Impact of an Eight-Week Mindful Eating Program
Mindful eating can contribute to decreasing automatic eating behavior and emotional dysregulation, both of which can lead to overeating and negative body image. This study from Greece evaluated the impact of an eight-week mindful eating intervention (Project EATT) among individuals with overweight or obesity on behavioral, psychological and physiological changes.
Fifty-seven subjects were allocated to either taking the class immediately or waiting to take it later. Body weight, as well as eating attitude, mindfulness, self-compassion, and anxiety were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at 14-month follow-up.
The results demonstrated that mindfulness and self-compassion increased significantly, and anxiety symptoms decreased, among the group who had taken the class compared to the control group who had not. Overeating symptoms decreased and oral control increased. Overall, increased mindfulness and self-compassion was associated with decreased anxiety, and increased self-compassion was associated with decreased overeating.
The authors concluded that a mindful eating program can improve participants’ relationship with food.
Zervos K, Koletsi M, Mantzios M, Skopeliti N, Tsitsas G, Naska A. Psychological Reports. 33294120988104, 2021 Feb 14.
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