Eating Mindfully to Prevent Weight Regain

Targeting Maladaptive Eating Behaviors With Mindfulness-based Training to Prevent Weight Regain

The overall objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention to prevent weight regain in weight-reduced adults.

Specific Aim 1: Determine the effect of MORE on weight loss maintenance.

Hypothesis:

MORE will result in less weight regain compared to CON after the 8-week intervention, and benefits will be sustained after 6-month of follow-up.

Specific Aim 2:

Determine the effect of MORE on reward-related behavioral processes (e.g., disinhibition, restraint, hedonic hunger).

Hypothesis:

MORE group will demonstrate changes in eating behaviors associated with preventing weight regain compared to CON immediately after MORE and after 6-months of follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-65
• Bariatric Surgery patients: 12-18 months post-operation.
• Medical weight loss patients: patients of the bariatric weight loss clinic, weight loss of 7% body mass via intentional weight loss within past 6 months; BMI >25 kg/m2 prior to intentional weight loss; stable for 3 months on medications.
• Lifestyle weight loss: weight loss of 7% body mass via intentional weight loss within past 6 months; BMI >25 kg/m2 prior to intentional weight loss.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncontrolled cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, or pulmonary disease; cancer treatment in past 5 years; untreated thyroid disease or other medical condition affecting weight or energy metabolism; severe food allergies; women who are pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during participation in the trial; active psychiatric issues
• Additional criteria specific to patients with history of bariatric surgery: <12 months post-op; weight regain of >5% of body mass postoperation; history of admittance to rehabilitation facility; history of post-op complications that require recent inpatient management; patients who were required to stay in the hospital >1 week post-op; revision surgery patients; heart failure patients.