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CME: Positive, rather than negative, messaging of weight loss might motivate patients to try to lose weight

January 15, 2024

CME CREDITS - 0.50

POEMs (Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters)

Clinical question:

When suggesting weight loss to patients: Is a framework that highlights the benefits of weight loss better than one that highlights the risks of excessive weight?

Bottom line:

Presenting weight loss as an opportunity is the better approach than scolding patients for their weight. Framing weight loss in terms of its positive effects, rather than by listing the risks of excess weight, increased patients' participation in a weight-loss program and increased their eventual weight loss. (LOE = 2b)

Synopsis:

This study evaluated conversations between clinicians and participants of a study of brief interventions to motivate patients to lose weight. The 246 recorded conversations were coded by 3 authors to determine the "valence" of the initial information provided by clinicians, categorizing it as "good news," "bad news," or information that was provided neutrally. When the clinician began the discussion by offering weight loss as an opportunity or by asserting the benefits of weight loss, especially in an enthusiastic manner, participants were more likely to agree to attend a weight-loss program, actually attend the program, and lose more weight (an average 3.62 kg) than when the solicitation was delivered in neutral terms or by listing the harms of excessive weight.

Allen F. Shaughnessy, PharmD, MMedEd

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Reference:

Albury C, Webb H, Stokoe E, et al. Relationship between clinician language and the success of behavioral weight loss interventions: a mixed-methods cohort study. Ann Intern Med 2023;176(11):1437-1447. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37931269/