In recent research, Nutrition Education and Behavior Journal A paper published by Elsevier (JNEB) investigated the impact of the Healthy Steps to Freedom (HSF-10) program on nutrition, body image, and health-related behaviors in 607 women receiving treatment for substance use. Findings demonstrated that participation in a 10-week intervention program was associated with significant improvements in nutritional behaviors, physical activity, and intuitive eating, as well as reductions in body dissatisfaction, dilute ideal internalization, and disordered eating behaviors.
After the program, participants reported healthier eating habits, increased physical activity, and increased reliance on internal hunger and satiety sensations. Significant reductions in concerns about restrictive eating, overeating, and weight gain during recovery were observed. These factors are often associated with recurrence risk.
The study also highlighted the prevalence of weight concerns among women receiving substance use treatment. At baseline, more than half of participants reported concerns about weight gain during recovery, and a significant proportion indicated that weight gain could trigger relapse or future drug use.
These findings highlight 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 an integrated approach can support both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery. ”
Dr. Anne Lindsay, corresponding author of the study, professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, Las Vegas Extension
These findings highlight the value of integrating nutrition, body image, and eating behavior education into women’s substance use treatment programs. 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 in the absence of nutrition or eating disorder specialists. They also highlight the need for future research to examine long-term outcomes, including whether these improvements translate into lower relapse rates and improved overall recovery.
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Reference magazines:
Lindsay, Arkansas; Others. (2026). The impact of a program to improve nutrition, body image, and health-related behaviors in women in substance use treatment. Nutrition Education and Behavior Journal. DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2026.02.001. https://www.jneb.org/article/S1499-4046(26)00037-0/fulltext
