Virtual Third-Wave Intervention for Internalized Weight Bias Combined With a Weight Loss Program

NCT ID: NCT05529758

Last Updated: 2024-03-05

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 28 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2022-08-15
• Study Completion Date: 2023-08-15

Brief Summary

The current study aims to test a third-wave based IWB intervention paired with a standard BWLP delivered through video conferencing software.

Detailed Description

Internalized weight bias (IWB), has been shown to impact mental (e.g., depression and anxiety) and physical health (e.g., cardiometabolic functioning), as well as weight loss and weight loss associated behaviors (e.g., interference with exercise and healthy eating). These associated behaviors especially pose a risk for weight regain and disruption of healthy weight loss. Therefore, given the association between IWB and weight loss associated behaviors, as well as the psychological and health risks associated with IWB, it is clear that IWB interventions are also needed independently and in conjunction with behavioral weight loss programs (BWLPs). Interventions using third-wave strategies (such as acceptance commitment therapy; ACT) have begun to show promise in reducing IWB, but have not yet looked at this therapy in conjunction with a BWLP. Finally, there has also been a growing interest in and need for telehealth-based programs and interventions. The COVID19 pandemic demonstrated a clear need for efficacious telehealth programs, and a further benefit is that these programs may reach populations with limited access to resources (i.e., rural populations). Thus, the current study aims to examine a third-wave based IWB intervention paired with a standard BWLP delivered through video conferencing software.

Conditions

Weight Loss; Weight Prejudice

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NA
• Intervention Model: SINGLE_GROUP
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Intervention Group

Receives internalized weight bias intervention along with standard behavioral weight loss program

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Internalized Weight Bias Intervention

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

ACT-based programs and self-compassion have shown promise throughout research for lowering IWB (Berman et al., 2016; Levin et al., 2018; Lillis et al., 2009; Palmeira, Cunha, \& Pinto-Gouveia, 2017; Palmeira, Pinto-Gouveia, \& Cunha, 2017; Forbes et al., 2020). Therefore, using techniques from prior ACT- and self-compassion based programs, a weight bias reduction intervention will be administered. Session topics will include psychoeducation and coping for weight bias and internal weight bias, and these topics will be viewed through a self-compassionate and ACT-based lens (for example, participants may defuse from internal critical thoughts rather than challenge them). Sessions will also cover acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, committed action, and the dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) DEARMAN skill.

Interventions

Internalized Weight Bias Intervention

ACT-based programs and self-compassion have shown promise throughout research for lowering IWB (Berman et al., 2016; Levin et al., 2018; Lillis et al., 2009; Palmeira, Cunha, \& Pinto-Gouveia, 2017; Palmeira, Pinto-Gouveia, \& Cunha, 2017; Forbes et al., 2020). Therefore, using techniques from prior ACT- and self-compassion based programs, a weight bias reduction intervention will be administered. Session topics will include psychoeducation and coping for weight bias and internal weight bias, and these topics will be viewed through a self-compassionate and ACT-based lens (for example, participants may defuse from internal critical thoughts rather than challenge them). Sessions will also cover acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, committed action, and the dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) DEARMAN skill.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Interested in weight loss

2. 18 or older

3. BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater

4. Higher-than-average levels of IWB

5. Access to internet, along with a web camera and sound, and be able to use video conferencing software and attend weekly online groups, and access to a reliable scale to weigh themselves weekly

Exclusion:

6. Individuals with current use of medication prescribed for weight loss (such as orlistat, sibutramine, or rimonabant)

7. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

East Carolina University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Caroline Porter-

Graduate Student

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Julia C Miller, MA

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

East Carolina University

Locations

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina, United States

Countries

United States

Provided Documents

Document Type: Study Protocol, Statistical Analysis Plan, and Informed Consent Form

View Document

Other Identifiers

22-001438

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id