A Randomized Effectiveness Trial of a Dissonance-Based Dual Obesity and Eating Disorder Prevention Program.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Public health
• Clinical psychology

Background:

• Obesity and eating disorders are significant public health concerns among young adults.
• Early intervention programs are crucial for preventing the onset and progression of these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Project Health, a dual obesity and eating disorder prevention program.
• To explore whether adding evaluative conditioning to response/attention training enhances intervention effects.

Main Methods:

• 138 young adults were randomized to either Project Health or an educational video control group.
• The study assessed body fat and eating disorder symptoms at posttest and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Project Health participants showed greater body fat reduction compared to controls at both posttest and 6-month follow-up.
• Eating disorder symptom reduction was significant at 6-month follow-up but not at posttest.
• Adding evaluative conditioning enhanced body fat loss at posttest and eating disorder symptom reduction by posttest.

Conclusions:

• Project Health is effective in promoting body fat loss and preventing weight gain in young adults.
• The addition of evaluative conditioning shows promise in enhancing specific intervention components.
• Further research is needed to optimize eating disorder symptom reduction strategies within such programs.