A Prospective Investigation of the Role of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion in Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults with Obesity

Abstract

Understanding the psychological factors implicated in weight loss and weight loss maintenance is integral to the development of effective weight loss treatment approaches. Emerging evidence suggests that the psychological constructs of mindfulness and self-compassion may play a role in weight loss outcomes, though limitations of previous research prevent definitive conclusions. As such, the current study aimed to investigate the association between both mindfulness and self-compassion, and weight loss. The participants were 201 adults with obesity who participated in a cognitive behavioural weight loss program and were assessed on their levels of, and changes in, mindfulness and self-compassion across the treatment and follow-up phases. Results revealed that neither baseline levels nor changes in self-compassion (measured using the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form) significantly predicted weight loss. There was some, albeit limited, evidence that mindfulness predicted weight change using the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, which measures four components of mindfulness (Acting with Awareness, Accepting without Judgement, Observing, and Describing). Specifically, higher baseline levels of Accepting without Judgement was a significant predictor of weight loss at post-treatment, yet increases on the same scale across the course of treatment predicted weight gain at post-treatment. Moreover, higher levels of Acting with Awareness at post-treatment approached significance in predicting weight loss at follow-up. Overall, the findings provide somewhat limited support for the role of mindfulness in weight loss and weight loss maintenance, and no support for self-compassion. The results have potential implications for the assessment of these constructs in the obesity context and their role in obesity interventions.