ABSTRACT
Objective
This study aimed to examine the effects of mindfulness-based dietary intervention on body weight and eating behaviors in obese individuals.
Methods
In total, 35 obese participants were randomized into the diet+mindfulness (n = 18) and diet (n = 17) groups. Participants in the diet group received only an individualized diet program, whereas those in the diet+mindfulness group received an additional 8-week mindfulness program. The anthropometric measurements and TFEQ-21 (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire) scores were recorded and compared at baseline and at the study completion.
Results
The decrease in body weight was higher in the diet+mindfulness group (−5.2 kg [−6.9, −3.5]) than in the diet group (−3.1 kg (−4.2, −1.9) (group*time interaction, p < 0.05). Among the TFEQ-21 factors cognitive restriction, emotional eating, and uncontrolled eating scores decreased in both groups, and each was higher in the diet+mindfulness group than in the diet group (group*time interaction, p < 0.05). In the diet+mindfulness group, the decrease in cognitive restriction (β: 1.159 (CI [0.490–1.827]), emotional eating (β: 1.093 CI [0.531–1.656]) and uncontrolled eating (β: 0.227 CI [0.036–0.418]) was found to be associated with the decrease in BMI. In the diet group, only the decrease in the uncontrolled eating (β: 0.330 CI [0.044–0.617]) score was associated with the decrease in BMI (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Integrating mindfulness practices into standard dietary interventions increased weight loss and improved eating behaviors.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 38, Issue 3, June 2025. Read More