Impact of Incorporating Intuitive Eating Through a Motivational Interviewing Style of Counseling on the Eating Attitudes, Laboratory Values, and Perceptions of Nutrition Counseling of Patients on Hemodialysis

This study evaluated the outcomes among patients on hemodialysis using motivational interviewing to implement intuitive eating (IE) principles with 38 patients compared with 27 patients who received routine nutrition counseling. The Intuitive Eating Scale-2, levels of serum potassium and phosphorus, and survey questions related to patient perceptions of nutritional counseling were used to collect data. The motivational interviewing group achieved some aspects of IE, while keeping laboratory markers close to standards, and reported feeling supported by their dietitian. Results exemplify that a positive nutrition counseling approach can improve dialysis-dependent patients’ satisfaction and confidence in managing their health through diet.