Why ISBNPA?

The International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity was formed to bring a cohesive group of individuals working across the globe in the field of behavioral nutrition and physical activity and share their diverse experiences.

Many people have asked “why”? Below are the highlights of an article that outlines the reasons.

Click here to access the full article.

  • All humans engage in eating and physical activity albeit expressed in different ways around the world – which makes for interesting cross-cultural research
  • We can learn from the naturally occurring variability in these behaviors and the influences on these behaviors
  • Obesity is becoming an epidemic worldwide
  • Countries can learn from each other’s obesity treatment/prevention efforts
  • The companies selling food and PA products are transnational; so we need to stay on top of their activities worldwide
  • We can have more impact in influential international councils (e.g. WHO, PAHO) if we are an international society

Why combine diet and physical activity in the same society?

Most chronic illnesses are a complementary function of diet and physical activity (e.g. energy balance)

Similar characteristics: type, amount, duration, frequency, consistency over time, periodicity over time and location in time, place and social milieu

Similar sources of error: variety, complexity, periodicity, cognition

  • Similar sources of correlates
  • Similar low levels of prediction
  • Similar channels
  • Similar methods
  • Similar theoretical mediators

For example, more physically active children tend to eat more fruit and vegetables guidelines for change should be interdependent

A broad variety of chronic diseases and obesity appear to be prevented by changes in a relatively small number of diet and physical activity behaviors. If diet and physical activity researchers and advocates come together and work collaboratively, we are less likely to succumb to the efforts of the multinational pharmaceutical companies who are addressing the same issues with non-behavioral solutions.

ISBNPA Purpose

Conduct scientific meetings, congresses, and symposia through which current research on behavioral issues in nutrition and physical activity are discussed and disseminated;

Disseminate information on research being done on behavioral issues in nutrition and physical activity through newsletters and other communications, such as social media;

Provide information to and encourage continued support by public and private entities that support research on behavioral issues in nutrition and physical activity;

Promote and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge of issues in behavioral nutrition and physical activity to the public and to educators, scholars and health professionals through any lawful means;

Promote and assist communication between researchers on issues of behavioral nutrition and physical activity and members of scientific and scholarly organizations whose members do research in other related health and medical fields through joint meetings, shared membership lists, joint publications and any other lawful means;

Conduct any and all other activities as shall from time to time be found appropriate in connection with the foregoing and as are lawful for not-for-profit corporations.