Motivational Interviewing for Adolescents: Behavior Counseling for Diet and Exercise

Primary care is an essential setting for the prevention and early detection of the challenging and multifactorial components of obesity. The majority of pediatric providers understand behavior change counseling is a crucial component to obesity management; however, 38% report low proficiency with counseling interventions. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based method of behavior change counseling. Training in motivational interviewing by primary care providers has shown an increase in provider efficacy and confidence in behavioral change counseling. With motivational interviewing skills, providers will be more equipped to promote healthy diet and exercise for teens and aid in preventing obesity-related chronic conditions in adulthood.