Mindfulness-based program to support lifestyle modification and weight loss in infertile women: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective

We evaluated the short-term effects of a mindfulness-based program (MBP) on weight loss through lifestyle modification in infertile women who were overweight or obese.

Methods

The participants were randomly assigned to 8 consecutive weekly sessions of MBP plus diet or diet alone. Both groups received a customized dietary plan. Body measures were taken and a questionnaire was applied to evaluate dietary habits at baseline and three months later.

Results

The study was completed by 28 women in the MBP group and 24 in the control group. Body weight decreased 1.8 kg (2.1%) in the MBP group (p = 0.001, follow-up vs. baseline) and 1.7 kg (1.9%) in the control group (p = 0.035). There was an average reduction of 2.9 cm of waist circumference in the MBP group (p = 0.008) and 0.3 cm in the control group (p = 0.633). There was a significant reduction in the daily energy intake of the women attending the MBP (mean difference −430 Kcal/day, p=0.010) whereas no significant change was observed in the control group.

Conclusion

In the short term, this MBP did not affect weight loss in infertile women, but the MBP intervention contributed to reduce waist circumference, possibly due to a significant decrease in food energy intake.

Trial Registration Number

RBR-7by76r

Keywords:

• Infertile women
• mindfulness
• lifestyle
• daily energy intake
• overweight

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The present research was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) through the National Institute of Hormones and Women’s Health [573747/2008-3].