Table 1.

Key behavioral intervention strategies for obesity management in primary care

Intervention Strategy	Core Components	Primary Goal(s)	Key Considerations for Primary Care	Representative Citations
Lifestyle Modification	Calorie-restricted diet (e.g., 500–750 kcal deficit); Increased physical activity (e.g., ≥ 150 min/week moderate)	Achieve negative energy balance for weight loss; Improve metabolic health; Maintain weight loss long-term	Individualize diet based on preference & adherence; Combine aerobic & resistance exercise; Emphasize sustainability.	[6, 16, 44]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)	Self-monitoring; Goal setting; Stimulus control; Cognitive restructuring; Problem-solving; Relapse prevention	Identify & modify maladaptive thoughts/behaviors related to eating & activity; Improve coping skills	Effective for BED; May require referral to trained therapist; Can be adapted for brief primary care interventions; Focus on skill-building.	[28–31, 36, 37]
Motivational Interviewing (MI)	Express empathy; Develop discrepancy; Roll with resistance; Support self-efficacy; Open-ended questions; Affirmations	Enhance intrinsic motivation for change; Resolve ambivalence; Facilitate patient commitment to goals	Patient-centered; Avoids confrontation; Useful for ambivalent patients; Requires training for effective delivery; Often best combined with other behavioral strategies.	[38–42]
Structured Behavioral Programs (often multicomponent)	Regular contact (individual/group); Education on nutrition/activity; Behavior change techniques; Social support	Achieve & maintain clinically significant weight loss (typically 5–10%); Improve health behaviors	Can be delivered by various health professionals; Digital platforms offer scalable options; Intensity & duration matter for effectiveness; Address barriers to adherence.	[11, 76, 77]

_{BED = Binge Eating Disorder}

_{These strategies are often most effective when combined and tailored to the individual patient}