Feasibility of a mindfulness-based weight loss program in an industry setting: A pilot study
Daisuke Yamaichi1, Kiwako Yokoyama1, Hiroyuki Uchida1
1Department of Neuropsychiatry Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.
PCN Reports : Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|December 11, 2025
Summary
A mindfulness-based weight loss program called Mindful Eating and Lifestyle (MEAL) showed high feasibility and safety in a Japanese occupational setting. Participants experienced a significant average weight reduction of 1.4 kg.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Behavioral Science
- Weight Management
Background:
- Workplace wellness programs are crucial for employee health.
- Mindfulness-based interventions show promise for weight management.
- The Mindful Eating and Lifestyle (MEAL) program integrates mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of the MEAL program.
- To assess the MEAL program's impact on weight loss in an occupational setting.
- To explore the application of mindfulness-based interventions in corporate wellness.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 11 employees in a Japanese manufacturing company.
- Four 60-minute group sessions over 2 months, incorporating mindfulness and CBT.
- Weight data analyzed using paired t-tests.
Main Results:
- 100% program completion rate with no adverse events.
- Significant mean weight reduction of 1.4 kg (p=0.001) among 7 participants with complete data.
- Demonstrated feasibility and safety in a real-world workplace.
Conclusions:
- The MEAL program is feasible, safe, and potentially effective for short-term weight loss in a workplace.
- Mindfulness-based interventions can be successfully implemented in occupational settings.
- Further research is needed to confirm long-term outcomes and generalizability.
