Empathy goes a long way in weight loss discussions
Kathryn I Pollak1, Truls Østbye, Stewart C Alexander
1Cancer Prevention, Detection and Control Research Program, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA. kathryn.pollak@duke.edu
The Journal of Family Practice
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Physicians discussing weight with obese female patients using Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques improved patient weight loss attempts and exercise changes. MI training can help physicians support patient weight management.
Area of Science:
- Obesity Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Weight management is a critical public health issue.
- Effective physician-patient communication is vital for addressing overweight and obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine weight-related communication dynamics between physicians and overweight/obese female patients.
- To assess the impact of communication quality on patient weight loss efforts.
Main Methods:
- Audio-recorded and surveyed 25 overweight/obese female patients during preventive and chronic care visits.
- Coded discussions for quantity and quality, focusing on Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques.
- Correlated communication measures with patient-reported weight loss, diet, and exercise changes post-visit.
Main Results:
- Weight was discussed in 19 of 25 encounters, often initiated by patients (67%).
- Physician use of MI techniques positively correlated with patient attempts to lose weight and modify exercise patterns.
Conclusions:
- Physician utilization of Motivational Interviewing (MI) is linked to improved patient weight management behaviors.
- Training physicians in MI techniques may enhance their effectiveness in supporting patient weight loss.
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