Health and fitness professionals are frequently frustrated at their inability to help clients achieve long-standing health behaviour changes, and are seeking new, scientifically sound, alternative approaches which are more effective. This handbook has been written as a guide for health and fitness professionals helping clients through the process of lifestyle change with a special emphasis on: eating a more healthy diet; achieving and maintaining a healthy weight; and becoming more physically active. The book provides cautionary advice, along with effective strategies to change clients' behaviour. Health promotion, primary care, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working are high on the political agenda; this book encompasses all of these issues. Healthcare professionals are realizing that their role as "change agents", as opposed to information providers, requires special skills;