Impact of motivational interviewing on outcomes of an adolescent obesity treatment: results from the MI Values randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine outcomes from MI Values, a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention implemented adjunctive to obesity treatment. Adolescents (n = 99; 73% African American; 74% female; mean body mass index [BMI] percentile = 98.9 ± 1.2) were randomized to receive two MI sessions or education control. All adolescents participated in structured behavioural weight management treatment. Baseline, 3- and 6-month assessments of anthropometrics, dietary intake and physical activity were obtained. Both groups had significant reductions in BMI z-scores and energy intake and increased physical activity at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). MI participants reported greater reductions in 3-month energy intake compared with controls. Participation in MI is associated with reduction in energy intake, consistent with better adherence to dietitian visits previously reported from MI Values. MI might be an effective adjunct to adolescent obesity treatment; future research is needed to determine if motivational interviewing can enhance BMI outcomes, via greater adherence to behavioural intervention.

Motivating Children and Adolescents in Obesity Treatment

“…It is also possible to consider different options when deciding on the treatment mode of MI. Interventions that explored the outcomes of MI delivered by telephone demonstrated its effectiveness, 59 , 60 and the effect of home-based MI was not different from that of office-based intervention. 5 While MI-based text-messaging may not have a direct effect on decreased BMI, it may be a useful supplementary tool because it increases adherence to treatment and behavioral changes.…”

Impact of weight management nutrition interventions on dietary outcomes in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity: a systematic review with meta‐analysis

“…RCTs that reported TEI in kJ or kcal per day at each time point for intervention and control/comparison groups ( n = 29) were included in a meta‐analysis ( 26,31,35,46,61,68,70,73,78,80,83,89,95,106,108,116,120 ) . Results from the meta‐analyses showed that, compared to control groups, intervention groups achieved significantly greater reductions in mean total energy intake at ≤6 months (−194 kcal day −1 , 95% CI = −275.80 to −112.90 kcal day −1 , P < 0.001) and up to 12 months (−112 kcal day −1 , 95% CI = −218.92 to −5.83 kcal day −1 , P = 0.038) but not ≥12 months (19 kcal day −1 , 95% CI = −263.63 to 224.06, P = 0.87) (Fig.…”

“…RCTs that reported TEI in kJ or kcal per day at each time point for intervention and control/comparison groups (n = 29) were included in a meta-analysis (26,31,35,46,61,68,70,73,78,80,83,89,95,106,108,116,120) . Results from the meta-analyses showed that, compared to control groups, intervention groups achieved significantly greater reductions in mean total energy intake at (77) ITT analysis|Dietary adherence: Unannounced dietary recalls, NR|Dietary IV administrator: Dietitian|Diet: Dietary recalls (process measure)|Weight status: z-BMI, WC, %BF…”

“…Eight studies (27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34) met all methodological quality criteria, except for 'not applicable' ratings for blinding of participants and interventionists to group allocation, which is commonly reported as not possible in a food-based dietary intervention. Another 19 studies (15,20,25,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50) met all criteria except for 'not applicable' and one 'no' or 'unsure' rating.…”

Tipping the scales: Provider perspectives on a multi-disciplinary approach to obesity

“…30 In another study, the use of MI is associated with reduction in energy intake, consistent with better adherence to dietitian visits. 45 Additionally, a study noted daily text messaging with MI can improve outcomes. 42 Behavioral medicine fits alongside the traditional medical treatment for obesity.…”