Motivational Interviewing for Weight Management Among Women: a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of RCTs

Background Motivational interviewing (MI) is a communication skill set used by clinicians to help facilitate adherence to numerous health behaviors. Currently, MI's evidence supports its use among adults in various realms; however, clarity is needed regarding weight management among females. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize the literature examining the use of MI and its impact on anthropometric measures among adult females. Method The authors conducted a modified Cochrane method of systematic search and review in several relevant databases to explore and report evidence and gaps in the literature for MI in weight management among females in addition to meta-analyses for weight and BMI. Criteria for retention included randomized controlled trials with open inclusion of studies with varied settings, methods, interventionists, target behaviors, and outcomes. Results Of the 3289 references initially identified, 10 intervention arms met the criteria across review tiers. Seven of 10 intervention groups reported significant anthropometric changes compared with a control group, as well as significant changes in non-anthropometric outcomes related to weight management. Using a random-effects model, the effect size of MI on reduction in body weight (kg) was 0.19 (95% CI - 0.13, 0.26;p < 0.01), and the effect size of MI on reduction in BMI was 0.35 (95% CI 0.12, 0.58;p < 0.01). Conclusions Results suggest that MI interventions are useful for weight management among females. Future studies would enhance the current base of literature by utilizing advanced anthropometric outcomes, including sex-specific results, and including more diverse and larger sample sizes.