The goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to determine whether a mindfulness-based intervention, in addition to nutritional education, improves healthy and sustainable eating habits in 53 young adults aged 18 to 35 years with low adherence to a sustainable diet.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
The mindfulness-based intervention consists of a structured online program delivered over four weeks. Participants attend four 2-hour group sessions conducted once weekly. The program includes guided mindfulness practices, experiential exercises, and group discussions aimed at increasing awareness of eating behaviors, emotional triggers, and food-related decision-making.
The nutritional education intervention consists of two 1-hour online sessions delivered over two separate weeks. The sessions are based on the EAT-Lancet dietary recommendations for healthy and sustainable eating and provide evidence-based guidance on food choices and dietary patterns consistent with environmental sustainability and health promotion
University of Torino
Torino, Torino, Italy
Change in adherence to the EAT-Lancet Diet
Change in adherence to a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern, assessed using the EAT-Lancet Index. The index ranges from 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating greater adherence to the EAT-Lancet dietary recommendations. The total score is derived from 14 dietary components, each scored from 0 to 3. Adherence categories are defined as follows: ≤13 (low adherence), 14-16, 17-19, 20-22, and ≥23 (high adherence).
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in MedQ-Sus score
Change in Sustainable diet adherence assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Sustainability (MedQ-Sus; range: 0-8), with higher scores indicating greater adherence to a sustainable diet.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in body weight and body mass index (BMI)
Change in body weight measured in kilograms (kg) and in BMI calculated as weight (kg)/height (m²)
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in Mindfulness
Change in mindfulness (awareness) assessed using the Awareness subscale of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale. Scores range from 10 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater awareness of the present momen.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in mindful eating behaviors
Change in mindful eating (awareness) assessed using the awareness subscale of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire. Mean scores range from 1 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater awareness of how food affects sensory experiences and internal states.
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Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in Psychological distress
Change in depression symptoms assessed using the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Scores range from 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in sleep quality
Change in sleep quality assessed using the Mini Sleep Questionnaire. Total scores range from 10 to 70, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in Mindfulness
Change in Mindfulness (acceptance) assessed using the Acceptance subscale of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale. Scores range from 10 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater acceptance (non-judgmental attitude toward experience).
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in Mindfulness
Change in mindful eating (recognition) assessed using the recognition subscale of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire. Mean scores range from 1 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater ability to recognize hunger, satiety, and cues that lead to eating beyond physiological needs.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in Psychological distress
Change in anxiety symptoms assessed using the Anxiety subscale of the DASS-21. Scores range from 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions
Change in Psychological distress
Change in stress symptoms assessed using the stress subscale of the DASS-21. Scores range from 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the end of the nutritional education sessions