eBEfree: Combining Psychoeducation, Mindfulness, and Self‐Compassion in an App‐Based Psychological Intervention to Manage Binge‐Eating Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.1002/eat.24432
• Publication Date: 2025-03-31T13:49:32Z
• Authors: Hugo Senra; Cristiana Duarte; Sérgio A. Carvalho; Luís Simões; Cláudia Ferreira; Lara Palmeira; Marcela Matos; Marina Cunha; Paula Castilho; Bruno Sousa; Luis Cordeiro; José Pinto‐Gouveia
• Keywords: Psychoeducation; Binge eating; Self-Compassion; Compassion

To develop and test the effectiveness of eBEfree program, a 12-session app-based version previously tested psychological intervention (BEfree) that combines psycho-education, self-compassion, mindfulness, Acceptance Commitment Therapy to reduce binge-eating symptoms. Two-hundred participants with recurrent elevated symptoms higher body weight were enrolled in remote parallel-group randomized trial, which 142 completed initial assessment (70 group). The end-of-treatment follow-up assessments conducted 12 weeks after 26 end treatment, respectively. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analyzes undertaken using frequentist linear mixed models Bayesian hierarchical effectiveness. 43 (waitlist control) 29 (intervention) assessment, showing high attrition rate (51%). ITT showed program be associated significant reduction binge eating symptomatology from baseline (β = -9.49, ρ < 0.0001, g -1.17), 26-weeks -6.01, 0.04, -1.08). At end-of-treatment, was also decrease mass index depression symptomatology, as well an improvement dimensions self-criticism mindfulness. More than 80% rated quality positive helpful. This trial suggests potential benefits help individuals manage more effectively, weight, improve well-being mental health. should confirmed future larger trials. Treating (BE) comorbidities might challenging for health services. Digital interventions can valuable resource people current (eBEfree program) BE strategies promote Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04101032 ("eBEfree-an ICT Adaptation BEfree").