In a study by Eric Loucks, assistant professor of epidemiology at Brown University, lowered body fat is found to share a link with the attention an individual gives to the present moment.
Loucks correlates this to the primordial instincts of early humans who had to hunt for food. With the subliminal suggestion of uncertainty and insecurity, modern humans have a subconscious drive to eat as much as possible. He also points out that the aversion of modern humans to exercise may be linked to early man's need for rest after the physical exertion of hunting and gathering food.
"...the human brain and sense organs have not had evolutionary time to change responses to these types of sense cues," Loucks suggests.
The research used data from 400 subjects, whose body composition were recorded and whose predilection to mindfulness were measured by a valid survey of 15 questions. The results were measured against the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Findings revealed that those who rated low in the scale were 34 percent more prone to obesity, with the extra weight more likely to be apparent in the midsection of their bodies.
"My hypothesis is that for those who are more aware of their thoughts around eating they might start to notice negative emotions around diet if there are excess amounts consumed. They might also notice how they feel better when they are more physically active," Loucks explains.
With thoughtful self-regulation, one has a better chance to asses if ones craving, especially for rich and indulgent food, has emotional roots. This allows the individual to make a more aware decision, whether favourably or unfavourably, prior to food consumption.
Based on the study, Loucks developed the framework for a related research, which seeks to determine the impact of mindful intervention on reducing cardiovascular issues that stem from an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle. He suggests that these main precepts may help develop behavioural changes that would benefit cardiovascular health: attention control, emotion regulation and self awareness.
Backed by a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, Loucks plans to establish customised mindfulness interventions that target such heart disease factors as obesity.
