Experimental comparison between intensive interventions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for overweight and obese people

This study investigated the effects of an intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compared to an intervention based on Psychoeducation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on weight, body mass index (BMI) and self-reported measures (binge eating and psychological flexibility) in overweight or obese people. It was an experimental study, with two interventions groups: ACT x Psychoeducation/CBT. The groups were evaluated before and after the interventions, with and 5-months follow-up. 72 participants were randomly assigned to the groups. The ACT group presented differences in the development of cognitive defusion and food awareness – emotional response, as well as changing binge eating intensity. The other results, including a weight reduction close to 3%, did not show any significant differences between groups. The results indicate that ACT can be a viable intervention for the modification of the eating behavior function.