Mindful Eating and Its Relationship with Obesity, Eating Habits, and Emotional Distress in Mexican College Students

Mindful eating (ME) has gained recognition in multidisciplinary weight management intervention and prevention programs for dysfunctional eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of mindful eating with body mass index, fat percentage, unhealthy food consumption, and emotional distress in Mexican college students. A cross-sectional study was performed. Anthropometry and body composition were evaluated. A self-reported Mindful Eating Questionnaire developed for the Mexican population, Food Frequency Questionnaire (frequency and serving size), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were applied. Two separate analyses were conducted: the first used the whole Mexican Mindful Eating Questionnaire with 11 questions (ME-11), and the second excluded the emotional eating items (ME-8). A total of 224 students were included in the analysis. Lower levels of mindful eating were associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (<i>p</i> < 0.001), waist circumference (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and body fat percentage (<i>p</i> < 0.001), using ME-11 or ME-8. Significant associations were identified between lower levels of mindful eating (ME-11) and consumption of fried foods (<i>p</i> = 0.005), sweets and desserts (<i>p</i> = 0.003), and fast food (<i>p</i> = 0.003). Similar associations were observed using the ME-8 score. In both versions of the questionnaire, depression, anxiety, and stress scores were significantly associated with lower levels of mindful eating. Mindful eating was associated with BMI, body fat, eating habits, and emotional distress. Mindful eating could be used in multidisciplinary educational and intervention programs to promote a healthy lifestyle.