The effect of motivational interviewing on body WEİGHT and dietary habits in young adult women

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that aims to increase individuals' intrinsic motivation and resolve their ambivalence during the process of change. This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted to assess the impact of web-based motivational interviewing in dietary counseling on weight loss and dietary habits in overweight and obese women. The research sample consisted of 80 women who met the inclusion criteria, with 40 assigned to the Intervention Group (IG) and 40 to the Control Group (CG). All participants were assessed using the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II (HLBS-II), the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle (WEL) Test, dietary intake frequency, and international physical activity records, both as pre-test and post-test measures. Additionally, participants recorded their 24-hour dietary intake and physical activity on a weekly basis for three months (two weekdays and one weekend day). Anthropometric measurements, including body weight (kg), waist circumference (cm), and hip circumference (cm), were self-reported and evaluated during the interviews. All participants received medical nutritional therapy. In addition to this, participants in the IG were exposed to motivational interviewing techniques. The study was conducted over a three-month (12-week) period, with web-based online interviews held bi-weekly. Data were analyzed using the Brunner-Langer method (F1-LD-F1 design). At the end of the study, the IG showed significant improvements compared to the CG in total HLBS-II score and subscale scores for "health responsibility" and "nutrition," as well as in the total WEL score and subscales of "negative emotions," "availability of food," and "positive activities" (p>0,05). Both groups experienced similar reductions in anthropometric measurements (p>0,10). There were similar decreases in energy (kcal), carbohydrate (g), and fat (g) intake between the groups, while protein (g) intake increased (p>0,10). In conclusion, for weight loss and adoption of healthy eating habits in obesity, it is recommended that motivational interviewing be used on greater samples and longer term follow up by dietitians.a sonra doldurulacaktır. Keywords: Obesity, Motivational Interviewing, Nutrition, Weight Loss