Effect of Behavior Counseling on Weight Loss in Primary Care

Background: Behavior therapy can be effective in promoting weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese. However, little evidence exists regarding the effect of nurse practitioner-guided behavior change programs on weight loss in individuals in a primary care setting. Purpose: The objective of this study is to identify the effect of behavior change counseling techniques such as motivational interviewing, goal setting, self-monitoring, and perceived self-efficacy on weight loss in adult clients within primary care. Methods: Three established clients at a low-income primary care clinic in Laramie, Wyoming are currently enrolled in six 30-minute weight loss counseling sessions led by a Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner student. Adults are eligible to participate if: (a) they are over the age of 18; (b) have a body mass index ≥ and (c) are able to speak, read, write, and understand English. Participants' weights are obtained during each encounter and trends will be evaluated at the end of the study. Additional data are being collected using questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, self-efficacy scales, and self-monitoring results to analyze participants' weight loss goals, previous attempts with weight control, and perceived barriers to losing weight. Results: Research is in progress and results will be included in the presentation. Conclusion: It is expected that evidence from this study will identify whether nurse practitioner-guided behavior change counseling is an effective technique for promoting weight reduction in adult clients within primary care.