionFive distinct topics should be deliberated when researchers conceptualize their research model: (1) to apply a theory-based approach in their determinants study within the broader perspective of systematic obesity prevention, (2) to incorporate the notion of potential clustering of (motives to engage in) EBRBs, (3) to accompany research towards environmental determinants of EBRBs with the operationalization of factors that may mediate the environmental influence, (4) to hypothesize both mediated and unmediated paths in environment–behavior relations, and (5) to incorporate potential moderators of the studied influences on EBRBs in the research design.Practice implicationsThe choice for change objectives and subsequent obesity prevention intervention strategies may be optimized when relevant determinants are interpreted as either primary (direct) causal factors, mediated determinants, mediating determinants or as moderators of causal factors.