Weight-neutral interventions in young people with high body mass index: A systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and health outcomes of weight-neutral interventions, including mindfulness, in adolescents with overweight/obesity.
Results Summary
Mindfulness interventions showed mixed results; one study reported no change in mindfulness, while another reported increased intuitive eating with guided imagery. Short-term feasibility and acceptability were demonstrated, but data on efficacy were limited.
Population
Adolescents aged 10-24 years with overweight/obesity, including those at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Effective Dosage
6-week mindful eating program (Study 1); 6-week mindfulness intervention (Study 3).
Duration
6-12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6-week mindful eating program | no change | mindfulness | young people (10-24 years) with overweight/obesity | no significant change | no change | #1 |
6-week mindfulness intervention | no change | mindfulness | adolescents with depressive symptoms at risk of type 2 diabetes | no significant change | no change | #2 |
12-week weight-neutral lifestyle education plus guided imagery | increase | intuitive eating | young people (10-24 years) with overweight/obesity | 0.32 ± 0.36, Hawks' Scale, score 1-4 | increase | #3 |
12-week weight-neutral lifestyle education alone | increase | intuitive eating | young people (10-24 years) with overweight/obesity | 0.15 ± 0.29 | increase | #4 |
6-week mindful eating program | decrease | body mass index | young people (10-24 years) with overweight/obesity | -1.1 kg/m² | decreased | #5 |
AIM: This systematic review explored the feasibility, acceptability and effect on health outcomes of weight-neutral interventions in health improvement-seeking young people with overweight/obesity. METHODS: Six databases were searched to March 2021 for health, but not weight, focused interventions (PROSPERO, CRD42020152671). Eligible studies recruited young people (10-24 years) with overweight/obesity. The studies were described using narrative synthesis, with numerical results summarised. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. RESULTS: Six articles were included, representing three pilot studies. Study 1 (n = 37, 14-17 years) compared a 6-week mindful eating program with single-session lifestyle education; Study 2 (n = 35, 14-17 years) compared 12-week weight-neutral lifestyle education focused on intuitive eating and carbohydrate quality, with/without guided imagery; and Study 3 (n = 33, 12-17 years) compared a 6-week mindfulness intervention with cognitive behavioural therapy in adolescents with depressive symptoms at risk of type 2 diabetes. All interventions explored feasibility (intervention group retention 57%-88%, attendance >80%) and reported interventions were acceptable. Studies 1 and 3 reported no change in mindfulness. Study 2 reported an increase (p < 0.05) in intuitive eating following weight-neutral plus guided imagery (0.32 ± 0.36, Hawks' Scale, score 1-4), compared with weight-neutral alone (0.15 ± 0.29). Study 1 reported decreased body mass index (p < 0.001) following mindful eating (-1.1 kg/m CONCLUSIONS: Weight-neutral interventions may be feasible and acceptable in adolescents with overweight/obesity in the short term (≤12 weeks), but data are limited.