Craving Regulation Training for Diet Modification

(ROC Teens! Trial)

This trial tests a mobile app designed to help adolescent girls eat more fruits and vegetables by managing their cravings through regulation of craving training. Researchers aim to determine if the app can improve healthy eating habits and other health measures, such as body size and blood sugar levels, over a year. Participants will be divided into groups, with some using the craving regulation app and others using an app with fun food facts. The trial seeks girls aged 15–18 who do not have certain medical conditions that could affect growth or metabolism. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance healthy eating habits in adolescents.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are using medications related to metabolism or weight, you may not be eligible to participate.

Research has shown that techniques to manage cravings, such as imaginal retraining and cue exposure therapy, are generally safe. Studies have found these methods to be well-tolerated, with no serious side effects reported.

The mobile app tested in this trial employs these craving management strategies. Previous studies indicate that these strategies can help individuals make healthier food choices, even under stress, by training the brain to respond differently to cravings.

Additionally, similar craving management training has been used to help reduce smoking, showing positive results without major side effects.

Researchers are excited about the Craving Regulation Training for Diet Modification trial because it explores innovative ways to manage food cravings, a key factor in diet modification and weight management. Unlike standard approaches that often rely on dietary restrictions or medication, this trial tests mental strategies to influence cravings. The "Positive regulation" arm encourages participants to think about the social justice benefits of healthy eating, while the "Critical regulation" arm focuses on the consequences of unhealthy eating. These methods aim to reframe how individuals perceive food choices, potentially leading to healthier eating habits without the need for traditional dieting techniques.

Research has shown that the craving training (ROC-T) program can help people make healthier food choices, even under stress. In this trial, participants will be randomized into different arms to test the program's effectiveness. One study found that this program helped participants choose healthier foods. The trial evaluates both the positive and critical regulation of craving training approaches for their ability to encourage healthier choices. Using the app's methods could help people eat more fruits and vegetables. These early results suggest that the mobile app might help manage cravings and improve overall eating habits.¹²⁴⁶⁷