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Obesity is classified as a chronic disease. Women and men seem to face different obstacles in their attempts to overcome one of the most challenging tasks in the treatment of this disease, namely, weight reduction maintenance. The Common-Sense-Model (CSM) is mainly used to improve the understanding of self-regulation and health behaviour in chronic diseases but has yet to be explored for obesity. This paper applies the CSM to obesity, focussing on the construct of illness representations, which is the basis of health behaviour according to the CSM. A sample of n  = 356 women and n  = 77 men with obesity was investigated to assess the extent that illness representations in obesity are shaped by experiences of weight-cycling and the extent that gender influences their quality. Our results show that the representations of timeline and consequences as well as the emotional representation are particularly influenced by weight-cycling, especially in men. On average, women showed more maladaptive illness representations than men. These findings not only contribute to a better applicability of the CSM in obesity, but also emphasize the importance of gender in obesity research and interventions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Svenja Prill et al.)

Background: Experimental studies reveal that deficits in food‐related inhibitory control, rather than general impulsiveness, are closely linked to overweight and obesity. To date, the real‐world implications remain unknown, and it is unclear whether these results are supported in the clinical field. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention with cognitive and behavioral therapeutic elements in altering impulsiveness and food‐related inhibitory control. Methods: Prespecified secondary outcome analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Participants with overweight/obesity (BMI: M = 33.35 kg/m2, SD = 3.79 kg/m2, N = 213) were randomly assigned to either a 12‐week mHealth intervention (n = 116) or wait‐list control group (n = 97). The Barratt‐Impulsiveness‐Scale (BIS‐15) and the Food‐Related Inhibitory Control Scale (FRIS) were administered at baseline (T0) following the intervention (T1), at 9 and 15 month post baseline (T2, T3). Multi‐level analyses were calculated. Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group reported higher food‐related inhibitory control on several subscales of the FRIS: In Withholding in Social Situations at T1 (95% CI: 0.06–0.46) and T2 (95%CI: 0.09–0.50), Action Cancellation at T1 (95%CI: 0.05–0.45), Resisting despite Craving at T1 (95% CI: 0.07–0.49), Withstanding Rewarding Food at T2 (95%CI: 0.08–0.55) and Action Withholding at T3 (95% CI: 0.01–0.55). No differences were found for trait impulsiveness (T1: 95%CI: −1.91–0.47; T2: 95%CI: −1.65–0.84; T3: 95%CI: −0.88–1.67). Conclusions: Food‐related inhibitory control, rather than global measures of impulsiveness, addresses the critical association between inhibitory control and health‐conscious dietary choices and can be improved by mHealth intervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04080193 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affect is known to be predictive of and enhanced by higher physical activity (PA) levels in the general population. This secondary analysis aimed to increase the understanding of the bi-directional relationship between PA and core affect (i.e. valence, energetic arousal, and calmness) among adults with higher body weight. Affect and PA were assessed in naturalistic settings via ecological momentary assessment using a mixed sampling scheme from 157 participants (body mass index: 32.99 ± 3.78 kg/m2). Multilevel models revealed that being more physically active in the 15 minutes prior to the assessment predicted an increase in energetic arousal and a decrease in calmness. Subsequently, feeling more energetic and agitated was associated with increased PA within the following 15 minutes. Valence (i.e. pleasure–displeasure) was not associated with PA nor predictive of subsequent PA. Digital PA interventions may target the enhancement of feelings of energy and present psychoeducation about these distinct psychological benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide, the number of digital weight loss interventions has also risen. However, these interventions often lack theoretical background and data on long-term effectiveness. The consideration of individual and gender differences in weight-related psychological parameters might enhance the efficacy and sustainability of mobile-based weight loss interventions. Objective: This paper presented an introduction to and the process evaluation of a 12-week gender-sensitive mobile health (mHealth) weight loss intervention (I-GENDO) combining computer-based and self-tailoring features. Methods: Between August 2020 and August 2021, individuals with overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m²), those with obesity class I (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m²), and those with obesity class II (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m²) were recruited to the I-GENDO project, a multicenter study in Germany. The mHealth intervention aimed at targeting individual psychological factors associated with the development and persistence of overweight and obesity (eg, emotional eating) using computer-based tailoring. Moreover, the intervention took a gender-sensitive approach by implementing self-tailoring of gender-targeted module versions. The computer-based assignment of the main modules, self-selection of gender-targeted module versions, and use patterns were evaluated while considering gender. Moreover, gender differences in the usability assessment were analyzed. Results: Data from the intervention arm of the study were processed. A total of 116 individuals with overweight and obesity (77/116, 66.4% women; age mean 47.28, SD 11.66 years; BMI mean 33.58, SD 3.79 kg/m²) were included in the analyses. Overall, the compliance (90/109, 82.6%) and satisfaction with the app (mean 86% approval) were high and comparable with those of other mobile weight loss interventions. The usability of the intervention was rated with 71% (5.0/7.0 points) satisfaction. More women obtained the main module that focused on emotion regulation skills. Most men and women selected women-targeted versions of the main modules. Women used the app more frequently and longer than men. However, women and men did not differ in the progress of use patterns throughout the intervention. Conclusions: We developed a tailored gender-sensitive mHealth weight loss intervention. The usability of and engagement with the intervention were satisfactory, and the overall satisfaction with the intervention was also high. Gender differences must be considered in the evaluation of the effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Diagnostic criteria for food addiction (FA) were proposed with the development of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) by applying the seven DSM-IV-TR criteria of substance dependence. The YFAS was revised (YFAS 2.0) according to the 11 DSM-5-criteria for substance use disorders. This article addresses the prevalence of FA in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED) and/or obesity and the application of experimental paradigms from addiction research to eating and weight disorders. Methods: Focused narrative review. Results: YFAS 2.0-FA diagnoses are particularly frequent in individuals with BN, BED and/or obesity. Several experimental paradigms known from addiction research have been adapted for eating and weight disorders, and indicate parallels with addictive disorders. However, most studies did not assess FA. Conclusions: A subgroup of patients with BN, BED and/or obesity shows addiction-like eating based on YFAS 2.0 scores. Experimental studies suggest that the same mechanisms that are relevant to the development and maintenance of substance use disorders or behavioral addictions may be important. It remains unclear whether those patients suffer from FA. Future studies should systematically assess FA symptoms and further investigate the clinical utility of the FA concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: It is assumed that a relevant subgroup of individuals experiences an addiction-like eating behaviour (Food Addiction), characterized by an impaired control over eating behaviour, emotional eating and food craving. Individuals experiencing Food Addiction partially share common symptomatology with Binge-Eating-Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Food Addiction, general psychopathology, and associations with weight- and addiction-related constructs in individuals with overweight and obesity, who did not suffer from Binge-Eating-Disorder or Bulimia Nervosa. Methods: N =213 (67.1% female; MBMI=33.35kg/m2, SDBMI=3.79kg/m2) participants who were included in a weight loss program (I-GENDO project) reported BMI and completed questionnaires before the start of the treatment. Food Addiction severity, depressive symptoms, alcohol use disorder, internet use disorder, psychological distress, impulsivity personality trait, impulsive and emotional eating behaviour, food related inhibitory control, weight bias internalization, and self-efficacy were assessed. Results: The prevalence of Food Addiction was 15% with higher, although not statistically significant, prevalence in female (18.2%) compared to male (8.6%) participants. Food Addiction was associated with higher BMI at baseline assessment, low self-esteem, impulsive and emotional eating behaviour, weight bias internalization, and deficits in food-related inhibitory control. In addition, correlations were found between Food Addiction and severity of depressive symptoms, internet use disorder, and psychological distress. Conclusion: A relevant subgroup of participants experiences Food Addiction even when controlling for Binge-Eating-Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa. Future studies are warranted that investigate whether Food Addiction affects treatment success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]