A community-based feasibility randomized controlled study to test food-specific inhibitory control training in people with disinhibited eating during COVID-19 in Italy

Valentina Cardi, Valentina Meregalli, Elisa Di Rosa, Rossella Derrigo, Johanna Louise Keeler, Chiara Faustini, Angela Favaro, Janet Treasure, Natalia Lawrence

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
15 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to expand the evidence on the feasibility and impact of food-specific inhibitory control training in a community sample of people with disinhibited eating.

Methods
Recruitment and data collection were conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak, in Italy. Ninety-four adult individuals with disinhibited eating were randomised to one of two conditions: App-based food-specific inhibitory control training or waiting list. Participants were assessed at baseline, end of intervention (2 weeks following baseline) and follow-up (one week later). The assessment measures included questionnaires about eating behaviour and mood.

Results
Seventy-three percent of the sample reported a diagnosis of binge eating disorder, and 20.4% a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Retention rates were 77% and 86% for the food-specific inhibitory control training and the waiting list conditions, respectively. Almost half of the participants allocated to the training condition completed the “recommended” dose of training (i.e., 10 or more sessions). Those in the training condition reported lower levels of wanting for high-energy dense foods (p 
Conclusion
Findings corroborated the feasibility of food-specific inhibitory control training, and its impact on high-energy dense foods liking. The study expands the evidence base for food-specific inhibitory control training by highlighting its impact on perceived hunger and depression. The mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be clarified.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2745-2757
Number of pages13
JournalEating and Weight Disorders
Volume27
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Jun 2022

Keywords

  • App
  • Binge eating
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Depression
  • Food addiction

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