The Effectiveness of Mindfulness in Attention Bias Toward Food in Overweight Individuals

Background: The increased overweight and obesity levels have been a major concern in current situations. The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of a mindfulness intervention on the attentional bias toward food in overweight individuals. Methods: The statistical population in this study consisted of overweight individuals with Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 25, referred to centers related to weight management in Mashhad. 36 samples were selected using convenience sampling based on inclusion-exclusion criteria and were placed in two experimental and control groups randomly. The method used in this study was a quasi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest design with the control group. The repeated measures were undertaken by SPSS Software Ver. 22 for attentional bias toward food. The test was done in three 7-week pre-intervention and post-intervention phases of mindfulness and follow-up for three months after the end of the intervention. Results: The results of data analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the reaction time of participants to the food Emotional Stroop Test. Conclusion: This result showed the significant effect of a mindfulness intervention on the attentional bias toward food in overweight individuals.