Summary: This study compared two Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) programs—one lasting 4 weeks and the other 8 weeks—to assess their effectiveness in reducing food cravings among overweight adults.
Participants were randomly assigned to either the 4-week or 8-week EFT program, with both groups receiving structured sessions focused on food cravings, dietary restraint, and psychological symptoms. The study measured food craving intensity, perceived power of food, dietary restraint, Body Mass Index (BMI), and weight at multiple points: before treatment, immediately after, and at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups.
The intervention involved group therapy sessions, where participants engaged in EFT techniques while being exposed to craved foods. The same certified EFT practitioner led both programs, ensuring consistency in treatment delivery. The study found that both programs led to significant reductions in food cravings and BMI, with the 4-week program showing greater weight loss, while the 8-week program demonstrated sustained effects on cravings and restraint ability over time.
Citation and Link: Stapleton, P., & Chatwin, H. (2018). Emotional Freedom Techniques for food cravings in overweight adults: A comparison of treatment length. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 3(3). https://eftuniverse.com/images/pdf_files/Stapleton-4vs8-Week.pdf.