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Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a complex disease that involves multiple factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and behavioral patterns. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in understanding the role of cognitive processes in obesity and its management. One such cognitive process is the approach bias [1].

Approach bias refers to the automatic tendency to approach or seek out rewarding stimuli, such as food, that are associated with a particular behavior or situation. In the context of obesity, an approach bias towards food can lead to overeating and contribute to weight gain. However, approach bias can also be leveraged as a tool for obesity management.

Approach bias modification (ABM) is a cognitive training technique that aims to reduce approach bias towards food and promote healthier eating behaviors. ABM involves training individuals to approach nonfood stimuli while avoiding food-related stimuli, which over time can lead to a reduction in approach bias towards food. ABM can be administered through various methods, including computer-based training, virtual reality, and mobile applications [2].

Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of ABM in obesity management. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that ABM was associated with a significant reduction in food approach bias and weight loss in individuals with obesity. Another RCT found that ABM combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy was more effective in promoting weight loss compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy alone.

The underlying mechanisms of ABM are not fully understood, but it is thought to work by changing the automatic associations between food and reward in the brain. By repeatedly pairing non-food stimuli with reward, ABM can strengthen new associations and weaken old ones, leading to a reduction in approach bias towards food [3].

Description

ABM is a promising approach to obesity management, but it is not without limitations. The effectiveness of ABM may depend on individual factors, such as baseline levels of approach bias and motivation to change eating behaviors. Additionally, the long-term effects of ABM on weight loss and weight maintenance are not yet known.

The approach bias towards food is a cognitive process that plays a role in obesity and its management. Approaches such as approach bias modification (ABM) have shown promising results in reducing the approach bias towards food and promoting healthier eating behaviors. These interventions can be administered through various methods, including computer-based training, virtual reality, and mobile applications. ABM involves training individuals to approach non-food stimuli while avoiding food-related stimuli, which over time can lead to a reduction in approach bias towards food [4,5].

Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of ABM in obesity management, with results showing a significant reduction in food approach bias and weight loss in individuals with obesity. ABM has also been shown to be more effective when combined with cognitivebehavioral therapy compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy alone.

The underlying mechanisms of ABM are not fully understood, but it is believed to work by changing the automatic associations between food and reward in the brain. By repeatedly pairing non-food stimuli with reward, ABM can strengthen new associations and weaken old ones, leading to a reduction in approach bias towards food.

However, ABM is not without limitations. The effectiveness of ABM may depend on individual factors, such as baseline levels of approach bias and motivation to change eating behaviors. Additionally, the longterm effects of ABM on weight loss and weight maintenance are not yet known.

Conclusion

Approach bias is a cognitive process that plays a significant role in obesity and its management. ABM is a promising approach that can reduce the approach bias towards food and promote healthier eating behaviors. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term effects of ABM. Nonetheless, ABM has the potential to be a valuable tool in the fight against obesity and improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with obesity.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

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1. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JP, World Obesity Federation (2017) . Obes rev 18: 715-723.

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2. Jensen MD, Ryan DH, Apovian CM, Ard JD, Comuzzie AG, et al. (2014) . J Am Coll Cardiol 63: 2985-3023.

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3. Kushner RF, Ryan DH (2014) . JAMA 312: 943-952.

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4. NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) (2017) . Lancet 390: 2627-2642.

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5. Ng M, Fleming T, Robinson M, Thomson B, Graetz N, et al. (2014) . The Lancet 384: 766-781.

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