EEG neurofeedback for children with overweight and obesity: A proof-of-concept study

Current treatment options for childhood overweight and obesity do not sufficiently address underlying neurophysiological disturbances, such as deviations in electroencephalography (EEG)-measured brain activity, which may account for weight loss failure. Therefore, the present proof-of-concept study estimated effects of food-cue based EEG neurofeedback for reducing high beta band activity in 8-14-year-old children with overweight/obesity (OO). As secondary outcomes, eating disorder psychopathology, food preferences, self-regulation, quality of life, body mass index, feasibility and acceptance were analyzed.

Children with OO (N = 20) were offered 10 sessions of EEG neurofeedback over 6 weeks. Assessments prior and after the end of treatment included interview-based, self- and parent-report measures as well as objective anthropometrics.

EEG neurofeedback resulted in a less than small-sized reduction of food-specific high beta band activity pre- vs. post-intervention. Small effects on the reduction of children's standardized body mass index, external eating behavior, and medium to large effects for overeating were documented. Feasibility and acceptance were provided.

Promising results of the present proof-of-concept study indicate the need for further in-depth research with larger samples, adequate control groups, and randomized design.

Potentially, EEG neurofeedback is a valuable, resource-efficient addition to standard treatment options for childhood obesity.