Simulation Modeling for Policies Addressing Health Behaviors: The State of the Field and Future Directions

In this paper, we describe the use of simulation modeling to inform policy interventions aimed at improving health behaviors and associated health outcomes. We review key policy modeling efforts previously conducted across a variety of health behaviors (e.g., smoking, diet and physical activity), describe important gaps involving data and methodological challenges, and conclude with advice on the use of modeling not only to inform investments in prevention, but also to enhance the impacts of health behavior policies.