Effectiveness of a text-messaging intervention on intuitive eating: a randomised controlled trial

Intuitive eating (IE) is a concept based on mind–body integration of instinct, emotion and rational thought, to improve eating behaviours, physical and mental health. Several attempts were developed to teach IE principles including text-messaging interventions given that they are easy to implement and low cost. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 5-week text message-based IE intervention on IE, while correcting for perceived stress (PS) and self-compassion (SC). DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Online, in Lebanon. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (n 195) were randomised into one of three groups: the active IE group receiving IE-related messages with a practice exercise, the passive IE group receiving only IE-related messages and the control group receiving general health-related tips. Ten messages were delivered over 5 weeks. Two follow-ups were made: directly post-intervention and 7 weeks later. Baseline data and follow-ups included demographics, nutrition-related variables and measures of IE, SC and PS. RESULTS: Results indicated improvements in IE scores in the two intervention groups (P = 0·05), with the passive IE group showing the most improvement. Also, a significant improvement in SC (Λ = 0·88, F (2, 63) = 4·40, P = 0·01) and reduction in PS (Λ = 0·86, F (2, 63) = 5·21, P = 0·008) were observed in the active IE group. CONCLUSION: Text-messaging interventions might be efficient in enhancing IE. Results shed light on the need for further large-scale interventions that use visual aids and provide practical guidance to teach IE, while further characterising the relation between IE, SC and stress.