title: Exploratory randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention for women.
abstract: To explore the efficacy of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention for women. Sixty-two women (ages 19-64; BMI 22.5-52.1) who were attempting to lose weight were randomised to an intervention or control condition. The former were invited to attend four 2-h workshops, the latter were asked to continue with their normal diets. Data were collected at baseline, 4 and 6 months. BMI, physical activity, mental health. At 6 months intervention participants showed significantly greater increases in physical activity compared to controls (p<.05) but no significant differences in weight loss or mental health. However, when intervention participants who reported 'never' applying the workshop principles at 6 months (n=7) were excluded, results showed both significantly greater increases in physical activity (3.1 sessions per week relative to controls, p<.05) and significantly greater reductions in BMI (0.96 relative to controls, equivalent to 2.32 kg, p<0.5). Reductions in BMI were mediated primarily by reductions in binge eating. Despite its brevity, the intervention was successful at bringing about change. Further refinements should increase its efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Swansea University, United Kingdom. k.tapper@swansea.ac.uk
authors.forename: Katy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tapper
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ilsley
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Frank W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002032:Bulimia; D003071:Cognition; D004644:Emotions; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult