Mindful Eating is Associated with Higher Healthy Eating Index Scores among Women who are Overweight or Obese

Abstract

Explain the relationship between mindful eating and Healthy Eating Index Scores. Mindful eating (ME) is defined as intentionally attending to eating experiences and internal body sensations in a non-judgmental manner. Mindful eating interventions have improved stress-related eating, which is associated with increased consumption of highly palatable foods. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ME and overall dietary quality among adult women who were overweight or obese. Sixty-seven pre-menopausal, women [body mass index (BMI) of 25-40 kg/m2] completed three days of dietary recalls, and an online survey that included the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), the Emotion- and Stress-Related Eating (ESRE) sub-scale of the Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Higher scores represent more mindful eating, less ESRE, and greater perceived stress. Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI) was computed from three days of dietary intake. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationships between HEI scores, MEQ, ESRE, and PSS. Average HEI, MEQ, ESRE, and PSS scores were 53.4 +/- 12.3, 3.2 +/- 0.5, 3.2 +/- 0.9, and 16.9 +/- 6.2, respectively. HEI scores were significantly related to MEQ (β=13.4, t=3.1, p=0.003), ESRE (β= -10.7, t=-3.8, p=<0.001), and PSS (β=-062, t=-2.4, p=0.02). MEQ scores are related to ESRE scores (β= 0.46, t=8.4, p=<0.001). In this sample of women who were overweight or obese, mindful eating practices were associated with better dietary quality. Women who cope with stress through eating may benefit from a mindful eating intervention.