The use of motivational interviewing in weight loss.

Within the past two decades, motivational interviewing has emerged as a useful strategy to help individuals develop motivation to change health behavior and sustain those efforts. This article reviews the preliminary but burgeoning literature that supports the effectiveness of motivational interviewing strategies in promoting positive changes in a variety of health behaviors, including dietary change, activity increases, and regimen adherence. A variety of adaptations of the motivational interviewing process are discussed as relevant to making this treatment strategy increasingly applicable to a variety of health care settings.