New Motivational Interviewing Study Not Effective in Curbing Childhood Obesity

A new study testing the effectiveness of a motivational interviewing intervention did not help treat childhood obesity. Authors of the study “Motivational Interviewing in Primary Care to Reduce BMI: An RCT” say there was no overall benefit of the intervention, and contrary to expectations, on average, children in the intervention practices gained more weight than children receiving usual care. This study in the February 2024 edition of Pediatrics (published online Jan. 29) featured 18 pediatric primary care practices from 2017-2021 utilizing the Brief Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Body Mass Index (BMI) intervention or usual care for childhood obesity. Motivational interviewing is a patient-centered communication style used by health care professionals to address a wide range of conditions and behaviors, including nutrition and physical activity. A prior study using a similar intervention yielded significant positive effects on child weight. Researchers say various methodologic and cultural factors, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the lack of improvement in the weight status of participating children.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.