Testing the effectiveness of motivational interviewing as a weight reduction strategy for obese cardiac patients: A pilot study

Background: 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. Purpose: This study examined the efficacy of MI compared to nutritional counseling for weight loss in a small sample of obese cardiac patients. Method: Participants were assigned to either MI or to nutrition counseling and followed up over 3 months. Trained undergraduate students delivered the MI intervention. Results: There were significant reductions in weight in women in the MI intervention, but not in men. Conclusion: 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.