The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Body Weight and Dietary Habits in Young Adult Women: Randomized Controlled Study

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of applying web-based motivational interviewing technique to slightly overweight/obese individuals on individuals' body weight loss and gaining healthy eating habits.

Hypotheses:

1. The rate of decrease in body weight of individuals in the intervention group with motivational interviewing (MI) is higher than the control group.
2. Individuals in the intervention group with MI show more improvement in healthy eating behaviors than the control group.
3. The decrease in daily energy and fat intake of individuals in the intervention group with MI is higher than the control group.
4. The rate of vegetables and fruits in daily food consumption of individuals in the intervention group with MI is higher than the control group.
5. Self-efficacy of individuals in the intervention group with MI regarding body weight is higher than the control group.

All participants were interviewed one-on-one in the one-hour intervention group (n=40) and the control group (n=40) for a total of 6 times in two weeks for three months (12 weeks) in a 30-minute video conference environment.

Depending on the participant in the intervention group that received motivational interviews, the interview period was extended if necessary.

Participants were reached by snowball sampling method through an advertisement given on social media of a private diet center in Turkey. Participants were evaluated for suitability by phone interview. All volunteer participants were given detailed information about the study for one hour online. Online informed consent was obtained from participants who agreed to volunteer.

Before and at the end of the study, all participants were asked to fill out the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale (HLBS), Food consumption frequency (which form), International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ-short form), 24-h food consumption record for three consecutive days of the week (2 weekdays and 1 weekend), and Body Weight Self-Efficacy Lifestyle Determination Test in an online data environment.

Participants were given portion training using the Turkish Ministry of Health's Turkish Nutrition Guide (TUBER). During the study (12 weeks), participants recorded 24-hour food consumption and physical activity records three days a week. The forms were sent to the researcher via online mail or social media (whatsapp) before the interview. Participants stated their height and were asked to measure their body weight on an empty stomach, without shoes and wearing light clothing, using a scale they used once a week, and their waist and hip circumferences were measured using a non-extensible tape measure.

In addition; the participants in the intervention group were given a medical nutrition treatment program along with motivational interview techniques. The control group was given only a medical nutrition program.

Daily energy needs in both groups were calculated using the Harris Benedict equation and a diet program was prepared to provide a weight loss of 0.5-1 kg per week. Accordingly, it was aimed to reduce the participant's daily energy intake by approximately 500-600 kcal, thus achieving a 10% kcal decrease in body weight. The diet program included 45-60% carbohydrates, 10-20% protein and 20-35% fat.

Measures Participant information form: All participants were female. In this study includes questions about marital status, people they live with, health status, use of nutritional supplements, smoking and alcohol use, number of meals, reasons for skipping meals, and whether they received help for weight loss.

Anthropometric measurements: height, waist, hip, body weight measurements were taken by the participant herself at the beginning and end of the study.

Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale (HLBS): The scale developed by Walker et al. measures the individual's health-enhancing behaviors related to a healthy lifestyle. The lowest total score obtained from the scale is 52, the highest total score is 208.

Food Consumption Frequency:

For each food, the expressions "every meal", "every day", "1-2 times a week", "3-4 times a week", "5-6 times a week", "2-3 times a month", "once a month or less often" were used and the consumption amounts were questioned.

Food consumption record:

International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form:

It is used to determine the physical activity levels and sedentary lifestyles of adults.

Body Weight Self-Efficacy Lifestyle Determination Test (WEL Test):

It is a test that measures whether or not individuals have confidence in the resistance they create against eating in certain situations.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Gender : Female,
2. Between 19-50 years of age,
3. BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2,
4. No condition that would prevent movement,
5. No chronic disease (e.g. cardiovascular problems, neurological diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, etc.)
6. Individuals who signed the consent form and agreed to participate in the study were included.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant,
2. Menopausal,
3. Breastfeeding,
4. Chronic disease (e.g. cardiovascular problems, neurological diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, etc.)
5. History of eating disorders,
6. Not simultaneously following another nutrition counseling program,
7. History of bariatric surgery,
8. Using medications that affect body weight control,
9. Abusing drugs and alcohol,
10. Having voluntary vomiting behavior more than once a month,
11. Purgative habits (use of laxatives, diuretics, etc.),
12. On a special diet,
13. Getting ≥17 points according to the Beck Depression Inventory or ≥30 points according to the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) administered before the study were determined as exclusion criteria.
14. Gender :Male