The MB-EAT Smart Teen Study

This two-phase, double-blind, balanced, parallel-group randomized controlled trial evaluates the feasibility, usability, engagement, and clinical impact of an app-based adaptation of the Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT) program for adolescents living with obesity.

MB-EAT, has been shown to reduce binge eating episodes, improve food-related self-control, and decrease depressive symptoms in adults with obesity. The app based program promotes mindful awareness and self-regulation in response to hunger and satiety cues, without caloric restriction.

Youth aged 12-17.5 years who are waitlisted or have recently been waitlisted for treatment at the Centre for Healthy Active Living (CHAL) at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) will be enrolled in a 4-week app-based MB-EAT program (Phase 1, n=10) to evaluate feasibility, usability, and engagement.

Phase 2 is a 12-week randomized controlled trial with 160 participants who will be randomized to the experimental arm (app-based MB-EAT program; 60-90 minutes/week) or an active comparator arm (app-based psychoeducation) to evaluate whether the MB-EAT program improves disinhibited eating. At the end of the intervention, 20 participants will be randomly selected for interviews to explore their experiences with the app.

Additional secondary outcomes in Phase 2 include depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation, dispositional mindfulness, food craving, mindful eating, body image, health-related quality of life, impact of weight on quality of life, internalized weight bias, food impulsivity, and food reinforcement.