Testing the effectiveness of motivational interviewing as a weight reduction strategy for obese cardiac patients: a pilot study.

Background: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the USA and is a particular threat to those with coronary disease. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence about altering behavior.

Purpose: This study examined the efficacy of MI compared to nutritional counseling for weight loss in a small sample of obese cardiac patients.