Decreasing attentional bias for food cues in satiated women with obesity: a pilot study examining feasibility and acceptability.

Agaricus blazei

Metabolic health

SpeciesAlmond Mushroom, ABM

JournalPilot and feasibility studies

Year2025

Key points

BACKGROUND: Attentional bias to food when in a satiated state may promote dysfunctional food intake, thereby counteracting the wish to reduce weight in people with obesity
Reducing attentional bias when satiated via an attention bias modification (ABM) procedure may thus be a helpful intervention to reduce obesity
OBJECTIVE: As an important first step, this study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a relatively high-dose ABM using the Bouncing Image Training task (BITT) in individuals with obesity
RESULTS: Findings indicated that for the targeted group of women with obesity, it was acceptable and feasible to self-apply the training-sessions within the required satiated state
Adding further to the feasibility/acceptability of the current approach, the intervention received a rating between neutral and positive, and there was no evidence for an adverse effect (i.e., no increase) on craving
CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the feasibility of setting the critical next step of testing the BITT's efficacy to facilitate a decrease in attentional bias to food cues and a decrease in food intake in women with obesity

Metadata-grounded summary

Citation abstract

BACKGROUND: Attentional bias to food when in a satiated state may promote dysfunctional food intake, thereby counteracting the wish to reduce weight in people with obesity. Reducing attentional bias when satiated via an attention bias modification (ABM) procedure may thus be a helpful intervention to reduce obesity.

OBJECTIVE: As an important first step, this study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a relatively high-dose ABM using the Bouncing Image Training task (BITT) in individuals with obesity. The intervention required engagement in self-applied ABM sessions while in a satiated state (i.e., after a regular meal).

METHODS: Participants were 25 women aged between 18 and 35 with obesity (body mass index > 30) and with an intention to diet. They were instructed to perform the food-based BITT as a daily ABM training for 3 weeks within their home context and following a regular meal. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively.

RESULTS: Findings indicated that for the targeted group of women with obesity, it was acceptable and feasible to self-apply the training-sessions within the required satiated state. There was no dropout, and completing > 80% of trials was achieved: 92% of the sessions, 97% of those on the intended day, and 94% in a satiated state. Adding further to the feasibility/acceptability of the current approach, the intervention received a rating between neutral and positive, and there was no evidence for an adverse effect (i.e., no increase) on craving.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the feasibility of setting the critical next step of testing the BITT's efficacy to facilitate a decrease in attentional bias to food cues and a decrease in food intake in women with obesity.

TEASER TEXT: Attention bias modification (ABM) in obesity should be applied when satiated. Feasibility and acceptability of a daily 3-week ABM program were assessed. The program was acceptable and feasible.

Citation

Jonker NC, de Jong RW, de Jong PJ (2025). Decreasing attentional bias for food cues in satiated women with obesity: a pilot study examining feasibility and acceptability. Pilot and feasibility studies https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-025-01756-9 PMID: 41454421

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