Motivational interviewing to promote healthy behaviours for obesity prevention in young adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Need for project Obesity is an established risk factor for many cancer types, including colon, endometrial, breast, and pancreatic. Obesity is complex and treatment is challenging. Thus, primary prevention of obesity is important. This is particularly important now since the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on many obesity risk factors, such as chronic stress, overeating, and physical inactivity. Early adulthood is a key period in obesity development and a critical period for prevention interventions. Goal of project The overall goals of this project are to evaluate the feasibility of web-based nurse-led motivational interviewing and educational interventions to promote healthy behaviours for obesity prevention and maintenance of healthy weight and behaviours among young adults attending university (age 18-29) in Hamilton, Ontario. A secondary goal is to evaluate if the intervention is more successful among people at higher risk of obesity (a risk stratification approach). Project description A pilot randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Young adults will be randomized to receive a tailored behavioural intervention through motivational interviewing sessions with a nurse combined with educational materials, or control (educational materials only). Both groups will be followed for 6 months and feasibility and clinical outcomes will be measured. Future impact Prevention of obesity and promotion of healthy weights and behaviours has the potential to positively impact primary prevention of cancer among Canadians. The results of this study will generate new evidence to support the delivery of a tailored obesity prevention intervention. The results of this study will inform the design of future larger studies and ultimately the development of new policies for the implementation of clinical or public health interventions to help stop cancer before it starts.