Coping with food cravings. Investigating the potential of a mindfulness-based intervention

H.J.E.M. Alberts*, S. Mulkens, M. Smeets, R. Thewissen

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

The present study examined whether mindfulness-based strategies can effectively reduce food cravings in an overweight and obese adult population. Individuals participating in a dietary group treatment for overweight received an additional 7-week manual based training that aimed to promote regulation of cravings by means of acceptance. The control group did not receive this additional training program. The results showed that participants in the experimental group reported significantly lower cravings for food after the intervention compared to the control group. The findings are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms like prevention of goal frustration, disengagement of obsessive thinking and reduction of automatic relations between urge and reaction. 

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)160-163
Number of pages4
JournalAppetite
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2010

Keywords

  • ACCEPTANCE
  • BULIMIA
  • COGNITIVE THERAPY
  • Food cravings
  • Mindfulness
  • TRIAL
  • WEIGHT
  • WOMEN

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