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Efficacy of technology-based eating disorder treatment: A meta-analysis

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Abstract

Technology-based interventions have been shown to reduce maladaptive eating behaviors and associated risk factors. Though several reviews have examined the effectiveness of technology-based interventions for eating problems, this is the first meta-analysis focused solely on controlled trials that include participants with threshold eating disorders. Eleven eligible studies were identified. Significant effects favoring technology-based interventions over waitlist/minimal intervention control were found for global eating pathology, eating concern, objective binge episodes, dietary restraint, shape concern, weight concern, bulimia, drive for thinness, and interoceptive awareness. Limitations of the study include evidence of non-random variation in some pooled effect sizes and a lack of studies with anorexia nervosa patients. The results provide preliminary support for technology-based intervention as a promising strategy for the treatment of threshold eating disorders.

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Notes

  1. Fernandez-Aranda et al. (2009) kindly provided additional effect size data upon request.

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This material is the result of work supported with resources and use of the facilities at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.

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  1. Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA

    Taona Patricia Haderlein

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Haderlein, T.P. Efficacy of technology-based eating disorder treatment: A meta-analysis. Curr Psychol 41, 174–184 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00448-x

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