Testing the Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing as a Weight Reduction Strategy for Obese Cardiac Patients: A Pilot Study

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the USA and is a particular threat to those with coronary disease. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence about altering behavior. This study examined the efficacy of MI compared to nutritional counseling for weight loss in a small sample of obese cardiac patients. Participants were assigned to either MI or to nutrition counseling and followed up over 3 months. Trained undergraduate students delivered the MI intervention. There were significant reductions in weight in women in the MI intervention, but not in men. The results suggest that MI may be effective for obese female cardiac patients, in particular, even when delivered by nonprofessional interviewers. Limitations of the study include a small sample size, nonrandomized assignment to conditions, and attrition over time.