Insight into the prevalence of clustering is important, because it can potentially help in locating highrisk groups and build effective primary prevention
strategies. In general, people are more likely to change
their behavior if it leads to short-term effects (e.g., good
taste, feeling fit), than if it leads to either intermediateterm effects (e.g., overweight) or long-term effects (e.g.,
risk of coronary heart disease) [24]. Intervention programs should therefore also focus on the short-term
benefits of lifestyle changes and acquiring the skills for changing them. Equally important, interventions
should include improved accessibility to a healthy lifestyle (foods and safe playing courts) and should incorporate involvement of the social environment. Differences in behavior are often generated by the social
position, such as housing and working conditions.
Apart from social grounds, prevention of chronic diseases through health promotion has also a favorable
cost–benefit ratio in comparison with treatment of
these diseases. When indirect costs and benefits (productivity, quality of life) are also included in the costeffectiveness, the economic benefits will outweigh the
costs even more.