Sun, Dec 28, 2025
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Ethics code: IR.UT.IRICSS.REC.1401.037
1- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies
Abstract: (24 Views)
Introduction: Obesity and overweight are major public health challenges, and conventional weight loss strategies often lack long-term effectiveness. Research has shown that Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) can be effective in weight reduction and cravings for unhealthy foods. This study designed an online intervention based on EFT and examined its content validity and effectiveness on Body Mass Index (BMI) and food cravings.
Methods: The study employed a mixed-method experimental design (qualitative-quantitative) with a pre-test-post-test within-group structure. In the qualitative phase, the initial version of the intervention was reviewed and improved with the participation of five women. Subsequently, the content validity of the intervention was evaluated by 11 specialists in psychology and obesity treatment. In the quantitative phase, 26 overweight or obese women participated in a five-session online intervention. BMI and food cravings were assessed before and after the intervention through self-reported height and weight and a food craving questionnaire.
Findings: The mean BMI of participants decreased from 30.61 (SD=4.7) in the pre-test to 29.94 (SD=4.6) in the post-test. The intervention demonstrated acceptable content validity (CVI=0.9) and effectively contributed to weight loss (Cohen’s D=0.568, p-value=0.008). It also significantly reduced food cravings (Cohen’s D=-0.779, p-value<0.001).
Conclusion: These results support the use of Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) in weight management interventions and underscore the need for further research to refine this approach in light of the limitations of this preliminary study.
Methods: The study employed a mixed-method experimental design (qualitative-quantitative) with a pre-test-post-test within-group structure. In the qualitative phase, the initial version of the intervention was reviewed and improved with the participation of five women. Subsequently, the content validity of the intervention was evaluated by 11 specialists in psychology and obesity treatment. In the quantitative phase, 26 overweight or obese women participated in a five-session online intervention. BMI and food cravings were assessed before and after the intervention through self-reported height and weight and a food craving questionnaire.
Findings: The mean BMI of participants decreased from 30.61 (SD=4.7) in the pre-test to 29.94 (SD=4.6) in the post-test. The intervention demonstrated acceptable content validity (CVI=0.9) and effectively contributed to weight loss (Cohen’s D=0.568, p-value=0.008). It also significantly reduced food cravings (Cohen’s D=-0.779, p-value<0.001).
Conclusion: These results support the use of Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) in weight management interventions and underscore the need for further research to refine this approach in light of the limitations of this preliminary study.
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/01/8 | Accepted: 2025/08/17
Received: 2025/01/8 | Accepted: 2025/08/17
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