Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Tanzillo, Tanya

Second Advisor

Rosso, Elizabeth

Third Advisor

Cooke, Marcia

Degree Name

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Department

School of Nursing

Abstract

Background: Depression affects 350 to 500 million people globally, with depressive-associated emotional eating (DAEE) impacting approximately 43.5% of these individuals. Depressive-associated emotional eating contributes to obesity through poor dietary choices and weight gain, leading to the projection that by 2048 all United States citizens will be overweight or obese.

Local Problem: At a Chicago weight loss center, the Emotional Appetite Questionnaire screened 75 patients, revealing that 56% (N = 42) ate more during sadness, boredom, and loneliness, and 50.7% (N = 38) ate more during depression, indicating significant DAEE.

Methods: This quasi-experimental quality improvement project uses a pre- and post-evaluation design and a rolling convenience sampling method to select new and long-term restart patients undergoing medical weight loss treatment who experience DAEE.

Interventions: Dr. Susan Albers' Mindful Eating (ME) program was delivered over 28 days via daily emails with a 2-minute lesson video, a 1-minute ME tip video, and a 5-minute ME reflective assignment, focusing on enhancing participants' awareness and application of daily ME techniques. Weekly check-in appointments with the primary investigator and additional motivational emails supported participant adherence and progress throughout the ME program.

Results: Participants in the ME program experienced a weight reduction (5 pounds) and waist circumference (2 inches), with improvements in ME behaviors and a reduction in DAEE.

Conclusions: The ME program effectively reduced DAEE, yet further research is needed across a more diverse population to address the variability in DAEE outcomes and enhance ME program adherence.

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