4 - (SYM 70) Feasibility, Acceptability, and Initial Efficacy of a Single-session Intervention for Loss Of
control Eating in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period of increased vulnerability for disordered eating, especially loss-of-control

(LOC) eating, which is linked to poor maternal and infant outcomes. Food cravings, highly

prevalent in pregnancy, are potent and highly modifiable triggers for LOC eating. This study

examined the acceptability, feasibility, and initial efficacy of a single-session, self-guided,

acceptance-based online workshop targeting food cravings as predictors of LOC eating in

pregnancy. Acceptance-based approaches have been shown to effectively reduce the adverse

impacts of craving on behavior in diverse domains. Participants (n=130) in the second trimester

with current food cravings were recruited via the online platform Prolific and randomized to the

workshop (n=65) or no-treatment control (n=65). Workshop activities focused on clarifying

values, fostering acceptance, defusion, and present-moment awareness, and encouraging mindful

eating. Modules included educational texts and videos, brief exercises and reflections, and

knowledge checks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, one-month follow-up, and at the

time of the expected due date. Of those randomized to the intervention, 46 participants

completed the workshop (median time = 54mins). The workshop was well received, with

participants rating it as logical (M=7.2/9) and likely to help with eating-related concerns

(M=6.5/9). Pre-workshop, 60% of strategies participants listed for managing cravings were

control-based and likely ineffective. After the workshop, 87% identified avoidance as

ineffective, and 97.8% correctly described suppression as ineffective and likely to increase

craving intensity. Following a mindful eating activity, 95.7% reported positive experiences such

as slowing down, savoring, and feeling less anxious while eating. At one-month follow-up,

controlling for age, gestational weeks, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, and baseline depression,

workshop participants showed a significant reduction in frequency of LOC eating (p=.02,

ηp2=.07), while LOC frequency on average increased in the control group. Notably, this decrease

in LOC eating in intervention participants was successfully maintained through the end of

pregnancy. These findings highlight the promise of this intervention for reducing disordered

eating during pregnancy and lay the groundwork for broader dissemination into routine perinatal

care.