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Aim and Background: Experiential avoidance is a behavior pattern that increases binge eating among overweight and obese individuals. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on experiential avoidance among overweight and obese individuals in Isfahan, Iran. Methods and Materials: The present quasi-experimental research was conducted with a pretest-posttest, double-blind, and multicenter design with control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of all overweight and obese individuals a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 referring to nutrition and diet therapy clinics in the winter of 2015. From among them, 40 individuals were selected through convenience sampling based on the study criteria and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (each group = 20 individuals). Both groups completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Weight-Related Difficulties (AAQW) designed by Lillis and Hayes, at pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages (45 days after the intervention). The reliability of the AAQW was calculated using Cronbach&#039;s alpha coefficient (&alpha; = 0.91) and its content validity was confirmed by experts. The experimental group received 8 60-minute sessions of ACT. The control group, however, received no intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS software. Findings: There was a significant decrease in experiential avoidance among the experimental group participants (P < 0.05). Moreover, this effect was maintained until the follow-up stage. Conclusions: According to the results, ACT can be considered as an efficient intervention for the reduction of experiential avoidance in overweight and obese individuals. The reduction in experiential avoidance results in the increasing of psychological flexibility in these individuals. Therefore, ACT can be used in conjunction with other weight control interventions.

Keywords: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Experiential avoidance, Psychological flexibility, Overweight

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