Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction on state/trait anxiety and quality of life in women with obesity

Obesity affects the cognitive, emotional and behavioral functions and usually produces mood and anxiety disorders. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on promoting quality of life and decreasing anxiety among the obese women.
In this pre-post-test designed experimental study with a 2 mouth follow- up, 24 obese women (BMI≥30) were randomly selected in the Obesity Treatment Center in (Tehran, Iran) and assigned in Experimental and Control groups. Data were collected using the questionnaires of anxiety of Spiel-Berger (1970) and quality of life of Viyear (1988). The MBSR interventions of Kabat-Zinn were performed for experimental group in 8 sessions, followed by the assessment of anxiety and quality of life.
The pre- post-test and follow- up scores for quality of life of participants in MBSR program, in terms of general health; physical limitations; physical function; social function; state anxiety and trait anxiety were: (7.66±0.88, 9.50±1.67, 9.58±1.66); (22.83±1.58, 27.91±1.16, 27±1.53); (4.50±0.67, 6.16±1.11, 5±0.95); (2.91± 0.28, 5.91±0.66, 5.75±0.38); (52.25±3.51, 43.08±2.39, 44±2.29) and (68.08±1.78, 46.75±1.71, 47.25±2), respectively. The scores of quality of life was significantly increased in participants in MBSR compared to the Control group (P The results of research provide some evidence to suggest that MBSR is an appropriate therapy for promoting quality of life and decreasing anxiety in obese women.