Mindfulness in Adolescents With Obesity

Mindfulness refers to the experience of paying attention to the present moment in a nonjudgmental manner. The mindfulness intervention consists of 6 weekly sessions focused on: experiential mindfulness exercises, such as mindful eating, loving kindness practices, breath awareness, and mindful movement; hunger and satiety awareness; improving responses to emotions; practicing acceptance and being non-judgmental; and tolerating negative feelings and sensations, including those related to hunger and cravings. Participants will be assigned brief homework exercises (approximately 10 minutes) daily in between appointments.

Participants will receive the recommended standard of medical management of overweight and obesity. The clinic team conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the patient to assess dietary and activity behavior change needs of each patient and family, as well as obesity-associated comorbidities. In addition to management of comorbidities, goals for improved physical activity and dietary behaviors are set with the patient and family at each visit.