[Helping patients with risky health behaviors: some suggestions for motivational interviewing].

Helping patients modify risky health behaviors, including cigarette smoking, at-risk alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet, is a common and sometimes frustrating task. Motivational interviewing was developed from the notion that simple advice usually does not lead to behavioral change and may be even misperceived by patients. Based on active listening and an empathic attitude, some principles of motivational interviewing may be easily adapted to a primary care consultation.