Effectiveness of a mindful eating program among Brazilian healthcare workers: a mixed-methods pragmatic randomized controlled trial protocol
A. Bottoni, F.G. Magalhães, C.A.M. Guimarães, A.L.S. Spínola, J.A.N. Oliveira, V.l.m.a. Salvo, A.R. Noto
Preventive Medicine Reports March 16, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103417 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial protocol Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 270 |
| Population | Brazilian healthcare workers aged 20-59 years |
| Interventions | Mindful Eating for Health Program Food and Nutrition Education Program |
| Duration | 8 weekly online sessions; follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months |
| Measures | waist circumference, body mass index, eating behavior, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, self-care, self-compassion, perceived stress |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindful eating Healthcare workers Eating behavior Dietary guidelines Mixed methods |
| Key findings | The protocol outlines a planned trial to evaluate whether an 8-week online Mindful Eating for Health Program improves eating behaviors and well-being among Brazilian healthcare workers compared with a Food and Nutrition Education Program and a control group. No outcome data are reported; the authors state they expect to confirm the program's effectiveness. |
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Mindful Eating for Health Program among Brazilian healthcare workers, compared to a Food and Nutrition Education Program and a Control Group.
Methods: This mixed-methods pragmatic randomized controlled trial will enroll 270 healthcare workers aged 20–59 years in Brazil from October 2023 to November 2026. Participants will be randomized into three groups: Mindful Eating for Health Program, Food and Nutrition Education Program, or Control Group. Interventions comprise 8 weekly online sessions. Quantitative data including anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, body mass index) and psychometric assessments (eating behavior, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, self-care, self-compassion, perceived stress) will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups. Qualitative data including interviews and field observations will be gathered from participants at 3 and 12 months post-intervention. Statistical analyses will include paired t-tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, structural equation modeling for mediation analysis, and generalized estimating equations. Qualitative data will undergo content analysis using Bardin's method.
Results: Not applicable for this protocol study.
Conclusions: This study expects to confirm the effectiveness of the Mindful Eating for Health Program in improving eating behaviors and well-being among Brazilian healthcare workers.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |