title: Ethical theories for promoting health through behavioral change.
abstract: The various philosophical orientations for changing people's unhealthy behaviors are examined. The ethical theories of natural law, utilitarianism, paternalism and distributive justice are reviewed in relation to changing people's behaviors. Finally, the health educators' role in behavior change is examined and it is recommended that health educators may need to limit the conditions in which they intervene into the lives of others.
mesh_terms: D032763:Behavior Control; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004989:Ethics; D033161:Government Regulation; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D026706:Paternalism; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010684:Philosophy; D040841:Resource Allocation