Nutrition and body image program improves recovery for women with substance use disorders

A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (JNEB), published by Elsevier, examined the impact of the Healthy Steps to Freedom (HSF-10) program on nutrition, body image, and health-related behaviors among 607 women undergoing treatment for substance use. Findings demonstrated that participation in the 10-week intervention program was associated with significant improvements in nutrition behaviors, physical activity, and intuitive eating, alongside reductions in body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, and disordered eating behaviors.

Participants reported healthier eating habits and increased physical activity following the program, as well as greater reliance on internal hunger and satiety cues. Significant decreases were observed in restrictive eating, binge eating, and concerns related to weight gain during recovery; These factors are often linked to relapse risk.

The study also highlighted the prevalence of weight-related concerns among women in substance use treatment. At baseline, more than half of participants reported concerns about weight gain during recovery, and a substantial proportion indicated that weight gain could trigger relapse or future substance use.

These findings underscore the importance of addressing nutrition, body image, and eating behaviors as part of comprehensive substance use treatment for women. Programs like Healthy Steps to Freedom demonstrate that integrated approaches can support both physical and psychological aspects of recovery."

Anne Lindsay, PhD, corresponding author of the study, Professor at the University of Nevada Reno, Extension, Las Vegas

These findings highlight the value of integrating nutrition, body image, and eating behavior education into substance use treatment programs for women. The authors note that the Healthy Steps to Freedom program offers a practical, group-based approach that can be incorporated into existing treatment settings, even those without specialized nutrition or eating disorder professionals. They also emphasize the need for future research to examine long-term outcomes, including whether these improvements translate to reduced relapse rates and better overall recovery.