The MB-EAT Smart Teen Study

What this study is about

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.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Have access to a mobile/tablet device with internet access
• Are aged 12-17.5 years
• Are waitlisted or have recently been waitlised for treatment at CHAL at CHEO
• Are willing and capable to sign consent/assent forms
• Have the ability to complete the study in English

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Are currently enrolled in psychotherapy or a weight management program
• Have previously been diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa, purging subtype
• Have previously been diagnosed with a condition that may impair cognition and neurodevelopment, particularly Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and Fragile X Syndrome
• Have previously been diagnosed with ASD
• Have had a concussion or brain injury in the past 6-months.

Where this trial is running

• Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Karina Branje · 613-737-7600 · kbranje@cheo.on.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07130838.