Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS)
Volume 34, October 2024
Authors
Idoia Iturbe, Iratxe Urkia-Susin, Enrique Echeburua, Ane Miren Barbon, & Edurne Maiz
Abstract
This trial aimed to assess the effect of an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based intervention on the various psychological and physical issues associated with obesity. A parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 142 adults with body mass indexes in the overweight or obesity range seeking treatment. Participants were assigned either to the ACT and mindfulness-based group intervention (Mind&Life intervention) plus treatment as usual (TAU) or the TAU-only condition. Individuals receiving the Mind&Life intervention with TAU showed more adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and greater decrease in external eating, weight, and visceral fat both at posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up. Moreover, they displayed a greater reduction in total protein and animal protein intake and GPT enzymes level. By 6-month follow-up, the Mind&Life group experienced a lower impact of weight on quality of life than TAU participants. However, Mind&Life intervention completers showed greater restrained eating levels at follow-up. Overall, this study suggests that an ACT and mindfulness-based group intervention could produce improvements in the impact of weight on quality of life, some eating behaviors, dietary habits, and weight and body composition parameters of people facing weight-related challenges.