Effectiveness of a Text Messaging Intervention on Intuitive Eating: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a five-week text-message-based IE intervention on IE, while correcting for perceived stress (PS) and self-compassion (SC). A randomized control trial. Online, in Lebanon. Adults (n=195) were randomized into one of three groups: the active IE group receiving IE-related messages with a practice exercise, the passive IE group receiving only IE-related messages and the control group receiving general health-related tips. Ten messages were delivered over five weeks. Two follow-ups were made: directly post-intervention and five weeks later. Baseline data and follow-ups included demographics, nutrition-related variables and measures of IE, SC and PS. Results indicated improvements in IE scores in the two intervention groups (p=0.05), with the passive IE group showing the most improvement. Also, a significant improvement in SC (Λ= 0.88, F (2, 63)=4.40, p=0.01), and reduction in PS (Λ= 0.86, F (2, 63)=5.21, p=0.008) were observed in the active IE group. Text-messaging interventions might be efficient in enhancing IE. Results shed light on the need for further large-scale interventions that use visual aids and provide practical guidance to teach IE, while further characterizing the relation between IE, SC and stress.