A mindfulness-based intervention to control weight after bariatric surgery: Preliminary results from a randomized controlled pilot trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to develop and test a novel mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for weight control in bariatric surgery patients and assess its feasibility, acceptability, and effects on weight, eating behaviors, and psychosocial outcomes.
Results Summary
The MBI was highly acceptable and reduced emotional eating at 6 months but did not improve weight or glycemic control. Patients reported reduced stress reactivity and improved eating behaviors, though objective measures suggested trends of increased perceived stress and depression symptoms.
Population
Bariatric surgery patients 1-5 years post-surgery (n=18).
Effective Dosage
10-week MBI program (specific frequency not detailed).
Duration
10 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | emotional eating | bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery | -4.9±13.7 in mindfulness vs. 6.2±28.4 in standard, p for between-group difference=0.03 | was effective in reducing | #1 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | no change | weight | bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery | - | not | #2 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | increase | HbA1C | bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery | 0.34±0.38 vs. -0.06±0.31, p=0.03 | significant increase in | #3 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | increase | perceived stress | bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery | - | trends of an increase in | #4 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | increase | symptoms of depression | bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery | - | trends of an increase in | #5 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | stress reactivity | bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery | - | reduced | #6 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | increase | eating behaviors | bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery | - | improved | #7 |
mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | no change | glycemic control | bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery | - | did not improve | #8 |
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and test a novel mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) designed to control weight after bariatric surgery. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled pilot trial. SETTING: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. INTERVENTIONS: Bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery (n=18) were randomized to receive a 10-week MBI or a standard intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the MBI. Secondary outcomes included changes in weight, eating behaviors, psychosocial outcomes, and metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. Qualitative exit interviews were conducted post-intervention. Major themes were coded and extracted. RESULTS: Attendance was excellent (6 of 9 patients attended ≥7 of 10 classes). Patients reported high satisfaction and overall benefit of the MBI. The intervention was effective in reducing emotional eating at 6 months (-4.9±13.7 in mindfulness vs. 6.2±28.4 in standard, p for between-group difference=0.03) but not weight. We also observed a significant increase in HbA1C (0.34±0.38 vs. -0.06±0.31, p=0.03). Objective measures suggested trends of an increase in perceived stress and symptoms of depression, although patients reported reduced stress reactivity, improved eating behaviors, and a desire for continued mindfulness-based support in qualitative interviews. CONCLUSIONS: This novel mindfulness-based approach is highly acceptable to bariatric patients post-surgery and may be effective for reducing emotional eating, although it did not improve weight or glycemic control in the short term. Longer-term studies of mindfulness-based approaches may be warranted in this population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02603601.