Abstract Background The prevalence of obesity in India has reached epidemic levels with 40.3% living with overweight or obesity. Problematic eating behaviours have been implicated in the development and maintenance of overweight and obesity. Conventional cognitive-behavioural intervention for eating disorders has not shown favourable long-term outcomes in weight management. Recent research has indicated early evidence for using cognitive remediation therapy (CRT-O) for eating disorders including disordered eating behaviours in those living with overweight and obesity. We conducted a feasibility study through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 70 young Indian adults with obesity or overweight. We also obtained participant feedback post-intervention, to identify putative contributing factors to the study outcomes. Methodology Fifteen young adult participants completed 28 sessions of CRT-O intervention program for their weight management. On trial completion, participants were randomly selected to provide their feedback and experience of their participation. A semi-structured qualitative interview was conducted. Transcripts were semantically coded and thematic analysis was done. Results Thematic analysis yielded six themes: 1. gaining new insights into their eating habits; 2. self-reported changes in eating behaviours; 3. self-reported behavioural changes; 4. perceived physical benefits; 5. perceived psychological benefits; 6. perceptions about the CRT-program. The sub-themes that emerged indicated general acceptance of the CRT-O intervention and its potential translation in real life. Conclusions This study showed improved metacognitive awareness on participants’ eating behaviours. Additionally, the findings indicated that participants developed an improved ability to resist several highly palatable but unhealthy foods. Participants also reported experiencing more self-control in their food grazing habits and reported that this led to a better ability to manage their weight.
Susilkumar et al. (Fri,) studied this question.