Eating disorders are characterised as a sustaining disorder of eating and mainly affects young women. Previous research has found that lack of motivation and ambivalence complicates the recovery. From a caring perspective, motivation to change is important for recovery. The aim of the literature review was to illustrate motivational interviewing in the care of people with eating disorders. The study was performed as a literature review through structured searching with critical review of previous research. The literature review found associations between motivational interviewing and improved motivation in people with eating disorders. Motivational interviewing resulted in increased readiness for change and increased commitment in treatment. Motivational interviewing made it possible with openness, honesty and understanding between the nurse and the person with eating disorders; a therapeutic alliance was established. The study found that the therapeutic alliance entailed a mutual cooperation, in which the person found support to develop own resources for recovery. Research on motivational interviewing in the care of people with eating disorders is limited which leads to gaps in knowledge and indicates that further research is motivated. The study indicates that nurses need depth knowledge about eating disorders and motivational interviewing.