Motivational interviewing fails to improve outcomes of a behavioral weight loss program for obese African American women: A pilot randomized trial

TitleMotivational interviewing fails to improve outcomes of a behavioral weight loss program for obese African American women: A pilot randomized trial
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsBefort, CA, Nollen, N, Ellerbeck, EF, Sullivan, DK, Thomas, JL, Ahluwalia, JS
JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine
Volume31
Pagination367-377
PublisherSpringer
Place PublishedGermany
Publication Languageeng
ISBN Number0160-77151573-3521
Accession Number2008-13276-001. First Author & Affiliation: Befort, Christie A.
KeywordsAfrican American women, Behavior Therapy, behavioral weight loss program, Blacks, Health Education, Human Females, motivational interviewing, Obesity, Weight Loss
Abstract

Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, African American (AA) women are more likely to be obese but less likely to participate in weight loss interventions or to successfully lose weight. Sustained motivation for weight loss may be especially difficult for AA women due to socioeconomic and cultural factors. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the addition of motivational interviewing (MI) to a culturally-targeted behavioral weight loss program for AA women improved adherence to the program, diet and physical activity behaviors, and weight loss outcomes. Forty-four obese (mean BMI=39.4, SD=7.1) AA women were randomized to receive a 16-week behavioral weight loss program plus four MI sessions, or the same behavioral weight loss program plus four health education (HE; attention control) sessions. Results showed that participants in both MI and HE conditions lost a significant amount of weight, reduced their energy intake and percent calories from fat, and increased their fruit and vegetable consumption (ps<.05). However, adherence to the behavioral weight loss program and changes in diet, physical activity, and weight did not differ across MI and HE conditions. Future research is warranted to determine the subpopulations with which MI is most effective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)

URLhttp://libproxy.unm.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2008-13276-001&login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=sitecbefort@kumc.edu
Go to top