None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
A growing body of literature emphasises the potential benefits of self-compassion as a new approach to improve the outcomes of nutrition programs by addressing psychological factors such as emotional eating. Online technologies that comprise goal-setting and self-monitoring have also shown promise in increasing healthy dietary behaviours. Therefore, this randomised controlled trial aims to examine the efficacy of an online 12-week intervention that combined self-compassion with goal-setting and self-monitoring to improve dietary habits in people with overweight or obesity compared to the control group.
Interventions
Brief name: Online behavioural intervention with a focus on self-compassion, goal-setting and self-monitoring
Intervention Materials: An online application developed for goal-setting and self-monitoring, along with a website providing information on healthy eating (nutrition information), basic behaviour change techniques, and self-compassion. The basic behaviour change principles such as goal-setting, self-monitoring, problem-solving, and barrier identification to facilitate dietary changes wer
Brief name: Online behavioural intervention with a focus on self-compassion, goal-setting and self-monitoring Intervention Materials: An online application developed for goal-setting and self-monitoring, along with a website providing information on healthy eating (nutrition information), basic behaviour change techniques, and self-compassion. The basic behaviour change principles such as goal-setting, self-monitoring, problem-solving, and barrier identification to facilitate dietary changes were used for the development of the application. Participants were given access to the online application via email containing a web link (URL) to the application webpage, allowing them to create a personal account and password for using the online application. Research staff assisted participants with any query and issues raised during the accounts' set up. Participants were asked to bookmark the application webpage on their personal devices for easy access. The application also provided feedback on participants’ performance and sent email reminders. The nutrition information was based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines 2013 and self-compassion information was partially adapted from the advice and practices developed by Neff and Germer 2013 ( Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K, 2013. A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 6, 28–44.) The information was modified to be more relevant to maladaptive eating behaviour and dietary related psychological distress. Duration: 12 weeks Procedure: Participants then received an email with a link to the study website every four weeks. During the study, participants could contact the investigator by email for further clarification or guidance on all aspects of the study. Participants were advised to adopt two goals (one for nutrition and one for self-compassion) based on the monthly information they received and track their progress on these goals using the online application over the 12-week study period. A list of goal options was available on the website to guide participants in adopting goals. Who delivers the intervention: Material developed by Two nutrition experts (university-qualified nutritionist) with more than 5yrs experience and one academic in psychology. One of the nutritionists provided feedback on participants' performance via email. Mode of Delivery: online and email Number times the intervention delivered: 3 emails each required about 20 minutes to review. Participants needed to meet their set goals and track them daily via an online application provided to them. Duration of app use: approximately 5 minutes for the 12 weeks of the intervention Location: Community setting in Australia Adherence: was measured by the frequency of log-ins and goal achievements.
Sponsors
University of New South Wales
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
• Aged 18 - 55 years • Have a BMI 25 - 40 kg /m2 • Have access to a computer/tablet/smart phone that can run an internet browser for at least 1 hour per week • Be able to read and write English • Be open to changing what they eat and potentially losing weight.
Exclusion criteria
• Have a BMI > 40 kg / m2 or < 25 kg / m2 • Take any weight-loss medications (or have taken any weight-loss medications in the past 6 months) or currently use medication which has substantial weight gain as a common side effect e.g. >20mg of prednisolone (Medications with minor effects on body weight and appetites such as contraceptives and antidepressants are not considered as exclusion criteria). • Suffer from any major medical illness or have a history of major medical illness (in the last 5 years). Major medical illness includes: heart attack, stroke or cancer; or any overt metabolic, respiratory or neurological disease • Current pregnancy or lactationCurrently participating in any other nutrition or weight loss program (e.g. Michelle Bridges’ 12-week Body Transformation) or seeing a nutrition professional (e.g., a dietitian) •Smoking • Weight loss of more than 4.5 kg (10 pounds) during the past 6 months
Outcome results
None listed