Examining the efficacy of a telehealth intervention targeting addictive eating in Australian adults (the TRACE Programme): a randomised controlled trial protocol

'Do no harm' - the impact of an intervention for addictive eating on disordered eating behaviours in Australian adults: secondary analysis of the TRACE randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Designing interventions to change addictive eating behaviours is a complex process and understanding the treatment effect on co-occurring disordered eating behaviours is of importance. This study aimed to explore treatment effects of the TRACE (Targeted Research for Addictive and Compulsive Eating) intervention for addictive eating on eating disorder psychopathology, binge eating, reward driven eating and grazing behaviours.

METHODS

This study involved secondary analysis of data from a randomised control trial among 175 participants (18-85 yrs) endorsing ≥ 3 Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) symptoms who were randomly allocated to (1) active intervention, (2) passive intervention, or (3) control group. Change in YFAS, EDE-Q 6.0, Binge Eating Scale, RED-X5 and Short Inventory of Grazing scores were assessed at 3-months (immediate post-intervention) and 6-months (3-months post-intervention) follow-up.

RESULTS

Using Linear Mixed Models, from baseline to 3-months there was a significant reduction in eating disorder global scores in the active intervention [mean decrease - 0.6 (95% CI: -0.8, -0.4)], but not in the passive intervention [-0.2 (95% CI: -0.5, 0.1)] or control groups [-0.1 (95% CI: -0.3, 0.1)]. In the active and passive intervention groups there were significant reductions in reward driven eating [-3.8 (95% CI: -4.9, -2.7; -2.5 (95% CI: -3.9, -1.1), respectively], compulsive grazing (-1.8 (95% CI: -2.4, -1.3); -1.1 (95% CI: -1.7, -0.5), respectively] and non-compulsive grazing scores (-1.4 (95% CI: -1.9, -1.0); -1.1 (95% CI: -1.7, -0.4), respectively], but not in the control group. The reduction in binge eating scores over time was similar for all groups. The reduction in addictive eating symptoms from baseline to 3-months was positively associated with the reduction in eating disorder global scores, binge eating, reward driven eating and grazing behaviours (rs ranged from 0.23 to 0.69).

CONCLUSION

The dietitian-led TRACE intervention which adopted a weight-neutral, harm reduction approach for the management of addictive eating in adults demonstrated positive effects on some co-occurring disordered eating behaviours. Importantly the intervention did not cause any adverse changes in the eating disorder pathologies measured.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12621001079831.

Cost-utility and cost consequence of a telehealth intervention targeting improvement in addictive eating for Australian adults (the TRACE program)

BACKGROUND

The TRACE (Targeted Research for Addictive and Compulsive Eating) intervention was evaluated in a 3-month randomized controlled trial which demonstrated significant improvement in Yale Food Addiction Scale scores favoring dietitian-led telehealth (active intervention) compared with passive and control groups. This study aimed to determine intervention costs and cost-utility.

METHODS

Costs of each intervention (2021$AUD) and incremental net monetary benefit (iNMB; incremental benefit, defined as Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) gained, multiplied by willingness to pay threshold minus incremental cost) were calculated to estimate differences between groups.

RESULTS

The active intervention (n = 38) cost $294 (95% UI: $266, $316) per person compared to $47 (95% UI: $40, $54) in the passive intervention (n = 24), and $26 in the control group (n = 37). At a cost-effectiveness threshold of $50 000 per QALY score gained, the active intervention iNMB was -$186 (95% UI: -$1137, $834) and the passive group $127 (95% UI: -$1137, $834). Compared to the control group, estimates indicate a 30% chance of the active intervention, and a 60% chance of the passive intervention being cost effective.

CONCLUSION

Although the overall cost of the active intervention was low, this was not considered cost-effective in comparison to the passive intervention, given small QALY score gains.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12621001079831.

The Impact of Food Environments on Midlife Australian Adults With Addictive Eating Behaviors

Research into addictive eating has gained traction over recent years, however there is still debate among experts surrounding the nature of the condition. Using reflexive thematic analysis this paper considers addictive eating through a participant focused lens, specifically focussing on the phenomena of the food environment and its impact on individuals with addictive eating. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore the participants' (n = 10) perspectives with addictive eating. After completion of interviews, six main themes were constructed; Relating to the food environment impact was Convenience of processed foods, which encompassed two subthemes; the Easy option, and, Essential for survival; It's what I can afford; Relating to fad diets and addictive eating was Consciousness; Unmaintainable and unsustainable; Cutting though the noise; and Being a part of the group. This study highlights the need to support consumers to consider ways in which fresh foods can be made more accessible and convenience foods made more healthful, and what support can be provided to food-insecure adults living with food-insecurity.

The effectiveness of the TRACE online nutrition intervention in improving dietary intake, sleep quality and physical activity levels for Australian adults with food addiction: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Few interventions for food addiction (FA) report on dietary intake variables. The present study comprised a three-arm randomised controlled trial in adults with symptoms of FA. The aim was to evaluate dietary intake, sleep and physical activity resulting from a dietitian-led telehealth intervention at 3 months.

METHODS

Adults with ≥3 symptoms of FA and a body mass index > 18.5 kg/m2 were recruited. Dietary intake including energy, nutrients and diet quality were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire in addition to sleep quality and physical activity (total min) and compared between groups and over time. Personalised dietary goals set by participants were examined to determine whether improvements in percent energy from core and non-core foods were reported.

RESULTS

The active intervention group was superior compared to the passive intervention and control groups for improvements in percent energy from core (6.4%/day [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.0 to 12.9], p = 0.049), non-core foods (-6.4%/day [95% CI -12.9 to 0.0], p = 0.049), sweetened drinks (-1.7%/day [95% CI -2.9 to -0.4], p = 0.013), takeaway foods (-2.3%/day [95% CI -4.5 to -0.1], p = 0.045) and sodium (-478 mg/day [95% CI -765 to -191 mg], p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A dietitian-led telehealth intervention for Australian adults with FA found significant improvements in dietary intake variables. Setting personalised goals around nutrition and eating behaviours was beneficial for lifestyle change.

A three-arm randomised controlled trial of a telehealth intervention targeting improvement in addictive eating for Australian adults (the TRACE program)

There is a substantial research base for addictive eating with development of interventions. The current 3-arm RCT aimed to investigate the efficacy of the TRACE (Targeted Research for Addictive and Compulsive Eating) program to decrease addictive eating symptoms and improve mental health. Participants (18-85 yrs) endorsing ≥3 addictive eating symptoms were randomly allocated to 1) active intervention, 2) passive intervention, or 3) control group. Primary outcome was change in addictive eating symptoms 3-months post-baseline measured by the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Depression, anxiety and stress were also assessed. A total of 175 individuals were randomised. Using Linear Mixed Models, from baseline to 3-months, there was significant improvement in symptom scores in all groups with mean decrease of 4.7 (95% CI: -5.8, -3.6; p < 0.001), 3.8 (95% CI: -5.2, -2.4; p < 0.001) and 1.5 (95% CI: -2.6, -0.4; p = 0.01) respectively. Compared with the control group, participants in the active intervention were five times more likely to achieve a clinically significant change in symptom scores. There was a significant reduction in depression scores in the active and passive intervention groups, but not control group [-2.9 (95% CI: -4.5, -1.3); -2.3 (95% CI: -4.3, -0.3); 0.5 (95% CI: -1.1, 2.1), respectively]; a significant reduction in stress scores within the active group, but not passive intervention or control groups [-1.3 (95% CI: -2.2, -0.5); -1.0 (95% CI: -2.1, 0.1); 0.4 (95% CI: -0.5, 1.2), respectively]; and the reduction in anxiety scores over time was similar for all groups. A dietitian-led telehealth intervention for addictive eating in adults was more effective than a passive or control condition in reducing addictive eating scores from baseline to 6 months. Trial registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12621001079831.

Exploring Psychological Constructs in People Receiving Treatment for Addictive Eating Behaviours: "I Hate Loving Food as Much as I Do"

Research into the complexities of addictive eating behaviours continues to develop, as a deeper understanding of this construct beyond self-report diagnostic tools emerges. In this study, we undertook structured interviews with 40 participants engaged in a personality-based management program for addictive eating, to gain insight into what situations lead people with addictive eating behaviours to overeat, and how they believe their lives would be different if they had control over their eating. A phenomenological analysis to explore compulsion and control in the context of food experiences for participants was used to construct two main themes of the addictive eating paradox and striving to transition from 'other' to 'normal'. The addictive eating paradox identified multiple contradictory experiences of a situation, e.g., 'loving food' but 'hating food'. Striving to transition from 'other' to 'normal' encompassed the idea that participants envisaged that by gaining control over their eating they could become 'normal'. This study emphasises the need to provide support and strategies to help people navigate paradoxical thoughts and presents new ideas to increase the effectiveness of interventions for individuals struggling with the complex self-beliefs held by those with addictive eating behaviours.