A pilot study evaluating online training for therapist delivery of interpersonal psychotherapy for eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) often do not receive evidence-based care, such as interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), partly due to lack of accessible training in these treatments. The standard method of training (i.e., in-person workshops) is expensive and time consuming, prompting a need for more scalable training tools. The primary aim of this pilot and open trial was to examine the effects of an IPT online training platform on training outcomes (i.e., IPT fidelity, knowledge, and acceptance) and, secondarily, whether online training was different from in-person training (using a comparative sample from a separate study) in terms of training outcomes and patient symptoms. METHOD: Participants were therapists (N = 60) and student patients (N = 42) at 38 college counseling centers. Therapists completed baseline questionnaires and collected data from a student patient with ED symptoms. Therapists then participated in an IPT online training program and completed post-training assessments. RESULTS: Following online training, acceptance of evidence-based treatments, therapist knowledge of IPT, therapist acceptance of IPT, and treatment fidelity increased; acceptance of online training was high at baseline and remained stable after training. Using the 90% confidence interval on outcome effect sizes, results suggested IPT online training was not different from in-person training on most outcomes. Results are based on 60% of therapists who originally enrolled due to high dropout rate of therapist participants. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this preliminary pilot study support the use of IPT online training, which could increase access to evidence-based ED treatment and improve patient care. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Lack of accessible therapist training has contributed to many therapists not delivering, and therefore many patients not receiving, evidence-based treatment. This study evaluated a highly disseminable online training and compared outcomes to traditional in-person training and found that training and patient outcomes were not different. Online training has the potential to enhance access to evidence-base care, which could in turn optimize patient outcomes.

Rates and correlates of study enrolment and use of a chatbot aimed to promote mental health services use for eating disorders following online screening.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a chatbot aimed to facilitate mental health services use for eating disorders (EDs) and offered the opportunity to enrol in a research study and use the chatbot to all adult respondents to a publicly available online ED screen who screened positive for clinical/subclinical EDs and reported not currently being in treatment. We examined the rates and correlates of enrolment in the study and uptake of the chatbot. METHOD: Following screening, eligible respondents (≥18 years, screened positive for a clinical/subclinical ED, not in treatment for an ED) were shown the study opportunity. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions explored differences in demographics, ED symptoms, suicidality, weight, and probable ED diagnoses between those who enroled and engaged with the chatbot versus those who did not. RESULTS: 6747 respondents were shown the opportunity (80.0% of all adult screens). 3.0% enroled, of whom 90.2% subsequently used the chatbot. Enrolment and chatbot uptake were more common among respondents aged ≥25 years old versus those aged 18-24 and less common among respondents who reported engaging in regular dietary restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Overall enrolment was low, yet uptake was high among those that enroled and did not differ across most demographics and symptom presentations. Future directions include evaluating respondents' attitudes towards treatment-promoting tools and removing barriers to uptake.

Trajectories of therapeutic skills use and their dynamic relations to symptom change during cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trajectories of therapeutic skills use and weekly relations between skills use and symptom change during the enhanced version of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for bulimia nervosa (BN). METHOD: Fifty-five adults (M age: 39.0 ± 14.1; 83.9% female; 64.3% White, 93.6% non-Hispanic/Latino) receiving CBT-E for BN-spectrum eating disorders (EDs) self-monitored their use of five therapeutic skills (i.e., regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger and eating a range of macronutrients, breaking dietary rules, urge management strategies, and mood management strategies) several times per day during treatment. Patients also self-reported their ED symptoms (i.e., frequency of binge eating, compensatory behaviors, and dietary restraint) weekly. We examined trajectories of use of each CBT-E skill and temporal relations between skills use and ED symptoms from week-to-week during treatment. RESULTS: Participants showed significant increases in eating enough to prevent excessive hunger and eating a range of macronutrients from week-to-week (p < .05). Regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger, and eating a range of macronutrients 1 week predicted lower binge eating and compensatory behaviors the same week and the following week, and urge management strategy use predicted greater binge eating the same week and the following week (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Results showed temporal relationships between therapeutic skills use and symptom change on a weekly level, with evidence that using skills targeting dietary restraint was associated with lower BN symptoms. Findings highlight the promise of future work to elucidate the most potent CBT-E skills for symptom improvement and inform more targeted interventions. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Findings showed weekly relationships between therapeutic skills use and symptom change during treatment, with evidence that using CBT-E skills aimed to reduce dietary restraint (i.e., regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger, and eating a range of macronutrients) was associated with lower BN symptoms. Future work has the potential to identify the most potent CBT-E skills for symptom improvement and inform more targeted interventions.

Prevalence, characteristics, and correlates of probable avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder among adult respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online screen: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a serious, albeit under-researched, feeding or eating disorder. This exploratory study utilized data from adult respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online eating disorder screen to validate items assessing the presence of ARFID and examine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and correlates of a positive ARFID screen. METHODS: Among 50,082 adult screen respondents between January 2022 and January 2023, the prevalence of a positive ARFID screen was calculated. Chi-square tests and t-tests compared demographics, eating disorder attitudes and behaviors, suicidal ideation, current eating disorder treatment status, and eating disorder treatment-seeking intentions between respondents with possible ARFID and other eating disorder diagnostic and risk categories. Clinical characteristics of respondents with possible ARFID were also examined. RESULTS: 2378 (4.7%) adult respondents screened positive for ARFID. Respondents with possible ARFID tended to be younger, male, and have lower household income, and were less likely to be White and more likely to be Hispanic/Latino than most other diagnostic/risk groups. They had lower weight/shape concerns and eating disorder behaviors than most other diagnoses and higher BMI than those with AN. 35% reported suicidal ideation, 47% reported intentions to seek treatment for an eating disorder, and 2% reported currently being in treatment. The most common clinical feature of ARFID was lack of interest in eating (80%), followed by food sensory avoidance (55%) and avoidance of food due to fear of aversive consequences (31%). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study indicated that ARFID was prevalent among adult screen respondents and more common among individuals who were younger, male, non-White, Hispanic, and lower income relative to those with other eating disorders, at risk for an eating disorder, or at low risk. Individuals with possible ARFID frequently reported suicidal ideation and were rarely in treatment for an eating disorder. Further research is urgently needed to improve advances in the assessment and treatment of ARFID and improve access to care in order to prevent prolonged illness duration.

This study examined data from adult respondents to a publicly available online eating disorders screen adult to examine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and correlates of a positive ARFID screen. 4.7% of respondents screened positive for ARFID. A positive ARFID screen was more common among respondents who were younger, male, non-White, Hispanic, and lower income relative to those in other eating disorder diagnostic/risk categories. Respondents with possible ARFID frequently reported suicidal ideation and were rarely in treatment for an eating disorder. Lack of interest in food or eating was the most common clinical feature among those with possible ARFID.

Preferred treatment focus among college students with eating disorders and comorbid mental health problems in a digital cognitive-behavioral guided self-help program.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the mental health problems that college students with eating disorders (EDs) and comorbid depression and/or anxiety disorders preferred to target first in a digital treatment program and explore correlates of preferred treatment focus. METHODS: Four hundred and eighty nine college student users of a digital cognitive-behavioral guided self-help program targeting common mental health problems (76.7% female, Mage = 20.4 ± 4.4, 64.8% White) screened positive for an ED and ≥one other clinical mental health problem (i.e., depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and/or panic disorder). Students also reported on insomnia, post-traumatic stress, alcohol use, and suicide risk. Before treatment, they indicated the mental health problem that they preferred to target first in treatment. Preferred treatment focus was characterized by diagnostic profile (i.e., ED + Depression, ED + Anxiety, ED + Depression + Anxiety), symptom severity, and demographics. RESULTS: 58% of students with ED + Anxiety, 47% of those with ED + Depression, and 27% of those with ED + Depression + Anxiety chose to target EDs first. Across diagnostic profiles, those who chose to target EDs first had more severe ED symptoms than those who chose to target anxiety or depression (ps < .05). Among students with ED + Depression + Anxiety, those who chose to target EDs first had lower depression symptoms than those who chose to target depression, lower generalized anxiety than those who chose to target anxiety, and lower suicidality than those who chose to target anxiety or depression (ps < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Students with EDs and comorbid depression and/or anxiety disorders showed variable preferred treatment focus across diagnostic profiles. Research should explore specific symptom presentations associated with preferred treatment focus. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Findings indicate that a sizable percentage of college students with depression/anxiety who also have EDs prefer to target EDs first in treatment, highlighting the importance of increasing availability of ED interventions to college students. Students with EDs and comorbid depression and/or anxiety disorders showed variable preferred treatment focus across diagnostic profiles, and preference to target EDs was associated with greater ED psychopathology across diagnostic profiles.

Reach and uptake of digital mental health interventions based on cognitive-behavioral therapy for college students: A systematic review.

Background: Mental health problems are increasing in prevalence among college students, yet few students receive treatment due to barriers such as insufficient resources in college counseling centers. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have potential to overcome barriers and offer accessible, evidence-based care to college students. However, to evaluate the true public health impact of evidence-based DMHIs, it is important to assess the reach and uptake rates of DMHIs on college campuses. Objectives: We conducted a systematic review to examine the reach (i.e., % of invited students who express interest) and uptake (i.e., % of enrolled participants who initiate an intervention) of DMHIs based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for college students. Methods: Eight databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included: (1) college population; (2) experimental design; (3) CBT-based intervention; (4) intervention targeting specific mental health conditions; and (5) digital intervention. Reach and uptake rates were calculated from data reported. A systematic narrative review framework was used to synthesize results. Results: Of 10,315 articles screened, 90 were included. Seventeen studies (19%) reported sufficient data to calculate reach; 35 studies (39%) reported uptake rates. Of studies that reported reach or uptake, most evaluated unguided (n = 20) or guided (n = 16) self-help programs. Measurement methods varied widely. Overall reach was low, whereas uptake was high among enrolled participants. Discussion: Despite evidence that improving reach and uptake can increase the public health impact of DMHIs, most studies did not report on either outcome. Suggested practices to improve these outcomes, and their reporting, are discussed.

Relations between forms of dietary restraint, restriction, and loss-of-control eating among adolescents seeking weight control: An ecological momentary assessment study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to: 1) compare rates of dietary restraint and restriction between adolescents with and without loss-of-control (LOC) eating who were seeking weight control and 2) examine temporal relations between restraint/restriction and LOC eating. METHOD: 37 adolescents seeking weight control (mean age: 15.4 ± 1.5; 62 % White; 57 % female; mean BMI percentile = 97.3 ± 3.1) completed a one-week ecological momentary assessment protocol and reported on dietary restraint/restriction and eating behavior prior to beginning a weight control intervention. Chi-square tests examined differences in frequency of restraint/restriction between participants with and without LOC eating. Multilevel models examined associations between dietary restraint/restriction and LOC eating at the next survey and on the next day. RESULTS: Of 37 participants, 15 (41 %) reported engaging in LOC eating. Participants with LOC eating more frequently endorsed several forms of restraint and restriction versus participants without LOC eating. Attempting to avoid enjoyable foods and attempting to limit eating at one survey predicted greater likelihood of LOC eating at the next survey. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that attempted restraint, but not actual restriction, was associated with LOC eating. Research should explore additional factors that may influence these relationships, which could inform weight control treatments that address restraint/restriction.

Evaluation of a combined, online intervention for binge-type eating disorders and high body weight in young adults.

BACKGROUND: Binge-type eating disorders (EDs; i.e., bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) are common among young adults with high body weight, yet few interventions target both conditions. This study tested an online guided self-help intervention that provided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools for EDs and behavioral weight loss (BWL) content to young adults with binge-type EDs and high body weight. METHOD: 60 adults aged 18-39 with clinical/subclinical binge-type EDs and high body weight were randomized to a combined condition or a CBT-only condition. Participants received self-help content for 8 weeks and self-reported ED attitudes, frequency of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, and weight at baseline, 4-weeks, and 8-weeks. Linear mixed models and negative binomial models compared changes between conditions in ED attitudes, ED behaviors, and weight at each timepoint. Chi-square test and independent samples t-test compared program completion and session engagement between conditions. RESULTS: No significant differences in weight change or ED symptom change emerged between the conditions. Both conditions achieved significant reductions in ED attitudes, binge episodes, and compensatory behaviors from baseline to 8-weeks (ps < .05). Neither condition demonstrated significant weight loss from baseline to 8-weeks. Program completion (47 %) and session engagement (57 %) were equally high across conditions. DISCUSSION: Both conditions achieved ED symptom change; however, neither condition was associated with weight change. Research is needed to identify the types of strategies and doses of BWL that promote clinically significant weight and ED symptom change in young adults.

The relation of food insecurity to eating disorder characteristics and treatment-seeking among adult respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online screen.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity (FI), characterized by limited or uncertain access to adequate food, has been associated with eating disorders (EDs). This study explored whether FI was associated with ED behaviors, ED diagnosis, current treatment status, and treatment-seeking intentions among adults who completed an online ED screen. METHODS: Respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online screening tool self-reported demographics, FI, height and weight, past 3-month ED behaviors, and current treatment status. Respondents were also asked an optional question about treatment-seeking intentions. Hierarchical regressions evaluated relations between FI and ED behaviors, treatment status, and treatment-seeking intentions. Logistic regressions explored differences in probable ED diagnosis by FI status. RESULTS: Of 8714 respondents, 25 % screened at risk for FI. FI was associated with greater binge eating (R2Change = 0.006), laxative use (R2Change = 0.001), and presence of dietary restriction (R2Change = 0.001, OR: 1.32) (ps < .05). Having FI was associated with greater odds of screening positive for a probable ED or as high risk for an ED (ps < .05). FI was not associated with current treatment status or treatment-seeking intentions (ps > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings add to existing literature supporting a relation between FI and EDs. Implications include a need to disseminate EDs screening and treatment resources to populations affected by FI and to tailor treatments to account for barriers caused by FI.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Correlates of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder among Adult Respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association Online Screen: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a serious, albeit under-researched, feeding or eating disorder. This exploratory study utilized data from adult respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) online eating disorder screen to validate items assessing the presence of ARFID and examine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and correlates of a positive ARFID screen compared to other probable eating disorder/risk categories. Methods: Among 47,705 adult screen respondents between January 2022 and January 2023, the prevalence of a positive ARFID screen was calculated. Chi-square tests and t-tests compared demographics, eating disorder attitudes and behaviors, suicidal ideation, current eating disorder treatment status, and eating disorder treatment-seeking intentions between respondents with possible ARFID and other eating disorder diagnostic and risk categories. Clinical characteristics of respondents with possible ARFID were also examined. Results: 2,378 (5.0%) adult respondents screened positive for ARFID. Respondents with possible ARFID tended to be younger, male, and have lower household income, and were less likely to be White and more likely to be Hispanic/Latino than most other diagnostic/risk groups. They had lower weight/shape concerns and eating disorder behaviors than all other diagnoses but higher BMI than those with AN. 35% reported suicidal ideation, 47% reported intentions to seek treatment for an eating disorder, and 2% reported currently being in treatment. The most common clinical feature of ARFID was lack of interest in eating (80%), followed by food sensory avoidance (55%) and avoidance of food due to fear of aversive consequences (31%). Conclusions: Findings from this study indicated that ARFID was prevalent among adult screen respondents and more common among individuals who were younger, male, non-White, Hispanic, and lower income relative to those with other eating disorders or at risk for an eating disorder. Individuals with possible ARFID frequently reported suicidal ideation and were rarely in treatment for an eating disorder. Further research is urgently needed to improve advances in the assessment and treatment of ARFID and improve access to care in order to prevent prolonged illness duration.

Evaluating whether a peer-led dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program prevents onset of each eating disorder type.

BACKGROUND: This study tested whether the dissonance-based Body Project eating disorder prevention program reduced onset of subthreshold/threshold anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and purging disorder (PD) over long-term follow-up. METHODS: Data were combined from three prevention trials that targeted young women at high-risk for eating disorders (N = 1092; M age = 19.3). Participants were randomized to Body Project groups led by peer educators or expressive writing/educational controls and completed masked diagnostic interviews over 2- to 4-year follow-ups. Logistic regressions tested whether onset of each eating disorder over follow-up differed between Body Project and control participants. RESULTS: Peer-led Body Project groups produced a 46% reduction in onset of subthreshold/threshold BN and a 62% reduction in onset of PD relative to controls over follow-up. Rates of onset of subthreshold/threshold AN and BED did not significantly differ between peer-led Body Project participants and control participants. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the dissemination of the peer-led Body Project for reducing future onset of BN and PD. This study and recent research suggest that thin-ideal internalization, the risk factor for eating disorders targeted in the Body Project, may be more relevant for predicting onset of BN and PD compared to AN and BED. Findings support the development of a version of the Body Project aimed to reduce risk factors that have predicted future onset of all four types of eating disorders (e.g. overvaluation of weight/shape, fear of weight gain), which may more effectively prevent all eating disorder types.

Development and usability testing of a chatbot to promote mental health services use among individuals with eating disorders following screening.

OBJECTIVE: A significant gap exists between those who need and those who receive care for eating disorders (EDs). Novel solutions are needed to encourage service use and address treatment barriers. This study developed and evaluated the usability of a chatbot designed for pairing with online ED screening. The tool aimed to promote mental health service utilization by improving motivation for treatment and self-efficacy among individuals with EDs. METHODS: A chatbot prototype, Alex, was designed using decision trees and theoretically-informed components: psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, personalized recommendations, and repeated administration. Usability testing was conducted over four iterative cycles, with user feedback informing refinements to the next iteration. Post-testing, participants (N= 21) completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use Questionnaire (USE), and a semi-structured interview. RESULTS: Interview feedback detailed chatbot aspects participants enjoyed and aspects necessitating improvement. Feedback converged on four themes: user experience, chatbot qualities, chatbot content, and ease of use. Following refinements, users described Alex as humanlike, supportive, and encouraging. Content was perceived as novel and personally relevant. USE scores across domains were generally above average (~5 out of 7), and SUS scores indicated "good" to "excellent" usability across cycles, with the final iteration receiving the highest average score. DISCUSSION: Overall, participants generally reflected positively on interactions with Alex, including the initial version. Refinements between cycles further improved user experiences. This study provides preliminary evidence of the feasibility and acceptance of a chatbot designed to promote motivation for and use of services among individuals with EDs. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Low rates of service utilization and treatment have been observed among individuals following online eating disorder screening. Tools are needed, including scalable, digital options, that can be easily paired with screening, to improve motivation for addressing eating disorders and promote service utilization.

The Relation of Grit to Weight Loss Maintenance Outcomes.

Biological, genetic, and environmental factors make weight loss very difficult. Acceptance-based behavioral treatment (ABT) supplements standard behavioral treatments (BT) for obesity by teaching skills to accept the discomfort inherent to weight control behaviors and prioritize long-term, values-based goals. Grit, the ability to persevere in goal pursuit, overlaps conceptually with ABT principles and may predict outcomes in ABT. During a randomized controlled trial comparing three weight loss interventions (BT, BT with an emphasis on physical activity [BT+PA], ABT with an emphasis on physical activity [ABT+PA]), this study examined if grit predicted weight loss, intervention engagement (session attendance and dietary self-monitoring), and perceived intervention effectiveness, and whether intervention condition moderated these relationships. Participants (N=309) with overweight/obesity enrolled in an 18-month weight loss intervention completed the Short Grit Scale at baseline. Weight and PA were measured at baseline, during the intervention (12 and 18 months), and at follow-up (24 and 36 months). Session attendance and dietary self-monitoring were assessed throughout the intervention, and perceived intervention effectiveness at end-of-intervention. The relation of grit to several outcomes depended on condition. In ABT+PA, but not BT or BT+PA, lower grit related to higher weight loss at 12 and 24 months, session attendance, and perceived intervention effectiveness. Grit was not related to PA or dietary self-monitoring in any condition. ABT's focus on building skills to facilitate long-term goal pursuit may be unique and beneficial to those with lower grit. Those with higher grit may already possess ABT-consistent skills and benefit less from ABT. Research on trait-level characteristics like grit in relation to weight must be cautious not to reinforce weight bias; rather, this work suggests that an evidence-based intervention (ABT) may be well-suited to those with lower grit levels seeking weight loss.

Enhancing efficacy of a dissonance-based obesity and eating disorder prevention program: Experimental therapeutics.

OBJECTIVE: Test the hypothesis that the efficacy of a dissonance-based obesity/eating disorder prevention program, Project Health, could be enhanced by implementing it in single-sex groups and adding food response inhibition and attention training. METHOD: Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, young adults (N = 261; Mage = 19.3, 79% female; 64% White) were randomized to (a) single-sex or (b) mixed-sex groups that completed food response inhibition and attention training or (c) single-sex or (d) mixed-sex groups that completed generic response inhibition and attention training with nonfood images. Preregistered primary outcomes (body fat, Body Mass Index [BMI]), eating disorder symptoms and other outcomes were assessed at pretest and posttest. RESULTS: For one preregistered primary outcome, body fat loss, there was a significant interaction between the two manipulated factors (d = -.28), as well as significant main effects for sex composition of groups (d = -.18) and food response inhibition and attention training (d = -0.17), with the largest body fat loss occurring for single-sex groups implemented with food response inhibition and attention training. Although the two manipulated factors did not significantly affect the other outcomes (including BMI, the other preregistered primary outcome), there was a significant reduction in eating disorder symptoms across the conditions (within participant d = -.78), converging with prior evidence that Project Health produced larger reductions in symptoms than educational control participants. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that implementing Project Health in single-sex groups with food response inhibition and attention training produced the largest body fat loss effects, as well as significant reductions in eating disorder symptoms, suggesting that efforts to disseminate this prevention program are warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Examining weight suppression as a predictor and moderator of intervention outcomes in an eating disorder and obesity prevention trial: A replication and extension study.

Weight suppression (WS) predicts future weight gain and increases in eating disorder symptoms in community and clinical samples but has received minimal attention in obesity and eating disorder prevention programs. In a sample of emerging adults (N = 364) in a randomized controlled trial evaluating two obesity and eating disorder prevention interventions versus a control condition, this study aimed to replicate the findings that WS and its interaction with baseline BMI predict increases in weight and eating disorder symptoms and test a novel hypothesis that WS would moderate the effects of the interventions on change in weight and eating disorder symptoms. Participants completed assessments at baseline, post-intervention, 6-, 12-, and 24-months. WS was calculated as the difference between highest lifetime weight and baseline weight. WS interacted with baseline BMI to predict greater weight gain over 24-months, such that those with high WS and lower baseline BMI gained weight most rapidly. WS did not predict eating disorder symptom change and did not moderate the effects of the prevention programs. Given that individuals with WS are at increased risk for weight gain, expressly targeting this high-risk population with evidence-based obesity prevention programs may be useful. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRATION: NCT01680224.

Binge eating predicts adherence to digital self-monitoring during behavioral weight loss.

OBJECTIVE: Consistent self-monitoring of dietary intake, weight, and physical activity predicts better outcomes during behavioral weight loss, but the factors that influence self-monitoring adherence are not well understood. This study attempted to fill gaps in the existing literature by examining whether pre-treatment eating behaviors predict adherence to digital self-monitoring during a behavioral weight loss program. METHOD: Participants (N = 77) reported on binge eating, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating at baseline, and were instructed to self-monitor their food intake, weight, and physical activity using digital devices (food logging app, Fitbit, and wireless "smart" scale) throughout the 12-week treatment. Adherence to self-monitoring was assessed using data captured from these devices. RESULTS: Greater baseline binge eating severity predicted greater adherence to self-monitoring of weight (ρ = 0.25, p = .03) and eating (ρ = 0.25, p = .03), but not self-monitoring of physical activity. Uncontrolled eating and emotional eating did not significantly predict self-monitoring adherence. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous research, this study found that participants with greater pre-treatment binge eating severity had better adherence to self-monitoring of eating, and for the first time established a relationship between binge eating severity and digital self-monitoring of weight in behavioral weight loss. Individuals with greater pre-treatment binge eating may exhibit characteristics, such as motivation or rigidity, that are beneficial during the initial period of weight loss. Future studies should determine if there are features of analogue versus digital self-monitoring that may explain this pattern of findings, and examine these associations longitudinally.