Effectiveness of nurse-led intervention on eating triggers for weight control: a quasi-experimental study

Overweight and obesity remain significant public health challenges requiring urgent solutions. Despite progress, these conditions continue to rise globally, underscoring the need for more robust and innovative approaches. Therefore, this non-randomized quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention on eating triggers for weight control among adults with obesity.

This non-randomized quasi-experimental study included 128 participants recruited through convenience sampling and allocated into an intervention group (n = 64) and a control group (n = 64). The sample consisted of 78 women (60.9%) and 50 men (39.1%). The intervention group received a tailored nurse-led educational and behavioral program over a three-month period, while the control group received standard recommendations. Participants were assessed using a food triggers questionnaire before and after the intervention. The primary outcome was change in eating trigger scores and the secondary outcome was change in Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to control for potential confounding variables.

The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in total eating trigger scores compared with the control group (Mean difference = -11.890, P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.469). Additionally, the results showed the BMI decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (Mean difference = -8.005, P < 0.001), partial η² = 0.713.

This study demonstrates that a nurse-led intervention was effective in reducing eating trigger scores and improving BMI among adults with obesity following a three-month intervention period. Further studies with extended follow-up periods are recommended to evaluate the long-term sustainability of these outcomes.