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. 2020 Nov;28(6):782-788.
doi: 10.1002/erv.2778. Epub 2020 Aug 16.

Individual differences in extinction learning predict weight loss after treatment: A pilot study

Karolien van den Akker  1 , Ghislaine Schyns  1 , Anita Jansen  1
Affiliations

Individual differences in extinction learning predict weight loss after treatment: A pilot study

Karolien van den Akker et al. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Learning theorists suggest extinction learning to be a central mechanism in weight loss success; however, empirical studies are scarce. In this pilot study, it was examined whether individual differences in extinction learning predict outcome after weight loss treatment. Overweight and obese individuals first completed a laboratory conditioning task in which individual differences in extinction learning were assessed. Next, they were randomised to one of two weight loss interventions: cue exposure therapy (CET), which is considered the clinical analogue of laboratory extinction, or a control lifestyle intervention. In line with expectations, better extinction learning in the laboratory task was associated with more weight loss at both post-treatment (CET only) and follow-up (both interventions) measurements. In contrast, two other indices of treatment success (reduction in overeating expectancies and ad libitum food intake during a laboratory taste test) showed no associations with pre-treatment extinction learning. It is suggested that extinction learning may be a core mechanism underlying weight loss success, and hence, an important target for new obesity interventions.

Keywords: appetitive conditioning; cue exposure; extinction; obesity; weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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