Start Date
18-6-2025 5:00 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 6:30 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Obesity and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are significant global health concerns (1). Dietary interventions may improve physical and mental health, likely via gut microbiome changes. This study assesses the feasibility of the MIND diet and its effects on weight loss, mental well-being, and gut microbiome composition in adults with obesity.
Method: This 12-week pilot randomized controlled trial includes two arms: an intervention group following the MIND diet and a control group assigned recommendations for a balanced diet. The study will recruit 126 adults with obesity in Sweden. Data collection includes body measurements, mental health questionnaires, and stool sample analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Primary endpoints are retention and adherence rates, while secondary outcomes include changes in mental well-being, gut microbiome diversity, and body composition.
Results: The primary expected findings include retention and adherence rates, which will determine the feasibility of a larger study. The study will also explore potential associations between dietary intake, weight loss, changes in mental health status, and shifts in gut microbiome composition.
Conclusion: The MIND-GUT study seeks to explore the interconnections between diet, obesity, mental health, and the gut microbiome.
References:
- Segal Y, Gunturu S. Psychological Issues Associated With Obesity. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
- Liu X, Morris MC, Dhana K, et al. Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) study: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of a randomized control trial of the MIND diet on cognitive decline. Contemp Clin Trials. 2021 Mar;102:106270.
Recommended Citation
Gustafson, Deborah DG; Rothenberg, Elisabet ER; Belloni, Fabrizio FB; Eruvuri, Nagalakshmi NE; Steinngrimsson, Steinn SS; Carlssen, Hanne HC; Knez, Rajna RK; Olsson, Erika EO; Burk, Robert D. RDB; Cena, Hellas HC; de Giuseppe, Rachele RDG; and Tognon, Gianluca, "Exploring the Interplay between diet, obesity, mental health, and the gut microbiome. The MIND-GUT pilot intervention study" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 54.
https://sword.cit.ie/isapa/2025/day3/54
Exploring the Interplay between diet, obesity, mental health, and the gut microbiome. The MIND-GUT pilot intervention study
Introduction: Obesity and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are significant global health concerns (1). Dietary interventions may improve physical and mental health, likely via gut microbiome changes. This study assesses the feasibility of the MIND diet and its effects on weight loss, mental well-being, and gut microbiome composition in adults with obesity.
Method: This 12-week pilot randomized controlled trial includes two arms: an intervention group following the MIND diet and a control group assigned recommendations for a balanced diet. The study will recruit 126 adults with obesity in Sweden. Data collection includes body measurements, mental health questionnaires, and stool sample analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Primary endpoints are retention and adherence rates, while secondary outcomes include changes in mental well-being, gut microbiome diversity, and body composition.
Results: The primary expected findings include retention and adherence rates, which will determine the feasibility of a larger study. The study will also explore potential associations between dietary intake, weight loss, changes in mental health status, and shifts in gut microbiome composition.
Conclusion: The MIND-GUT study seeks to explore the interconnections between diet, obesity, mental health, and the gut microbiome.
References:
- Segal Y, Gunturu S. Psychological Issues Associated With Obesity. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
- Liu X, Morris MC, Dhana K, et al. Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) study: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of a randomized control trial of the MIND diet on cognitive decline. Contemp Clin Trials. 2021 Mar;102:106270.