The Effect of a Mindful Restaurant Eating Intervention on Weight Management in Women

Abstract 

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a Mindful Restaurant Eating intervention on weight management.

Design

Randomized control trial.

Setting

Greater metropolitan area of Austin, Texas.

Participants

Women (n = 35) 40-59 years old who eat out at least 3 times per week.

Intervention

The intervention, using 6 weekly 2-hour, small group sessions, focused on reducing calorie and fat intake when eating out through education, behavior change strategies, and mindful eating meditations.

Main Outcome Measures

Weight, waist circumference, self-reported daily calorie and fat intake, self-reported calories and fat consumed when eating out, emotional eating, diet related self-efficacy, and barriers to weight management when eating out.

Analysis

General linear models examined change from baseline to final endpoint to determine differences in outcomes between the intervention and control group.

Results

Participants in the intervention group lost significantly more weight (P =.03), had lower average daily caloric (P = .002) and fat intake (P = .001), had increased diet-related self-efficacy (P = .02), and had fewer barriers to weight management when eating out (P = .001).

Conclusions and Implications

Mindful Restaurant Eating intervention was effective in promoting weight management in perimenopausal women.

Key Words: weight gain, prevention, restaurants, energy intake