Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment for Individuals With Food Addiction

Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment for Individuals With Food Addiction

The purpose of this research study is to examine how well an existing weight loss treatment works for individuals with food addiction. Treatment will consist of a preliminary 12-week RCT pilot of the feasibility and effectiveness of behavioral weight loss (BWL) compared to a waitlist control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 25-50 kg/m2
• Meets criteria for Food Addiction (based on the self-report score from the Yale Food Addiction Scale)
• Available for the duration of the treatment (3 months)
• Read, comprehend, and write English at a sufficient level to complete study-related materials.
• Availability of internet to participate in study interventions (i.e., electronic SMART scales)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Co-existing psychiatric condition that requires hospitalization or more intensive treatment (e.g., bipolar mood disorders, psychotic illnesses, severe depression).
• Reports active suicidal or homicidal ideation
• Current anorexia or bulimia nervosa
• Endorsing current or history of heart trouble/chest pain.
• Breast-feeding or pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the study.
• History of stroke or myocardial infarction.
• Current or recent (within 12 months) drug or alcohol dependence
• Currently receiving effective treatment for eating or weight loss, including individual who received bariatric surgery within the past five years
• Currently participating in another clinical study.