Motivational interviewing to enhance self-efficacy and promote weight loss in overweight and obese adolescents: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as an intervention for promoting self-efficacy and weight loss in a sample of overweight and obese youth. Methods /Design 40 participants (aged 10-18 years) were randomly assigned to control (social skills training) or treatment (MI) group. Both groups received individual therapy (~30 min/month) in addition to usual care of diet/exercise counseling. Pre- and post- (at 6 months follow-up) variables included measures of self-efficacy and anthropometrics. Results Although significant between-group differences were not found, individuals in the MI group attended more sessions. Overall, participants in both groups showed significant increases in self-efficacy and a trend of decreased body mass index z-scores. Conclusions Health benefits from participation in individual therapy may have been accrued; however, specific benefits attributable to MI were limited. Findings suggest that more than one type of counseling intervention (i.e., MI and social skills training) may be beneficial when providing integrative treatment for obese youth.