Neuro-feedback can curb binge eating

Leipzig, 14 December 2023. Special brainwave-controlled feedback exercises („Neuro Feedback“) help to prevent binge eating, in which people who are already overweight stuff themselves with large quantities of food in a completely uncontrolled manner. This involves using the power of thought to reduce the size of food images on computer screens, thereby training certain regions of the brain. This was discovered by a team led by behavioural medicine specialist Professor Anja Hilbert from Leipzig University through experiments.

Background: Some people lose control over what and how much they eat. Excessive weight is often the result of this mental disorder. „The loss of control leads to psychological suffering“, explains Anja Hilbert. „Those affected find it more difficult than others to control their eating impulses. Self-regulation is impaired.

Brain signals visualised via EEG or infrared

In order to develop a therapy against this, they prescribed twelve one-off neurofeedback sessions to selected patients within two months. For this feedback technique, they used electroencephalography (EEG) or, alternatively, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure the subjects' brain activity without any interventions. The patients were then able to use these visualised brain signals to control how big chocolate or other foods looked on screens, for example. The aim was to train certain brain regions that are responsible for food control.

The effects were evident six months after the end of therapy: the test subjects were now better able to resist certain treats when they saw them. Both EEG and fNIRS neurofeedback improved eating control. The participants' hunger, anxiety and body mass index also improved more after both neurofeedback therapies than the patients on the waiting list.

The researchers interpret the time lag between therapy and effect as a delayed effect after the brain training.

Supplementing rather than replacing psychotherapy

However, the procedure will probably not replace the psychotherapy used to date in such cases.

Source: Oiger from 14 December 2023