Abstract
Objective: The purpose was to explore the effects of motivational interviewing (MI) themes, patient-centered communication, and patient-directed agendas on body mass index (BMI) and University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) stage in obese adults.|Methods: Three participants from one outpatient family clinic participated in a 2-month study. Initial BMI and URICA stage were obtained, and participants chose the means and timing of follow-up encounters throughout the study period. Two participants finished the program, and a final BMI, URICA stage, and satisfaction data were obtained.|Results: Initial URICA mean = 10.19, whereas final mean = 12.65, indicating the participants moved from the contemplation stage to the action stage, a mean increase of 15.5%. BMI mean decreased from 30.47 to 29.3, a transfer for both participants from the obese category to the overweight category, a mean BMI decrease of approximately 3%.|Conclusions: Use of the URICA tool, as well as MI themes and patient-centered agendas produced successful outcomes in regard to BMI, mental stage of change, and program satisfaction for obese patients.|Practical Implications: All providers should be exposed to and trained in the use of MI themes, patient-centered agendas, and the URICA tool in practice when diagnosing and treating obesity.