Neurofeedback against subclinical binge eating in women: a randomized controlled trial with two control groups

Abstract

Background: Binge eating episodes are common phenomena among women, posing a vulnerability factor for the development of obesity and associated health problems. Especially stress and food cue confrontation elicit binge eating. Based on these factors and associated neurophysiological patterns, a cue-exposure neurofeedback (NF) protocol was developed as an intervention to reduce binging. Effectiveness of the ten-session NF was evaluated in comparison to a mental imagery treatment (MI) and a waitlist group (WL). Methods: Female participants (N=75) were randomly assigned to NF, MI, or WL, reporting binge eating episodes, stress, dietary and somatic self-efficacy before and after the treatment or waiting period. Completer data (NF/MI: each n=18; WL: n=21) were analyzed with ANCOVAs and post-hoc tests. Findings: Only NF resulted in a significant reduction of binging and an enhancement of dietary self-efficacy compared to the WL (gs > .65). Still, both interventions yielded beneficial effects on perceived stress and somatic self-efficacy, accompanied by high acceptance ratings. Discussion: Due to specific effectiveness, neurofeedback may serve as a promising approach to reduce binging and prevent negative health effects associated with this eating disturbance.