How to lose weight and keep it off: what does the evidence show?

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Weight Loss and CVD Risk Management

Obesity affects more than one-third of U.S. adults and is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, primarily from cardiovascular disease. Traditional behavioral interventions for weight loss typically focus on diet and exercise habits and often give little attention to the role of stress and emotions in the initiation and maintenance of unhealthy behaviors, which may account for their modest results and considerable variability in outcomes. Stress eating and emotional eating are increasingly recognized as important targets of weight loss interventions. Mindfulness-based interventions were specifically developed to promote greater self-efficacy in coping with stress and negative emotions, and appear to be effective for a variety of conditions. In recent years researchers have begun to study mindfulness interventions for weight loss and CVD risk management. This review describes the rationale for the use of mindfulness in interventions for weight loss and CVD risk management, summarizes the research to date, and suggests priorities for future research.

A mindful eating group intervention for obese women: a mixed methods feasibility study

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to: 1) describe the effect of an 8-week mindful eating intervention on mindful eating, weight loss self-efficacy, depression, and biomarkers of weight in urban, underserved, obese women; and 2) identify themes of the lived experience of mindful eating. A convenience sample of 12 obese women was recruited with data collected at baseline and 8 weeks followed by a focus group. Only self-efficacy for weight loss significantly increased over 8 weeks (t=-2.63, P=.04). Qualitative findings of mindful eating supported quantitative findings and extended understanding about the effect of the intervention.

Weight management strategies for women: a review for nurses

Upon completion of this activity, the learner will be able to: 1. Cite the statistics surrounding overweight and obesity and list the potential health effects of overweight and obesity. 2. List and explain different strategies for weight loss, including their risks and benefits as shown by the current evidence. 3. List effective strategies for maintaining weight loss and cite examples from the literature.