Motivational interviewing to improve adherence to a behavioral weight-control program for older obese women with NIDDM. A pilot study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized pilot study was to examine whether the addition of motivational interviewing strategies to a behavioral obesity intervention enhances adherence and glucose control in older obese women with NIDDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-two older obese women (41% black) with NIDDM were randomly assigned to 1) a standard 16-week group behavioral weight-control program that provided instruction in diet, exercise, and behavioral modification or 2) the same group behavioral program with three individualized motivational interviewing sessions added. RESULTS: The motivational group attended significantly more group meetings (13.3 vs. 8.9), completed significantly more food diaries (15.2 vs. 10.1), and recorded blood glucose significantly more often (46.0 vs. 32.2 days) than the standard group. Further, participants in the motivational group had significantly better glucose control post-treatment (9.8 vs. 10.8%). Although both groups demonstrated significant weight loss, no differences were apparent between groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that augmenting a standard behavioral treatment program for obese women with NIDDM with a motivational interviewing component may significantly enhance adherence to program recommendations and glycemic control. Preliminary data warrant further investigation with larger samples and a longer follow-up.