About
Given the increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents and the economic burdens involved for modern societies, new technologies offer unique opportunities for cost-effective interventions. Given the significant association between eating problems, particularly binge eating, and overweight, research has demanded the creation of new alliances between the two fields. This project aims to: A) develop and test the effectiveness of an internet-based intervention (IB) for overweight/obese adolescents; B) investigate the psychological, hormonal, and neurocognitive correlates of binge eating and its association with weight outcomes.
The IB intervention will include three different functionalities: 1) a 6-month CBT psychoeducational program; 2) Direct contact with a professional through individual chat sessions; and 3) A self-monitoring system that will include progress charts and automatic reward feedback messages. A randomized controlled trial will compare a control group of adolescents (ages 13 to 18) receiving usual medical treatment for overweight/obesity at a central hospital (mTAU-G, n = 80), and an intervention group that will receive mTAU plus our IB intervention (IB-G, n = 80). All participants will respond to a set of self-report psychological measures at baseline, midpoint (3 months), end of treatment (6 months), and a 6-month follow-up. A face-to-face interview will be conducted to assess the presence of problematic eating behaviors.
To investigate binge eating correlates, hormonal and neurocognitive assessment will also be conducted at the beginning and end of treatment. Hormones implicated in eating behavior will be evaluated: Ghrelin; Leptin; Peptide YY; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; and Oxytocin. Neurocognitive tasks will assess executive function (inhibitory control and delay of gratification) through Go/NoGo tasks and delay discounting.
This project brings together experts from different areas. The CIPsiUM team has been testing and developing IB interventions for weight and eating control, and investigating neurocognitive mechanisms of compulsive problems. The PI has a long history of collaboration with members of the São João Hospital Center, where the sample will be recruited. Finally, international consultants have extensive experience in psychological and hormonal factors in compulsive intake.
The innovation of this project lies in the use of a digital platform to continuously reinforce and guide patients while providing a tool for healthcare professionals to access their progress. Finally, by providing a comprehensive understanding of different facets of binge eating, we hope to explain the mechanisms through which excessive eating is shaped.
