ABSTRACT

Obesity is one the fastest growing public health problems related to numerous chronic diseases and frequently co-occurs with negative mood states. One promising approach to address the heterogeneity of affective vulnerabilities and obesity is to focus on processes (e.g. anxiety sensitivity [AS]) that underpin both conditions. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a brief, computer-delivered AS reduction program (AST) for adults with obesity and elevated AS. Participants were 131 individuals with obesity and elevated AS who received either AST or a health information control (HC). Latent growth curve modeling was utilized to examine the effect of treatment condition on change in AS, emotional eating, expectancies of eating to manage mood, and exercise self-efficacy from baseline to 1-week, 2-weeks, and 1-month follow-up. Results indicated it was feasible to recruit and retain individuals with obesity and elevated AS through the 1-month follow-up. Positive qualitative feedback was also provided for both AST and HC. AST was a statistically significant predictor of change in expectancies of eating to manage negative affect. No other statistically significant treatment effects were indicated. Current data provide initial empirical support for future work focused on persons with obesity and elevated AS.

摘要

肥胖是与许多慢性疾病相关的增长最快的公共​​卫生问题之一，并且经常与负面情绪状态同时发生。解决情感脆弱性和肥胖的异质性的一种有希望的方法是关注支持这两种情况的过程（例如焦虑敏感性 [AS]）。因此，本研究旨在评估一个简短的、计算机交付的 AS 减少计划 (AST) 对肥胖和 AS 升高的成年人的可行性、可接受性和初步疗效。参与者是 131 名肥胖和 AS 升高的个体，他们接受了 AST 或健康信息控制 (HC)。潜在生长曲线模型用于检查治疗条件对 AS 变化、情绪化饮食、饮食管理情绪的预期以及从基线到 1 周的锻炼自我效能的影响，2 周和 1 个月的随访。结果表明，通过 1 个月的随访招募和留住肥胖和 AS 升高的个体是可行的。还为 AST 和 HC 提供了积极的定性反馈。AST 是管理负面影响的饮食预期变化的统计学显着预测因子。没有显示其他具有统计学意义的治疗效果。目前的数据为未来专注于肥胖和 AS 升高的人的工作提供了初步的经验支持。没有显示其他具有统计学意义的治疗效果。目前的数据为未来专注于肥胖和 AS 升高的人的工作提供了初步的经验支持。没有显示其他具有统计学意义的治疗效果。目前的数据为未来专注于肥胖和 AS 升高的人的工作提供了初步的经验支持。