Dietary changes in an acceptance-based weight loss pilot intervention study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate pre-post changes in dietary intake and the possible role of emotional eating (EE) as a mediator of dietary changes in a novel behavioral weight loss intervention (Live FREE). DesignSecondary analysis of an open label pilot study. ParticipantsThirty-nine adults with overweight/obesity and EE. InterventionLive FREE is a 16-week group-based program in which participants learn emotional regulation skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy followed by traditional behavioral weight loss techniques. Main outcome measureDietary intake and EE were measured at baseline and post-treatment with the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool and the depression subscale of the revised Emotional Eating Scale. AnalysisPaired sample t-tests and mediation for repeated measures designs. ResultsConsumption of calories (t(33) = 5.31, p < .001), saturated fat (t(33) = 5.25, p < .001), and added sugar (t(33) = 4.44, p < .001) decreased from pre-post-treatment. EE change mediated the effect of the intervention on change in saturated fat intake pre-post-treatment, B = 6.16, BootSE = 2.47, 95 % CI (1.53 to 11.37), but did not mediate change in caloric or added sugar intake. Conclusions and implicationsParticipants reported improvement in caloric, saturated fat, and added sugar intake. Improvement in EE may be closely related to decreasing saturated fat consumption. (200).