Virtual self-conversation to support people living with obesity when starting their change process towards a healthier lifestyle: Preliminary results of a longitudinal study

Introduction People living with obesity (PLWO) often experience ambivalence when starting their change process towards a healthier lifestyle. Psychological treatments for should resolve this and help PLWO to explore own reasons in line needs values, as well promote self-efficacy. Following the Motivational Interviewing (MI) principles, SOCRATES project proposes “virtual self-conversation” address some of psychological aspects associated obesity, such lack awareness about condition, impact internalization weight stigma, Objectives With current longitudinal study, we aim how participants’ lifestyle change, eating habits dysfunctional patterns before after virtual intervention. Methods Forty-eight patients from Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (Mean age = 19.7 years) were assigned 3 groups. The Experimental Group 1 (EG1) (N 21), completing an intensive training on MI, received intervention using “motivational technique. 2 (EG2) 17) underwent pre-registered psychoeducational dialogue, Control (CG) 10) followed treatment-as-usual. All participants completed self-reported questionnaires motivation [( Readiness Rulers (RR), Processes Change questionnaire management (P-W) ], ( Habits ) Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-18 at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), 4 weeks follow-up (T2). Repeated measures ANOVA was performed all questionnaires. Results Statistically significant results shown regarding through RR “evaluation consequences weight” subscale P-W across time EG1 (p < .05). These suggest that eat do more exercise, self-awareness negative condition increased Conclusions present study showed novel might be effective tool helping acquire condition. However, did not lead changes other variables, or patterns; domains may less sensitive over time, which take place once is well-established. Disclosure Interest None Declared