Table 1.

Differences Between Patient-Centered and Doctor-Centered Communication During Behavioral Weight-Loss Counseling

Patient-Centered Communication	Doctor-Centered Communication
Physician: Elicits patient’s questions and answers them: “What questions do you have before we begin?” Asks open-ended questions: “How do you feel about your weight?” Asks patient’s opinion: “We’ve discussed some options to manage your weight, what seems doable to you?” Checks patient’s understanding: “What do you feel are the most important things we’ve talked about today?” Gives statements of empathy and legitimization: “You struggle to lose weight, but you keep trying because it’s important for you to stay healthy.” Gives patient time to respond	Physician: Asks medical questions before eliciting patient’s questions Asks yes/no (closed) questions Gives unsolicited biomedical and behavioral advice Assumes head nodding indicates understanding Gives directive statements (you should…) Gives instruction with immediacy, not patience