Individual participant data meta-analysis of eating behaviour traits as effect modifiers in acceptance and commitment...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Psychology
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Precision medicine in obesity care can be enhanced by tailoring treatments to individual eating behavior traits (EBTs).
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions show promise for addressing dysregulated EBTs compared to standard behavioral treatments.
• The effectiveness of ACT for specific EBT levels remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the moderating effects of baseline EBTs on weight outcomes in ACT interventions for adults with obesity.
• To determine if ACT is more effective for individuals with certain EBT profiles.
• To explore precision approaches in obesity management based on EBTs.

Main Methods:

• An Individual Participant Data (IPD) meta-analysis of 15 trials (N=2535) involving adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m².
• Systematic search of eight databases for eligible trials up to June 20, 2022.
• Mixed regression models were used to analyze continuous and categorical interaction effects between EBTs and ACT interventions.

Main Results:

• No significant interactions were found between ACT and EBTs as continuous variables on percentage weight change.
• Participants with medium internal disinhibition showed a greater weight change (-4.47%) compared to those with high levels.
• Sensitivity analyses suggested greater ACT benefits for medium emotional eating and internal disinhibition levels in specific subgroups.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest potential non-linear interactions between ACT and internal disinhibition, warranting replication.
• Results may inform the development of precision obesity treatments targeting specific EBTs.
• Further confirmatory trials are needed to validate these exploratory findings.