RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effect of Mediterranean Diet and Mindfulness Eating on Depression Severity in People With Obesity and Major Depressive Disorder

This study wants to find out if eating a Mediterranean diet and practising mindful eating can help people who are living with both depression and obesity. We know that depression and obesity are often linked, and researchers are looking for new ways to help. Participants will be put into one of four groups: one focusing on the Mediterranean diet, one on mindful eating, one combining both, or a control group. The study lasts for 12 weeks, followed by another 12 weeks where researchers will check in on participants. The main goal is to see if these changes can make a difference to how severe their depression is. It's hoped this research could lead to better support for people in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital Tuebingen

Enrolment target

Start

05 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Depressive Disorder, Major

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into how certain lifestyle changes, specifically eating a Mediterranean-style diet and practising 'mindful eating', might help people who are experiencing both depression and obesity. Often, these two conditions can affect people at the same time, and finding new ways to support wellbeing is really important.

A Mediterranean diet generally includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil, with less red meat and processed foods. Mindful eating is about paying close attention to your food, noticing tastes, smells, and how your body feels, rather than eating on autopilot. The study wants to see if these approaches can help reduce feelings of depression.

Participants will be placed into one of four groups: one focusing on the Mediterranean diet, another on mindful eating techniques, a third combining both the diet and mindful eating, and a fourth 'control' group that will involve social interaction without diet or mindful eating advice. By comparing these groups, the researchers hope to understand if these lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference to how people feel.

Key takeaways

This study explores diet and mindful eating for depression and obesity.
Participation involves 12 weeks of intervention and 12 weeks of follow-up.
Your current medical treatment for depression must remain stable.
You'll be in one of four groups: Mediterranean diet, mindful eating, both, or a control group.
The main goal is to see if these changes can help reduce symptoms of depression.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 years old or older. You should have a doctor's diagnosis of major depression, and your depression should be at least moderately severe. You also need to be living with obesity (meaning your BMI is 30 or higher).

It's important that any antidepressant medicines or talking therapies you're currently having have been stable for at least four weeks before the study starts and will stay the same during the study. You also shouldn't be following a Mediterranean diet or practicing mindful eating much already.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join, such as having certain gut conditions, severe food allergies, other serious mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or eating disorders, recent antibiotic use, current drug or alcohol abuse, being pregnant or breastfeeding, or having thoughts of harming yourself. People who can't complete questionnaires or take part fully also cannot join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Have you been diagnosed with major depression?
Is your depression at least moderately severe?
Do you have obesity (BMI 30 or higher)?
Have any depression medications or therapy been stable for at least 4 weeks?
Are you currently NOT following a Mediterranean diet or practicing mindful eating regularly?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be part of a 12-week programme. During this time, you might have up to five personal meetings about nutrition if you're in one of the diet groups. After these 12 weeks, the researchers will continue to check in with you for another 12 weeks to see how you're doing. The main things they'll be looking at are how your depression symptoms change. They'll also be checking on other things like your quality of life, how confident you feel, how well you're sticking to the diet or mindful eating, and some body measurements. Your total involvement would be for 24 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

You might find that making changes to your diet and eating habits improves your mood and overall well-being. However, there's always a chance that you might not experience improvement, or that the changes could be challenging to adopt. You also have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health
Verified postcode
Stuttgart, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'mindful eating'?

Mindful eating is about slowing down and paying full attention to your food, noticing its taste, smell, and how it makes you feel without distractions.

Will I have to stop my current depression treatment?

No, you don't need to stop your current treatment. It's important that any medicines or therapy you're having for depression are stable before and during the study.

What is a 'control group'?

A control group helps researchers compare results by not receiving the main treatment being studied. In this case, it's a group focused on social interaction.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for a total of 24 weeks: 12 weeks of intervention and another 12 weeks for follow-up checks.

Do I have to follow the Mediterranean diet perfectly?

The study looks at adherence, meaning how closely you follow it. The aim is to see if making these changes has an effect.

How to find out more

Alina Moosburner, MSc

alina.moosburner@med.uni-tuebingen.de +4971181013764 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.