The Mind-Eat Program Improves Mindful Eating and Related Behaviors in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Mindful eating interventions can reduce maladaptive eating behaviors, yet most structured programs have been tested in English-speaking countries, often using passive control groups. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of the Mind-Eat program, a structured, mindfulness-based group intervention, compared to an active, intuitive eating–oriented education program in a clinical population with overweight or obesity. Methods In this single-center trial, 46 adults (BMI 25–50 kg/m²) consulting for the first time in a hospital nutrition unit were randomly assigned (1:1) to either the Mind-Eat program or an active control group receiving therapeutic patient education (TPE). The Mind-Eat group completed eight weekly experiential sessions and one follow-up session one month later. Assessments occurred at baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 8), and follow-up (week 12). The primary outcome was change in mindful eating, measured using the validated Mind-Eat Scale. Secondary outcomes included intuitive and disordered eating behaviors, trait mindfulness, psychological well-being, physical activity, and weight. Results Mixed-effects models showed a significant Group × Time interaction for mindful eating scores at post-intervention (β = –.40, p = .002, d = − 1.32) and follow-up (β = –.31, p = .02, d = − 1.02), favoring the Mind-Eat group. Greater improvements were also found for intuitive eating, emotional and external eating, and trait mindfulness. No significant between-group differences were observed for cognitive restraint, psychological well-being, physical activity, or weight. Conclusions The Mind-Eat program improved mindful and intuitive eating beyond intuitive eating–oriented education. Weight stability is consistent with the program's behavioral rather than weight-loss focus. Trial registration The study protocol is recorded at Clinicaltrials.gov under the number: NCT06157411.