Mindfulness and Reward-Based Eating: Examining the Role of Trait Mindfulness and a Mobile Mindfulness Intervention

Abstract

Objectives: Reward-based eating, characterized by preoccupation with food-related thoughts, loss of control while eating, and lack of satiety, often occurs in response to emotional cues rather than physical hunger. This maladaptive eating pattern may be mitigated by mindfulness, which encompasses present-moment awareness and an accepting, non-judgmental attitude. This study examined two primary research questions: (1) whether higher trait mindfulness serves as a protective factor against reward-based eating and (2) whether mindfulness meditation, delivered through a mobile app (Headspace), can reduce reward-based eating. Method: Participants (n = 137; age M = 38.04, SD = 10.72; 73.7% female) were randomly assigned to either an 8-week mindfulness intervention using the Headspace app or a control group. Baseline and post-intervention assessments of trait mindfulness and reward-based eating were collected. Results: We found that higher levels of trait mindfulness were associated with lower levels of reward-based eating. The strongest relationship was observed for the lack of satiety subcomponent. For the mindfulness intervention, participants in the Headspace condition showed reduced levels of reward-based eating and improved levels of trait mindfulness. A general trend of changes in mindfulness predicting changes in reward-based eating was observed. Follow-up moderation analyses revealed this relationship was only significant for the Headspace group, indicating a coupling of the mindfulness training with improved outcomes. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of mindfulness as a protective factor against reward-based eating, including the potential for app-based programs like Headspace to reduce reward-based eating. Preregistration: This study was preregistered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03652168.