Mechanisms of an inhibitory control training to reduce binge eating behaviours: study protocol of the randomized controlled proof-of-principle MIND BINGES trial

TL;DR

This study tests a computer-based training to improve self-control and reduce binge eating, comparing versions with and without feedback.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel inhibitory control training for binge eating and investigates the role of feedback in its effectiveness.

Findings

ICT with and without feedback will be compared for their effectiveness in reducing binge eating episodes.

The study will explore how secondary outcomes like impulsivity and self-esteem influence treatment success.

Results may inform personalized treatments for binge eating and other mental health disorders.

Abstract

Current guidelines recommend psychotherapy as first-line treatment for eating disorders. Many individuals with eating disorders characterized by binge eating episodes benefit from psychotherapy. However, a substantial subgroup does not achieve abstinence from binge eating. Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge eating disorder (BED), along with other Specified/Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED/UFED) with regular binge eating behaviour can be clustered on a continuum of eating disorders which is characterized by elevated impulsivity. Elevated impulsivity, and especially decreased inhibitory control, seem to be key factors in developing and maintaining binge eating behaviour. To target and modify these proposed underlying altered processes of binge eating, cognitive training approaches promise to achieve an amelioration of eating disorder-related psychopathology. Feedback is thought to play a crucial role in cognitive training approaches to increase learning and maintain motivation but its exact role has not been examined yet. MIND BINGES is a prospective, randomized controlled proof-of-principle trial investigating a food-modified inhibitory control training (ICT) and in particular the role of feedback on each individual’s performance. 63 patients with regular binge eating (BN, BED, OSFED, UFED) will be randomly assigned to receive either ICT with feedback after each session, ICT without feedback, or be assigned to a waitlist-control group (WL). The ICT is based on an antisaccade paradigm consisting of six training sessions over the course of two weeks. As the role of individual feedback provided to patients is unclear, the core aims are to investigate: (1) whether ICT without feedback is non-inferior to ICT with feedback in reducing binge eating episodes, and (2) whether ICT without feedback is superior to WL in reducing binge eating episodes. Thus, the primary endpoint is binge eating frequency in terms of changes in binge eating episodes four and 12 weeks after ICT/WL termination compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes include eating disorder psychopathology, general psychopathology, inhibitory control capacities, impulsivity, quality of life, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Lastly, regression analyses will be conducted to explore the impact of secondary outcomes on the likelihood of a positive treatment effect. The results of the present trial will help to disentangle different elements of ICT, in particular the role of feedback. Based on the secondary outcomes, this trial might contribute to a better understanding of pathways and underlying mechanisms of an ICT. In sum, this helps developing possible individually tailored and effective treatment approaches for individuals suffering from regular binge eating. Findings might also inform cognitive trainings targeting symptoms of other mental health disorders.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40337-025-01358-z.

Psychotherapy is the current first choice in treatment for eating disorders. Many people experiencing binge eating, which comprises eating a large amount of food in a short time and the feeling of loss of control over the eating, benefit from psychotherapy. Yet, that’s not the case for all of them. There are several eating disorders that are characterized by binge eating, for example Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Those eating disorders are characterized by an increased impulsivity which might lead to those binge eating behaviours. One way to increase regulation of impulsivity, so called “inhibitory control training “ (ICT) might be helpful, which comprises a training programme on the computer with eye-tracking. The MIND BINGES study is a research trial to investigate this food-related ICT with 63 patients that regularly binge eat. They will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. Either ICT with feedback about their task performance after each session or ICT without feedback or a control group that does not receive the ICT. The ICT consists of six sessions where the patients train to look away from food pictures over the course of two weeks. The primary goal is to compare, if the training without feedback is as effective as the training with feedback. Further, we want to prove the effectiveness of the training compared to the control group. Therefore, we investigate how much decrease in binge eating frequency will be observed in each group four or twelve weeks after finishing the training programme. Additionally, it will be also looked at other factors like mental health, self-control, impulsivity, quality of life, self-esteem and self-efficiency. With this study, we hope to get a better understanding on how ICT works and whether feedback makes a difference. This could lead to better and more personalized treatments for people suffering from binge eating and possibly other mental health issues.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40337-025-01358-z.

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