The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Dietary intake and Physical Activity of Overweight and Obese Preconceptional Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of motivational interview on dietary intake and physical activity among preconceptional women with obesity and overweight. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 overweight & obese women (body mass index≥25), aged 18-35 years in pre-pregnancy period who referred to health complexes in Tabriz. Twenty-four hr. food record was completed by women for 3 days and participants’ weights were measured before and 8 weeks after intervention. Using random blocking and the allocation ratio of 1:1, the participants were divided into two groups of motivational interviewing (6 sessions of training and motivational interviewing) and control (routine preconception care). The criterion for primary outcome was the mean macronutrient intake and physical activity status 8 weeks after the intervention. Data were gathered using demographic characteristics questionnaire, IPAQ, checklist of stages of behavior change, TFEQ-R18, and analyzed by SPSS25 software. Chi-square, Independent t-test, Paired t-test, Mann- withney U test, and ANCOVA were used to analyze the data. Results: At the baseline, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of demographic characteristics and mean of daily energy intake, carbohydrates, fat, protein and weight (p˃0.05). After the intervention, however, the mean (SD: standard deviation) of daily energy intake in intervention group (1841.3 (567.8 kcal) was significantly lower than the control group(2131.0 kcal (568.7) [adjusted Mean Difference (AMD): -334.3; %95CI: -667.2 to -21.5; P= 0.03]. There was no difference between two groups in terms of macronutrients after the intervention(p˃0.05). The Physical activity in moderate and severe levels showed the significant difference between two groups after intervention(P=0.024, P=0.013; respectively). Conclusions: Motivational interviewing counseling seems to be effective in weight loss interventions.