Motivational Interviewing Failed to Prevent Early Childhood Obesity

In a 3-year trial, motivational interviewing by trained nurses did not affect multiple outcomes in children between ages 9 months and 4 years.

Anticipatory guidance to prevent childhood obesity has been unsuccessful, as the obesity rate has continued to increase in the past decade. To assess the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in this setting, researchers in Sweden conducted a population-based study, randomizing families of 1369 infants (ages, 9–10 months) to a motivational interviewing intervention or usual pediatrics care.

In child healthcare centers, parents in the intervention group participated in one group session and eight individual sessions with a nurse trained in motivational interviewing; the focus was on healthy food habits and physical activity. At baseline and at age 4 years, children's body-mass index, overweight prevalence, waist circumference, and food a…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics