Pilot study: Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL): weight, eating behavior, and psychological outcomes associated with a mindfulness-based intervention for people with obesity.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to pilot a brief (6-week) group curriculum for providing mindfulness training to obese individuals, called Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL).


METHODS
Participants were recruited through a local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in spring 2006. Data was collected at three time points: baseline, completion of intervention (6 weeks), and 3-month follow-up (12 weeks).


METHODS
Six weekly two-hour group classes (with two monthly follow-up classes). Content included training in mindfulness meditation, mindful eating, and group discussion, with emphasis on awareness of body sensations, emotions, and triggers to overeat.


METHODS
Key variables assessed included changes in weight, body-mass index (BMI), eating behavior, and psychological distress. In addition, physiological markers of cardiovascular risk were evaluated including C-reactive protein (hsCRP), adiponectin, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).


RESULTS
Ten obese patients enrolled with a mean BMI of 36.9 kg/m² [SD±6.2]. The mean weight was 101 kg/m² and the mean age was 44 years (SD=8.7; range=31-62). Compared to baseline data, participants showed statistically significant increases in measures of mindfulness and cognitive restraint around eating, and statistically significant decreases in weight, eating disinhibition, binge eating, depression, perceived stress, physical symptoms, negative affect, and C-reactive protein.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides preliminary evidence that a eating focused mindfulness-based intervention can result in significant changes in weight, eating behavior, and psychological distress in obese individuals.
Oregon Research Institute, Center for Family and Adolescent Research, Albuquerque, NM 87102, United States. jdalen@ori.org
Jeanne
J
Dalen
Bruce W
BW
Smith
Brian M
BM
Shelley
Anita Lee
AL
Sloan
Lisa
L
Leahigh
Debbie
D
Begay
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001364:Awareness; D002032:Bulimia / Q000628:therapy*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases; D003463:Cues; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss
D002097:C-Reactive Protein