A Randomized Pilot Study of a Phone-Based Mindfulness and Weight Loss Program.
Kelly M Carpenter, Katrina A Vickerman, Erica E Salmon, Harold S Javitz, Elissa S Epel, Jennifer C Lovejoy
Behavioral Medicine November 7, 2017 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2017.1384359 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 75 |
| Population | Overweight and obese adults (92% female, 65% Caucasian, aged 26 to 68 years) enrolled in an employer-sponsored weight loss program who reported high levels of overeating in response to thoughts and feelings |
| Interventions | Mindfulness weight loss program standard behavioral weight loss program |
| Duration | 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Obesity Body weight Weight loss Exercise Pilot projects Random allocation Feeding behavior Emotions Telephone Adult Middle aged Female Overweight Weight reduction programs Emotional eating Phone-based treatment |
| Key findings | Integrating mindfulness training into a phone-based behavioral weight loss program was feasible and acceptable but did not produce significantly greater weight loss at six months compared with the standard program. The mindfulness group had significantly better scores on mindful eating, binge eating, experiential avoidance, and one mindfulness subscale. Exploratory analyses suggested that improvements on several measures predicted more weight loss within the intervention group. |
Abstract
This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of integrating mindfulness training into a phone-based weight loss program to improve outcomes in those with high levels of emotional eating. Participants were 75 enrollees into an employer-sponsored weight loss program who reported high levels of overeating in response to thoughts and feelings. Seventy-five overweight and obese participants (92% female, 65% Caucasian, aged 26 to 68 years) were randomized to the new mindfulness weight loss program (n = 50) or the standard behavioral weight loss program (n = 25). Both programs consisted of 11 coaching calls with health coaches and registered dietitians with supplemental online materials. Satisfaction, engagement, and percent weight lost did not significantly differ for intervention vs. control at six months. Intervention participants had significantly better scores at six-month follow-up on mindful eating, binge eating, experiential avoidance, and one mindfulness subscale. Exploratory analyses showed that improvements on several measures predicted more weight loss in the intervention group. This pilot study found that integrating mindfulness into a brief phone-based behavioral weight loss program was feasible and acceptable to participants, but did not produce greater weight loss on average, despite hypothesized changes in mindful eating. Only one third of intervention participants reported participating in mindfulness exercises regularly. Mechanisms of change observed within the intervention group suggest that for adults with high levels of emotional eating those who embrace mindful eating and meditation may lose more weight with a mindfulness intervention.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Meditation for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews February 15, 2024
- Mindfulness-based interventions for binge eating: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Behavioral Medicine February 2025
- The Mindfulness App Trial for Weight, Weight-Related Behaviors, and Stress in University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial JMIR mHealth and uHealth April 1, 2019
Cites 5
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