Overeating can be understood as a subthreshold for binge eating disorder diagnosis. When using MB-EAT as a treatment for overeating, the "inner wisdom" portion of the fourth stage is especially important. The primary focus of treatment for this eating behavior is to teach satiety and fullness.

University of Texas at Austin

Originally designed for binge eating disorder, MB-EAT has been studied as a treatment for several other eating problems and maladaptive behaviors, including:
- overeating
- obesity
- diet and exercise habits (especially in adolescents)
- perceived stress
- emotional eating
- weight maintenance post-bariatric surgery

The efficacy of MB-EAT has only been considered for these more generalized issues, but not studied in another major eating disorder outside of BED.

Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training as Treatment

The final stage operates to create a better relationship for the patient with their physical self, self-identity, and self in relation to others. It increases body awareness, promotes self-care and forgiveness, and encourages "inner wisdom".

4: Cultivating Self-Acceptance in Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training

Kristeller, J. L., & Wolever, R. Q. (2014). Mindfulness-based eating awareness training: treatment of overeating and obesity. In Mindfulness-Based Treatment Approaches (pp. 119-139). Academic Press.

Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training: Treatment of Overeating and Obesity

Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training for Overeating

With obesity, MB-EAT is utilized to assist with weight management. It includes an aspect in the mindful eating stage to manage caloric intake and slowly decrease intake by a marginal amount while maintaining mindfulness. It also teaches participants to use mindfulness techniques such as "mini-meditations" during exercise. 

Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training for Obesity

MB-EAT has been adapted to be used with adolescents in a school setting, called Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training for Adolescents (MB-EAT-A). It addresses weight loss and eating behaviors in the general adolescent population, not just overweight, obese, or teens diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder. 

The intervention showed success in improving dietary and nutritional intake, increased participation in aerobic exercise, and a minor decrease in weight. The overall structure of the program stayed the same but took place within the school day and was only slightly adjusted to fit time and curriculum constraints. 

Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training for Adolescents

In overweight or obese adults, MB-EAT has been found beneficial in decreasing perceived stress (as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale). This benefit was found in addition to the other benefits identified for obese populations. It is suggested that these findings are due to an increase of feeling in control, self-sufficiency, and self-esteem caused by MB-EAT.

Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training for Perceived Stress

MB-EAT has been adapted as a target for emotional eating, called Mindfulness-Based Emotional Eating Awareness Training (Mbeeat). This adaptation includes an intensified focus on teaching participants the psychological backing for the mindfulness behaviors they are participating in. It was created to mitigate the fact that emotional eating is a predictor of failed weight loss interventions and it is recommended that participants receive Mbeeat before weight management training begins. 

Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training for Emotional Eating

The impact of MB-EAT was assessed for 1 year post-operation bariatric patients to minimize weight recidivism and negative psychological functioning. No changes were made to the structure of the intervention, though some foods were substituted for sugar-free options to decrease patient discomfort. MB-EAT was found to decrease the amount of weight gained after surgery, particularly decreasing psychological issues such as depression, which in turned decreased unhealthy eating behaviors that would lead to weight gain. 

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