Effects of internet-delivered eating disorder prevention on reward-based eating drive: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study is a secondary analysis testing the effects of an internet eating disorder prevention program on reward-based eating drive in a high-risk sample of college-aged women. MethodWe analyzed data from 278 women who were randomized to internet dissonance-based intervention (DBI-I), internet cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBTI), or no intervention (NI). Both active conditions consisted of self-guided activities completed over the course of four weeks. Linear mixed effects modeling was used to test the effect of internet intervention on reward-based eating drive. ResultsDBI-I was associated with greater reductions in reward-based eating over time than NI. No other Condition × Time effects were found. DiscussionThe results provide preliminary support for DBI-I as a strategy for reducing reward-based eating drive in a high-risk population relative to no intervention.