Mindfulness-based interventions for binge eating: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly used for binge eating disorder.
• Previous reviews indicate MBIs have significant effects on reducing binge eating.
• An updated review is necessary due to rapid growth in MBIs research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a 10-year update on the effectiveness of MBIs for binge eating.
• To systematically review and meta-analyze studies published in the last decade.
• To compare MBIs against non-psychological and active psychological controls.

Main Methods:

• Searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for relevant studies.
• Included keywords: binge eating, overeating, mindfulness, meditation, DBT, ACT, mindful eating.
• Conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of between-group effect sizes.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in MBIs studies for binge eating, from 19 to 54 over 10 years.
• MBIs showed medium-large effects versus non-psychological controls (Hedge's g = -0.65 post, -0.71 follow-up).
• Negligible effects were found for MBIs versus active psychological controls (Hedge's g = -0.05 post, 0.13 follow-up).
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and interventions directly targeting binge eating demonstrated larger effects.
• Recent studies included international participants, focused on overweight/obesity, and incorporated self-help/technology.

Conclusions:

• MBIs are effective in reducing binge eating, particularly compared to no intervention.
• Future research should focus on direct comparisons with active psychological interventions and longer follow-up periods.
• Further meta-analyses are needed to explore different MBI types and targets.