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Mindfulness-Based Interventions Show Promise in Reducing Food Cravings

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences has found that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may be effective in reducing food cravings in adults. The study, published in BMC Psychology, involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 controlled clinical trials involving 1920 participants. The results suggest that MBIs, particularly those that focus on decentering, can lead to a significant reduction in food craving intensity. However, the effect on food craving frequency was not significant.

Key Takeaways:

  • MBIs may be effective in reducing food craving intensity in adults, with a significant effect size of 0.28 (95% CI: 0.07-0.48) found in the MBI group compared to controls.
  • The decentering strategy showed the strongest effect in reducing food craving intensity, with a subgroup analysis suggesting a significant reduction of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.07-0.89).
  • The MBI group exhibited significantly lower rebound intake and a non-significant reduction in overall intake relative to controls.
  • The certainty of evidence was rated as low due to the limited number of high-quality studies included in the review.
  • Additional high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base for MBIs as a treatment for food cravings.

Statistics:

  • A total of 24 studies (1920 participants) were included in the review.
  • The effect size for food craving intensity was 0.28 (95% CI: 0.07-0.48) in the MBI group compared to controls.
  • The certainty of evidence was rated as low due to the limited number of high-quality studies included in the review.
  • The MBI group exhibited significantly lower rebound intake, with an effect size of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.24-1.41).

Sources:

  • Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on food craving in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. BMC Psychology, 2025,13(1):1-14.
  • Prospero registration CRD42024584334.
  • Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
  • Nutrition and Food Security Research Center.
  • BMC (publisher).

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