Mindful Eating is More Effective to Beat Emotional Eating than Nutrition Education and Diet: A Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose: Mindful eating have a potential in addressing problematic eating behaviors and focusing the challenges often faced in food consumption. In this study, we conducted a randomized controlled trial that incorporated both mindful eating, including nutritional education with an energy-restricted diet. The aim is to contribute to the literature by revealing the comparative effectiveness of these approaches in alleviating problematic eating behaviors. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted between January-April 2021 with 70 participants without chronic disease. Our study was approved by Ethics Committee of the Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University. A questionnaire form that examined demographic data and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-30), Turkish Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (TEAQ) were applied as pre-test and post-test of the interventions. Interventions were conducted in the groups as diet and education groups, also with control group. Anthropometric variables were reported by participants. Results: Mean age of our participants was 33.40±12.27 years. Participant who had the education compared to the diet and control groups, had higher scores in physical activity (p<0.01), emotional appetite (p<0.001), MEQ-30 and its sub-factors (p<0.01). Disinhibition and Eating Discipline scores had correlations with TEAQ (p<0.05). Conclusion: In summary, teachings on mindful eating can be advised. This can enhance the impact of individualized nutrition plans prepared by dietitians, as well as boost the effectiveness of nutritional guidance provided to clients in terms of managing weight and improving eating habits.