Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on anthropometric outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectives: The effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on anthropometrics remain obscure. This review quantitatively synthesizes the effects of MBIs on decreasing body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), weight, and percent body fat (%BF). Methods: Seven databases, including CINAHL Plus with Full Text, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, and Sociological Abstracts were searched; studies with a comparison group were selected. Random-effects models were then applied to estimate the pooled effects (Hedge's g), while exploratory moderation analyses with mixed-effects models were performed to explore potential moderators of MBIs on anthropometrics. Results: The pooled effect size was -0.36 (p < .001) on BMI, -0.52 (p < .001) on WC, -1.20 (p < .004) on weight loss, and -0.43 (p = .389) on %BF. The long-term effects from baseline to follow-up and from post-intervention to follow-up were sustained on BMI (-0.37, p = .027; -.24, p = .065) and weight loss (-1.91, p = .027; -0.74, p = .011) respectively. For weight loss, adding mindful movement had greater effects than those without (-2.65 vs -0.39, p < .001). Conclusion: Our findings support the short-term MBI effects on BMI reduction, WC, weight, and %BF, and longterm effects on reducing BMI and weight. Future efforts should focus on sustaining effects on reducing WC and % BF.