Exploring the addition of self-compassion skills training to a behavioral weight loss program delivered using video conferencing software

Internalized weight stigma in women with class III obesity: A randomized controlled trial of a virtual lifestyle modification intervention followed by a mindful self‐compassion intervention

“…The finding of increased self‐compassion from 4‐to‐6 months in MSC versus CON comports with those of prior RCTs on the MSC program 59–61 . These findings also align with those of the RCT that compared videoconference LM + self‐compassion training to LM alone 34 . The latter study also showed increased self‐compassion in the intervention group, no differences in weight between groups, and increased intuitive eating across groups.…”

“…[59][60][61] These findings also align with those of the RCT that compared videoconference LM + self-compassion training to LM alone. 34 The latter study also showed increased self-compassion in the intervention group, no differences in weight between groups, and increased intuitive eating across groups. These While the latter review found small effects of self-compassion training on weight loss, a more recent and rigorous study comparing LM to LM + self-compassion found no differential effects by group.…”

“…These While the latter review found small effects of self-compassion training on weight loss, a more recent and rigorous study comparing LM to LM + self-compassion found no differential effects by group. 34 Despite these promising LM findings, the MSC program had no impact on weight relative to CON either at six or 9 monthsindeed, weight loss was 3% higher in CON versus MSC at 9 months, with a small effect size. Such findings align with those of earliergeneration non-dieting approaches, which often found improved benefit of non-dieting relative to LM pertaining to psychological health and eating behaviors, but not weight loss.…”

“…Indeed, most studies examining self‐compassion training for weight‐related outcomes in a recent review delivered such training integrated with weight loss principles 32 . While the latter review found small effects of self‐compassion training on weight loss, a more recent and rigorous study comparing LM to LM + self‐compassion found no differential effects by group 34 . A longer duration of self‐compassion training, and/or consistent practice in the form of self‐compassion meditation may be helpful in improving weight‐related outcomes; approaches that integrate booster sessions and/or ongoing group or home practice support may prove supportive in this regard.…”

“…Self‐compassion training is also linked to improvement in eating behaviors and perceived stress, 14,32 including via remotely‐delivered treatment, 33 with a recent review suggesting small if promising effects on weight loss 32 . However, a more rigorous recent RCT comparing video‐conference delivered LM to LM integrated with self‐compassion skills (LM + self‐compassion) training found LM + self‐compassion to yield increased self‐compassion but no difference in caloric intake, physical activity, maladaptive eating patterns, or weight loss compared to LM alone at post‐treatment 34 . Yet this study did not target individuals with elevated Internalized‐WS or examine the effects of LM + self‐compassion on long‐term weight loss, which may be of particular interest as greater self‐compassion may be associated with long‐term weight loss 35 .…”