Learning theorists suggest extinction learning to be a central mechanism in weight loss success; however, empirical studies are scarce. In this pilot study, it was examined whether individual differences in extinction learning predict outcome after weight loss treatment. Overweight and obese individuals first completed a laboratory conditioning task in which individual differences in extinction learning were assessed. Next, they were randomised to one of two weight loss interventions: cue exposure therapy (CET), which is considered the clinical analogue of laboratory extinction, or a control lifestyle intervention. In line with expectations, better extinction learning in the laboratory task was associated with more weight loss at both post‐treatment (CET only) and follow‐up (both interventions) measurements. In contrast, two other indices of treatment success (reduction in overeating expectancies and ad libitum food intake during a laboratory taste test) showed no associations with pre‐treatment extinction learning. It is suggested that extinction learning may be a core mechanism underlying weight loss success, and hence, an important target for new obesity interventions.

中文翻译：

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一项关于灭绝学习的个体差异预测了治疗后的体重减轻

学习理论家认为，灭绝学习是减肥成功的重要机制。但是，实证研究很少。在这项前瞻性研究中，研究了灭绝学习中的个体差异是否可以预测减肥治疗后的结果。超重和肥胖的人首先完成了实验室调节任务，其中评估了灭绝学习中的个体差异。接下来，他们被随机分配到两种减肥干预措施中的一种：提示暴露疗法（CET）（被认为是实验室灭绝的临床类似物）或对照生活方式干预措施。与期望相符，在实验室工作中更好的灭绝学习与在后处理（仅适用于CET）和后续测量（均包括干预措施）下的体重减轻有关。相反，治疗成功的其他两个指标（在实验室味道测试中减少暴饮暴食的期望和随意进食）显示与治疗前的灭绝学习没有关联。建议灭绝学习可能是成功减肥的核心机制，因此，这是新的肥胖干预措施的重要目标。