Acceptability and Efficacy of a Web-Based, Intuitive Eating-Focused Single Session Intervention for Recurrent Binge Eating: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

objectiveIntuitive eating is a viable intervention target for binge eating, yet current programs designed to cultivate this pattern of eating face challenges with scalability and accessibility. We developed a web-based, intuitive eating-focused, single-session intervention (SSI) and evaluated its acceptability and efficacy among individuals with recurrent binge eating.

methodTwo-hundred-forty-eight participants reporting recurrent binge eating were randomly assigned to the SSI or a waitlist. Study assessments were conducted at baseline, 2-week post-test, and 6-week follow-up. Analyses were performed under the intention-to-treat principle.

resultsEvidence of acceptability was observed among study retainers, with good ratings of perceived usefulness and satisfaction, and two in three stating that they would recommend the program. Issues with attrition were apparent across both groups. The intervention group reported significantly greater pre-post improvements than the control group in intuitive eating, symptoms of eating disorders, body appreciation, and body interoception, with moderate to large effect sizes. Improvements in intervention participants persisted at 6 weeks and were largely stable across sensitivity analyses that handled missing data in different ways, with a few exceptions. Between 30% and 60% of intervention participants reported that the SSI had increased indicators of confidence and motivation to change, and receptivity towards further help options.

conclusionThis study highlights the acceptability and potential efficacy of brief, but concentrated interventions designed to foster intuitive eating for binge eating. Findings add to a growing body of literature highlighting the potential benefits of SSIs for symptoms of eating disorders.