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Effects of a Smartphone-Based Approach-Avoidance Intervention on Chocolate Craving and Consumption: Randomized
Adrian Meule1,2, Anna Richard1, Radomir Dinic3
1Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|November 5, 2019
Summary
A smartphone intervention training users to avoid high-calorie foods did not reduce chocolate craving or consumption. While all participants showed reduced cravings, the training group did not differ from control groups.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Psychology
- Nutrition science
Background:
- Previous research indicates that avoidance training can reduce approach biases towards high-calorie foods.
- Some studies suggest this training may also decrease consumption of such foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based approach-avoidance intervention for reducing chocolate craving and consumption.
- To assess the feasibility of using such interventions for daily application.
Main Methods:
- A 10-day study involved 105 regular chocolate eaters divided into three groups: avoidance training, placebo control, and inactive control.
- Participants completed five training sessions involving swiping chocolate stimuli away (avoidance) or equally approaching/avoiding them (placebo).
- Measurements included laboratory sessions pre- and post-intervention and daily ecological momentary assessments.
Main Results:
- All groups showed significant decreases in self-reported chocolate craving, consumption, and body fat mass from pre- to post-intervention.
- Ecological momentary assessments revealed no significant differences in chocolate craving or consumption between intervention and control groups on intervention versus rest days.
Conclusions:
- The smartphone-based approach-avoidance training did not demonstrate additional benefits beyond general measurement effects on eating behaviors or anthropometric measures.
- Further research is needed to explore alternative techniques for modifying food approach tendencies and their potential additive effects compared to monitoring-based interventions.
