Empathy goes a long way in weight loss discussions.
OBJECTIVE
This study explores how weight-related topics are discussed between physicians and their overweight and obese female patients.


METHODS
We surveyed and audio-recorded preventive health and chronic care visits with 25 overweight and obese female patients. We coded both for quantity (content and time) of weight-related discussions and quality (adherence to Motivational Interviewing [MI] techniques). We then tested correlations of these measures with patients' reported attempts to lose weight, change diet, and change exercise patterns 1 month after the visit.


RESULTS
Weight was routinely addressed (19 of 25 encounters). Patients usually initiated the topic (67% of time). Physicians' use of MI techniques resulted in patients attempting to lose weight and changing their exercise patterns.


CONCLUSIONS
Physicians may benefit from MI training to help patients lose weight.
Pollak
Kathryn I
KI
Cancer Prevention, Detection and Control Research Program, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA. kathryn.pollak@duke.edu
Østbye
Truls
T
Alexander
Stewart C
SC
Gradison
Margaret
M
Bastian
Lori A
LA
Brouwer
Rebecca J Namanek
RJ
Lyna
Pauline
P
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D004645:Empathy; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D016896:Treatment Outcome