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.
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
Kathryn I
KI
Pollak
Truls
T
Østbye
Stewart C
SC
Alexander
Margaret
M
Gradison
Lori A
LA
Bastian
Rebecca J Namanek
RJ
Brouwer
Pauline
P
Lyna
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