Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Sep 15, 2018
Date Accepted: Dec 29, 2018
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
The Mindfulness App Trial for Weight, Weight related Behaviours, and Stress in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Intro: University students are at risk of weight gain during their studies. Key factors related to weight gain in this population include unhealthy weight related behaviours due to stress. Mindfulness holds promise for weight management. However, there has not been a previous trial that has explored the effectiveness of a student-tailored mindfulness app for stress, weight related behaviours, and weight.
Objective:
The aims of this study were to test the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of a student-tailored mindfulness app for weight, weight related behaviours, and stress.
Methods:
Methods:
A two arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 11 weeks duration was undertaken at the University of Queensland. Students were randomized to the mindfulness app (N=45) or to a behavioural self-monitoring electronic diary (e-diary) (N=45) for diet and exercise. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in weight, stress, mindfulness, mindful eating, physical activity, and eating behaviours between both groups.
Results:
Results:
Neither the mindfulness app group nor the e-diary group lost weight and there were no differences between groups at follow-up. However, both interventions were comparable for preventing weight gain as there were no changes in weight. The mindfulness app group had significantly lower stress levels (adherers only), lower emotional eating, and uncontrolled eating as well as higher mindfulness and mindful eating levels overall (p-values<0.05). The e-diary group had higher metabolic equivalents (MET) of moderate activity levels. However, the effect sizes were small. Regular adherence to the mindfulness exercises in the app was low in the group. The majority of student (95%) liked the app and found it to be acceptable. The most helpful reported meditation technique was observing the breath. Discussion: This was the first RCT that tested a mindfulness app for weight and weight related behaviours in students. The modest level of user adherence likely contributes to the lack of effect on weight loss. However, there was a small albeit promising effect.
Conclusions:
Conclusion: A mindfulness app demonstrated effectiveness for stress, eating behaviours, mindfulness as well as mindful eating but the effect sizes were small. Future studies should be conducted over longer periods of time and with greater participant compliance. Clinical Trial: ACTRN12616001349437
Citation
