The efficacy of an online behavioural intervention for improving dietary habits with a focus on self-compassion, goal-setting and self-monitoring: A randomised controlled trial

Issue addressedTo examine the efficacy of an online intervention that combined self-compassion with goal-setting and self-monitoring to improve dietary habits. MethodsAustralian adults with overweight and obesity were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. A 12-week online nutrition intervention that included self-compassion, goal-setting and self-monitoring compared to a control group who received nutrition information only. Measures assessed before and after the intervention included primary outcomes of self-compassion; eating pathology; depression, anxiety and stress; and dietary intake, and a secondary outcome of anthropometry (weight and body mass index). Analyses were completed by a series of 2 (time: pre- and post-intervention) by 2 (group: intervention and control) mixed analyses of variance (ANOVAs) using the intention-to-treat approach. Results117 people (73 intervention, 44 control) participated; of those, 74 participants (35 intervention, 39 control) completed the intervention. The analysis of all 117 participants showed that some aspects of dietary intake improved in the intervention group but not in the control group (i.e. time*group interaction), including a decrease in energy intake (Coefficient=2139.23, p<0.001 vs Coefficient=169.29, p=0.82), carbohydrate intake (Coefficient=56.22, p=0.006 vs Coefficient=-9.43, p=0.71); and a marginal reduction (ps=0.06) in saturated fat intake and improvement in fruit scores. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the intervention could improve dietary habits. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, examine the efficacy of the intervention over a longer period, and determine the mechanism underlying these changes. So what? Online interventions that contain self-compassion, goal-setting and self-monitoring have the potential to promote healthy dietary habits.