Use of motivational interviewing in behavioural interventions among adults with obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

This review aimed to identify whether motivational interviewing (MI) (a counselling approach for supporting behaviour change [BC]) helps to reduce bodyweight and BMI in an adult obesity context. This included evaluating effectiveness of MI interventions within this population and reporting the methodology used, including theoretical underpinnings and identification of BC and MI techniques. Eight databases were searched using controlled vocabulary. Eligible studies included adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ), author-reported interventions using MI aiming to reduce body weight or BMI, and comparator groups not receiving an MI intervention. Data extraction and quality appraisal tools were used to identify study characteristics, intervention content was coded for techniques, and random-effects meta-analysis were conducted to investigate effects. Meta-analysis of 12 studies indicated no overall pooled effect on bodyweight and BMI outcomes between intervention and control groups (SMD = À0.01 [95%CI À0.13 to 0.12, P = .93]). Findings were limited by multiple sources accounting for risk of bias, and poor reporting of intervention fidelity and content. Intervention and control content descriptions indicated similar techniques, with social support, goal setting (behaviour) and self-monitoring of behaviour occurring most frequently across both. Findings do not contribute additional evidence for MI use in this context, however methodological limitations were identified which must be resolved to better identify the intervention effects on obesity-related outcomes.

Effectiveness of weight management interventions for adults delivered in primary care: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

“…We searched for studies in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, PubMed, and PsychINFO from 1 January 2018 to 19 August 2021 (see supplementary file 1). Reference lists of previous reviews 16 17 18 19 20 21 and included trials were hand searched.…”

What Intervention Elements Drive Weight Loss in Blended-Care Behavior Change Interventions? A Real-World Data Analysis with 25,706 Patients

“…One option is to examine HCP’s use of intervention methods, such as behavior change techniques and motivational interviewing. However, such studies yielded mixed and partially inconclusive results, likely linked to this complexity [ 22 ]. For example, feedback on behavior by the HCP is a very frequent intervention element, yet varying definitions, intensities, and delivery styles complicate comparisons [ 21 ].…”

Motivational interviewing for preventing oral morbidities in adults: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Particularly, weight management is a productive area in the use of MI, but systematic reviews failed to prove that MI provide relevant weight reduction or any reduction at all. 32,33 This seems to be relevant considering the connection between obesity and oral morbidities in children, 34 and adults. 35 Thus, it seems reasonable to expect minor or non-positive results using MI for preventing oral morbidities.…”

“…They found a large volume of low‐quality evidence, and some moderate quality evidence favouring MI for short‐terms evaluations. Particularly, weight management is a productive area in the use of MI, but systematic reviews failed to prove that MI provide relevant weight reduction or any reduction at all 32,33 . This seems to be relevant considering the connection between obesity and oral morbidities in children, 34 and adults 35 .…”