Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a combination of metabolic
disorders such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. The rapid
progression of obesity, combined with inappropriate eating behaviors,
exacerbates MetS, making it a major public health concern. Primarily linked to
an unbalanced diet and sedentary lifestyle, it significantly increases the risk
of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. To effectively combat its
complications, it is essential to promote sustainable solutions aimed at
improving eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and fostering better
weight control.
This study explores the impact of a mindfulness
mobile application (MMA) combined with a lifestyle intervention (CLI) on weight
loss and eating behavior in adults with MetS.
Do Mobile Applications Really Improve Dietary
Control in Metabolic Syndrome?
Thirty participants aged 20 to 75 years were selected and then randomly
assigned to two groups:
- CLI only:
Weekly sessions of exercise and nutritional counseling over 13 weeks,
followed by telephone consultations.
- CLI + MMA:
The same CLI program, supplemented by the daily use of a mindfulness
mobile application.
The evaluation criteria included weight loss
and eating behaviors (restrictive, emotional, and external eating). Adherence
to the application was also monitored over 26 weeks.
The results showed moderate weight loss in
both groups, with no significant difference. However, the CLI+MMA group
demonstrated a notable improvement in restrictive eating behavior,
reflecting better control over caloric intake. No significant differences were
observed regarding emotional or external eating. Adherence to the
application gradually declined, from 6.6 days per week at the beginning of
the study to 2 days per week at 26 weeks. Finally, both groups showed high
levels of satisfaction and a 100% follow-up rate.
A Promising but Imperfect Solution for Managing
Metabolic Syndrome
Integrating a mindfulness mobile application into a lifestyle intervention
proved to be feasible and well-accepted by participants. Although its impact on
weight loss was comparable to that of CLI alone, the application demonstrated
significant benefits on restrictive eating behavior, a key factor for weight
control. However, further studies are needed to identify effective strategies
to improve adherence to mindfulness-based interventions.
