Randomized controlled trial of a culturally-adapted program for Latinas with binge eating

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Eating Disorders

Background:

• Binge eating disorder (BED) is highly prevalent among Latinas, who experience more frequent binge eating and greater mental health issues than non-Latino White women.
• Latinas' eating problems often go undetected and untreated due to numerous barriers to seeking professional help.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based guided self-help (CBTgsh) offers a more affordable and disseminable intervention for binge eating compared to traditional CBT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally adapted CBTgsh program for overweight and obese Latinas diagnosed with BED.
• To conduct the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a culturally adapted CBTgsh program for BED in an ethnic minority population.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 40 overweight and obese Latinas with BED.
• Participants were randomly assigned to either the CBTgsh program (n=21) or a waitlist control group (n=19).
• Outcomes assessed included frequency of binge eating, depression, and psychological distress at baseline and 12-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• The CBTgsh group showed significant reductions in binge eating frequency, depression, and psychological distress.
• 47.6% of participants in the CBTgsh group achieved abstinence from binge eating at follow-up.
• The waitlist group did not exhibit significant changes in these measures from pre- to follow-up assessments.

Conclusions:

• Culturally adapted CBTgsh is an effective intervention for Latinas with BED, leading to significant symptom improvement.
• This program addresses the specific needs of Latinas experiencing binge eating and mental health challenges.
• CBTgsh demonstrates potential as a scalable and accessible treatment option for this demographic.