The Effects of a “Health at Every Size®”-Based Approach in Obese Women: A Pilot-Trial of the “Health and Wellness in Obesity” Study

Abstract

This study explored the effects of Health at Every Size®-based intervention on obese women by qualitatively evaluating participants’ perception toward the program and quantitatively evaluating changes related to psychological, behavioral, and body composition assessments. A prospective 1-year quasi-experimental mixed-method trial was conducted. The mixed-method design was characterized by a spiral method, and quantitative and qualitative findings were combined during the interpretation phase. The qualitative data involved three focus groups; and quantitative data comprised physiological, psychological, and behavioral assessments. Initially, 30 participants were recruited; 14 concluded the intervention. From the focus groups, the following interpretative axes were constructed: the intervention as a period of discoveries; shifting parameters: psychological, physical, and behavioral changes; eating changes, and; redefining success. Body weight, body mass index, total body fat mass, and body fat percentage were significantly decreased after the intervention (−3.6, −3.2, −13.0, and −11.1%, respectively; p ≤ 0.05, within-time effect). Participants reported to be more physically active and perceiving better their bodies. Eating-wise, participants reported that the hunger and satiety cues and the consumption of more frequent meals facilitated their eating changes. Finally, participants reported that they could identify feelings with eating choices and refrain from the restrained behavior. These qualitative improvements were accompanied by modest but significant improvements in quantitative assessments. Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT02102061.

Item Response Theory-based validation of a short form of the Disordered Eating Attitude Scale (DEAS-s) to a Brazilian sample

“…In conclusion, considering that disordered eating must be widely evaluated because of its prevalence and consequences -and must not be confused with classical eating disorder symptoms -, we need a proper instrument. DEAS had shown its possibilities in previous studies 3,34,35,52,53,54,55,56,57 , but DEAS-s provided by this study could amplify its use and bring more knowledge on dysfunctional feelings, thoughts, behaviors and relationship with food.…”

Effects of a new intervention based on the Health at Every Size approach for the management of obesity: The “Health and Wellness in Obesity” study

“…The nutritional sessions lasted for 45 minutes and were conducted by dietitians, who had a bachelor degree in Nutrition. A full description of the nutritional intervention may be found elsewhere [ 18 – 20 ].…”

“…In a pilot study, we showed that a 1-year HAES ® -based intervention comprising an exercise program, nutrition counseling, and philosophical workshops led to improvements in body composition, body dissatisfaction, perception of body size, and symptoms of binge eating in addition to participants reporting behavioral and attitudinal changes towards eating and physical activity, as well as improved food choices [ 18 , 19 ]. However, the study had a quasi-experimental design, a small sample size, and did not evaluate cardiovascular risk factors.…”

Training Dieters to Eat Intuitively with a Mobile Application

“…It is anticipated that this intuitive eating app will be a more affordable and accessible way to learn how to eat intuitively as compared with in-person classes or coaching sessions. By incorporating the HBM constructs into the design, by acting as a virtual coach, with minimal barriers, using cues to action, and receiving immediate feedback, it is expected to be effective in training individuals to eat intuitively (Bacon & Aphramor, 2011;Conroy et al, 2014;Ulian et al, 2015;Van Dyke & Drinkwater, 2014). In a recent review of 26 research papers, cross sectional studies found intuitive eating to be related to healthy weight, healthy eating choices, and healthy eating behaviors (Van Dyke & Drinkwater, 2014).…”