An Eight-Week Mindful Eating Program Applied in a Mediterranean Population With Overweight or Obesity: The EATT Intervention Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 003329412098810
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Zervos ◽  
Marsha Koletsi ◽  
Michael Mantzios ◽  
Niki Skopeliti ◽  
Georgios Tsitsas ◽  
...  

Background Overweight and obesity are important public health priorities. Mindful eating can contribute in preventing automatic eating behavior and emotional dysregulation, both being primary causes of overeating and negative body image. This research outlines an eight-week mindful eating intervention (i.e., project EATT) focusing on people with overweight or obesity in assisting positive behavioral, psychological and physiological change. Methods Fifty-seven people residing in Athens were recruited to participate in this research, where participants were allocated to either an experimental or a waitlist condition. Changes in body weight, and eating attitude, mindfulness, self-compassion, anxiety questionnaires were administered at baseline and post-intervention, and at a 14-month follow-up. Results Results indicated that mindfulness and self-compassion increased significantly, while anxiety symptoms decreased. Significance was also observed in reduction of overeating symptoms and oral control. While a negative relationship was observed between anxiety and mindfulness, and anxiety and self-compassion, self-compassion was negatively associated with overeating episodes. Conclusions The intervention improved participants’ relationship with food and enabled changes towards successful weight regulation.

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 910
Author(s):  
Dorthe Djernis ◽  
Mia S. O’Toole ◽  
Lone O. Fjorback ◽  
Helle Svenningsen ◽  
Mimi Y. Mehlsen ◽  
...  

Here, we developed and examined a new way of disseminating mindfulness in nature to people without meditation experience, based on the finding that mindfulness conducted in natural settings may have added benefits. We evaluated a 5-day residential programme aiming to reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes. We compared an indoor and an outdoor version of the programme to a control group in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). Sixty Danish university students experiencing moderate to high levels of stress were randomised into a residential mindfulness programme indoors (n = 20), in nature (n = 22), or a control group (n = 18). Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale (primary outcomes) along with additional secondary outcome measures at the start and end of the program and 3 months after. Stress was decreased with small to medium effect sizes post-intervention, although not statistically significant. Self-compassion increased post-intervention, but effect sizes were small and not significant. At follow-up, changes in stress were not significant, however self-compassion increased for both interventions with medium-sized effects. For the intervention groups, medium- to large-sized positive effects on trait mindfulness after a behavioural task were found post-intervention, and small- to medium-sized effects in self-reported mindfulness were seen at follow-up. Connectedness to Nature was the only outcome measure with an incremental effect in nature, exceeding the control with a medium-sized effect at follow-up. All participants in the nature arm completed the intervention, and so did 97% of the participants in all three arms. Overall, the results encourage the conduct of a larger-scale RCT, but only after adjusting some elements of the programme to better fit and take advantage of the potential benefits of the natural environment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria de Fátima Haueisen Sander Diniz ◽  
Alline Maria Rezende Beleigoli ◽  
Maria Inês Schmidt ◽  
Bruce B. Duncan ◽  
Antônio Luiz P. Ribeiro ◽  
...  

Abstract: Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is a method to measure insulin resistance. HOMA-IR cut-offs for identifying metabolic syndrome might vary across populations and body mass index (BMI) levels. We aimed to investigate HOMA-insulin resistance cut-offs that best discriminate individuals with insulin resistance and with metabolic syndrome for each BMI category in a large sample of adults without diabetes in the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Among the 12,313 participants with mean age of 51.2 (SD 8.9) years, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 34.6%, and 60.1% had overweight or obesity. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among normal weight, overweight and obesity categories were, respectively, 13%, 43.2% and 60.7%. The point of maximum combined sensitivity and specificity of HOMA-IR to discriminate the metabolic syndrome was 2.35 in the whole sample, with increasing values at higher BMI categories. This investigation contributes to better understanding HOMA-IR values associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in a large Brazilian adult sample, and that use of cut-off points according to ROC curve may be the better strategy. It also suggests that different values might be appropriate across BMI categories.


Author(s):  
Débora Godoy-Izquierdo ◽  
Raquel Lara ◽  
Adelaida Ogallar ◽  
Alejandra Rodríguez-Tadeo ◽  
María J. Ramírez ◽  
...  

This study explored intraindividual multidimensional profiles integrating psychosocial factors, namely, body image and satisfaction, weight-related self-stigma, positivity, and happiness, and behavioural-lifestyle factors, namely, adherence to a healthy diet, among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. We further aimed to investigate the association of excess weight (i.e., measured body mass index, BMI) with the abovementioned multidimensional configurations. A convenience sample of 100 adult individuals (60% females) with excessive weight (69% overweight; 31% obesity) was recruited. They completed self-reports regarding the study variables, and their weight and height were measured. With a perspective centered on the individual, a cluster analysis was performed. Three distinct intraindividual psychosocial and diet-related profiles were identified: a group of healthy individuals with excess weight (46%); a group of individuals who were negatively affected by their excessive weight and showed the most distressed profile (18%); and a group of dysfunctional individuals who seemed to be excessively unrealistic and optimistic regarding their excessive weight and unhealthy lifestyles, but were troubled by their weight (36%). Furthermore, individuals in the affected cluster had higher obesity (mean BMI ± SD = 32.1 ± 3.7) than those in the clusters of healthy (28.0 ± 3.0) and dysfunctional individuals (28.1 ± 3.3) (p < 0.05). The results showed that there are specific psychosocial and lifestyle profiles in the adult population with excess weight and that there are relationships among psychological, behavioural, and body-composition factors. For clinical application purposes, it is important to account for the heterogeneity within individuals who are obese and to individualize the interventions, with a focus from weight change to the individual’s overall well-being.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026010602110527
Author(s):  
Vera Salvo ◽  
Adriana Sanudo ◽  
Jean Kristeller ◽  
Mariana Cabral Schveitzer ◽  
Patricia Martins ◽  
...  

Background: Worldwide, approximately 95% of obese people who follow diets for weight loss fail to maintain their weight loss in the long term. To fill this gap, mindfulness-based interventions, with a focus on mindful eating, are promising therapies to address this challenging public health issue. Aim: To verify the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT) protocol by exploring quantitative and qualitative data collected from Brazilian women. Methods: A single-group, mixed-methods trial was conducted at a public university with adult women ( n = 34). Four MB-EAT groups were offered weekly for 2.5-h sessions over 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body mass index (BMI) and self-report measures of anxiety, depression, mindfulness, self-compassion, and eating behaviour. Qualitative information was collected using focus groups in the last session of each group, including both participants and MB-EAT instructors. The qualitative data were examined using thematic analyses and empirical categories. Results: Twenty participants (58.8%) completed both pre- and post-intervention assessments, with adequate attendance (≥4 sessions). There was a significant average decrease in weight of 1.9 ± 0.6 kg from pre- to post-intervention. All participants who had scored at the risk level for eating disorders on the EAT-26 decreased their score below this risk level. Qualitative analysis identified that participants were able to engage a more compassionate perspective on themselves, as well as greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. Conclusion: The MB-EAT showed preliminary efficacy in promoting weight loss and improvements in mindfulness and eating behaviour. This intervention promoted effects beyond those expected, extending to other life contexts.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S356-S356 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Matos ◽  
J. Duarte ◽  
C. Duarte ◽  
J. Pinto-Gouveia ◽  
P. Gilbert

IntroductionCompassion and self-compassion can be protective factors against mental health difficulties, in particular depression. The cultivation of the compassionate self, associated with a range of practices such as slow and deeper breathing, compassionate voice tones and facial expressions, and compassionate focusing, is central to compassion focused therapy (Gilbert, 2010). However, no study has examined the processes of change that mediate the impact of compassionate self-cultivation practices on depressive symptoms.AimsThe aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a brief compassionate self training (CST) intervention on depressive symptoms, and explore the psychological processes that mediate the change at post intervention.MethodsUsing a longitudinal design, participants (general population and college students) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: Compassionate self training (n = 56) and wait-list control (n = 37). Participants in the CST condition were instructed to practice CST exercises for 15 minutes everyday or in moments of stress during two weeks. Self-report measures of depression, self-criticism, shame and compassion, were completed at pre and post in both conditions.ResultsResults showed that, at post-intervention, participants in the CST condition decreased depression, self-criticism and shame, and increased self-compassion and openness to receive compassion from others. Mediation analyses revealed that changes in depression from pre to post intervention were mediated by decreases in self-criticism and shame, and increases in self-compassion and openness to the compassion from others.ConclusionsThese findings support the efficacy of compassionate self training components on lessening depressive symptoms and promoting mental health.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 629-632
Author(s):  
Liliia Sh. Nazarova ◽  
Rustem A. Daukaev ◽  
Dmitry E. Musabirov ◽  
Denis O. Karimov ◽  
Samat S. Baygildin ◽  
...  

Introduction. Proper nutrition is one of the fundamental factors necessary for the healthy growth and development of children. The aim of this study was to examine the role of overt and covert parental control in the formation of excess body mass index (BMI) (overweight or obesity) in children. Materials and methods. The study included 135 residents of the Republic of Bashkortostan who had 7-11 year children with a z-score for BMI of at least -1 (optimal body weight, overweight, obesity). The collection of primary data was carried out in 2019 through a questionnaire. Statistical processing of the data was performed using logistic regression analysis, where the presence of excess BMI (overweight or obesity) in a child was considered as a dependent variable, and 25 questions characterizing the use of overt and covert parental control over nutrition were considered as covariates (Birch L.L. et al., 2001 (Child Feeding Questionnaire); Ogden J., Reynolds R., and Smith A., 2006). Results. According to the data obtained, the risk of exceeding BMI in children increased if parents offered them their favourite food in exchange for good behaviour (overt control - restriction-reward) (B=0.361, p=0.016), and decreased if parents refrained from buying sweets and chips for home (covert control) (B=-0.374, p=0.033). Conclusion. Parents' use of covert controls in the form of abstaining from buying sweets and chips at home, as well as refusal of such explicit controls as using a child's favorite food in exchange for good behavior, make a significant contribution to preventing the formation of overweight and obesity in children.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
Sambit Das ◽  
Mahesh Rath ◽  
Lipsa Das ◽  
Kasturi Bharadwaj

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is usually diagnosed between 24th and 28th gestational week using the 75-g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). It is controversial that if FPG ≥92 mg/dL before 24th gestational week should be intervened or not. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of FPG to screen GDM before 24th gestational week in women with different pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI).Methods: This was a hospital based retrospective cohort study done at CHC Balipatna, Khurdha, Odisha. Women who had a singleton live birth between June 20, 2016 and June 30, 2019, resided in Balipatna block area and received prenatal care in the Community Health Centre, were included in this study. Pre-pregnancy BMI, FPG before the 24th gestational week, and one-step GDM screening with 75 g-OGTT at the 24th to 28th gestational weeks were extracted from medical records and analyzed. The pregnant women were classified into four groups based on pre-pregnancy BMI: Group A (underweight), Group B (normal), Group C (overweight) and Group D (obesity). Statistical analysis using independent sample t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Chi-square test was done.Results: The prevalence of GDM was 20.0% (68/341) in the study population. FPG decreased gradually as the gestational age increased in all pre-pregnancy BMI groups until the 19th gestational week. The incidence of GDM in women with FPG ≥92 mg/dL in the 19th to 24th gestational weeks and pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity was significantly higher than that in women with FPG ≥92 mg/dL and pre-pregnancy BMI <24.0 kg/m2.Conclusions: FPG decreased gradually as the gestational age increased in all pre-pregnancy BMI groups until the 19th gestational week. Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity was associated with an increased FPG value before the 24th gestational week. FPG ≥92 mg/dL between 19 and 24 gestational weeks should be treated as GDM in women with pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S272-S272
Author(s):  
James McLoughlin ◽  
Paula Martin ◽  
Geraldine McCarthy ◽  
Chee Lin Piong

AimsMindfulness-based therapies have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing anxiety, stress and depressive symptoms in adults. Depression is a chronic relapsing condition. Major depressive disorder is one of the most common causes of ill health and functional impairment.Our goal was to assess the real world clinical effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Recurrent Depressive Disorder in three domains:-Depression, anxiety and stress levels-Mindfulness level-Self-compassion levelMethodPatients with a diagnosis of Recurrent Depressive Disorder (primary or secondary diagnosis) were referred by their community mental health team to participate in an 8-week educational MBCT programme. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS), 5-Facet Mindfulness and Self Compassion self-rated scales prior to commencing and at the end of the course. They were also invited to give qualitative feedback at the end of the course.Data were collected from four groups who completed the course over a period of twelve months. A paired samples test was used to compare pre and post intervention scores to determine effect size.ResultWe had complete data for 19 participants out of a cohort of 34. Pre intervention scores were similar for both groups.The mean age of the cohort was 47 years (SD of 10 years), 3 male, 16 female.Patients showed a clinically significant reduction of symptoms in depression, anxiety and stress, with respective reductions of 48%, 26% and 43% post intervention. Results were statistically significant for depressaion and stress p <0.001 but not for anxiety p = 0.130.Positive trends were seen in all domains of the 5-Fact Mindfulness and Self Compassions scales, with mean improvements of 28.2% and 35.3% respectively. All results were statistically significant.We also collected anonymized qualitative feedback which highlighted themes of empowerment, skill acquisition and improved coping.ConclusionNumerous studies have demonstrated poor compliance with antidepressant treatments commonly prescribed in Recurrent Depressive Disorder. This small scale study demonstrates a statistical and clinical benefit of MBCT for these patients, supporting greater use of such novel non-pharmacological therapeutic options as treatment strategies..


2022 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathrine Nitter ◽  
◽  
Kari Anne Vrabel ◽  
Per-Einar Binder ◽  
Irene Kingswick ◽  
...  

This study evaluates a mindful eating-based program for people with self-reported binge eating problems. The study was initiated by a non-governmental eating disorder interest organization. Participants met once a week over eight weeks. The Eating Disorder Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and three subscales of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) were used to measure eating pathology, self-compassion and mindfulness before, after, and six-months after the program. Results: Significant improvements in EDE-Q and SCS scores were found, and results remained stable at the six-month follow-up. The number of binge eating days decreased significantly during the study, both from before to after program participation, and from post-program participation to six-month follow-up. Conclusion: Future studies investigating the current program are clearly needed. These preliminary results are nonetheless encouraging and illustrate that mindful eating-based interventions as an interesting treatment avenue for individuals with binge eating pathology, a group which currently has few treatment options available to them.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Ben Cheikh ◽  
J Maatoug ◽  
R Ghammam ◽  
F Chouikha ◽  
A Mallat ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Childhood obesity has become a public health problem. Worldwide, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has increased dramatically especially in developing countries. The present study aimed to assess whether six months intervention program with parents' implication in primary schools is able to decrease morning snack consumption among children aged 6 to 12 years. Methods We carried out a quasi experimental study with two groups of schoolchildren in the region of Sousse (Tunisia) from 2015 to 2016. One primary school in each group was selected. In each school, we randomly selected a sample size of schoolchildren and their parents. The intervention was based on healthy eating habits promotion. Results The consumption of morning snacks the day before data collection, reported by children, decreased significantly in post-intervention in both intervention and control groups. The decrease of consumption of morning snacks was significantly higher in intervention group (p = 0.009). According to parents, the proportion of children who had the habit of eating morning snack decreased significantly from pre to post-intervention in intervention group (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions A healthy environment should be created through effective school policies to prevent obesity. Key messages The consumption of morning snacks reported by children, decreased significantly in post-intervention. A healthy environment should be created through effective school policies to prevent obesity.


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