Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Food Craving in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials Publisher Pubmed



Allameh SA ; Mokhtari Z ; Hosseini E ; Askari G
Source: BMC Psychology Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Food craving (FC) is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) and less healthy food choices. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have garnered interest as a strategy to address maladaptive eating behaviors. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs in reducing FC. Methods: We included controlled trials involving adult participants. A comprehensive search of Embase, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and CENTRAL was conducted up to July 7, 2024. The Cochrane RoB2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in included studies, and the GRADE framework was applied to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedges’ g with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results favoring MBIs over control conditions were interpreted as statistically significant positive effects. Results: A total of 24 studies (1920 participants) were included. FC intensity was significantly reduced in the MBI group compared to controls (Hedges’ g = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.07–0.48, p =.008, n = 23), with subgroup analysis suggesting the strongest effect for the decentering strategy. The certainty of evidence was rated as low. FC frequency did not differ significantly between the MBI and control groups (g = 0.11, 95% CI: − 0.28 to 0.49, p =.59, n = 9). The MBI group exhibited significantly lower rebound intake (i.e., food consumption following the conclusion of the restrictive phase of the study) (g = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.24–1.41, p =.006, n = 5) and a non-significant reduction in overall intake (g = 0.46, 95% CI: − 0.02 to 0.93, p =.06, n = 9) relative to controls. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that MBIs may be effective and safe interventions for managing FC intensity but not frequency. However, additional high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base. Prospero registration: CRD42024584334. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.