Mindfulness-based intervention for emotional regulation to reduce binge eating in a Mexican bariatric surgery sample

Abstract

It is essential to consider eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, before proceeding with a bariatric intervention. However, most psychological interventions focus on awareness of hunger stimuli rather than the emotion behind them. The present study explores the effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) intervention adapted to a Mexican sample and focused on emotional regulation to reduce symptoms of binge eating disorder. Six patients with obesity who were candidates for bariatric surgery participated in this study. Levels of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and weekly binge eating episodes were assessed using a multiple baseline design across participants. Results showed an increase in levels of mindfulness and emotional regulation, as well as a significant reduction in the amount of weekly binge eating, which was maintained at the 3- and 7-month post-treatment assessment. It was found that this intervention is not only effective, but also opens space to the possibility that MBCT focused on solving the problem behind binge eating, specifically emotional regulation, can generate change in less time.