The MIND-GUT Digital Pilot Intervention Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SKÖVDE · Apr 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The MIND-GUT Digital Pilot Intervention Study is a 12-week research project designed to explore how a special diet can help people who are struggling with obesity and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The study will involve men and women aged 30 to 50 who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which indicates obesity. Participants will be divided into two groups—one will use a meal planning app to follow a specific diet, while the other group will not use the app. Throughout the study, researchers will assess participants' weight, mental health, and gut bacteria, which are the tiny organisms in our intestines that can affect our overall health.

To take part in this study, individuals need to be between 30 and 50 years old and meet certain health criteria, but they should not be taking specific medications or have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or eating disorders. Participants can expect to engage in regular assessments, including questionnaires and dietary tracking, to help the researchers understand the effectiveness of the dietary intervention. This pilot study is an important step toward larger studies that may happen in multiple countries, aiming to improve health through better diets and mental health support.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age 30- 50;
• • BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2;
• • stable physical activity;
• • one person per household;
• • commitment to full protocol.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • use of psychiatric medications (e.g., serotonin reuptake inhibitors);
• • use of weight loss medications (GLP-1 receptor agonists);
• • food allergies affecting adherence to the MIND diet;
• • diagnosis of eating disorders;
• • diagnosis of diabetes;
• • diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome;
• • sensory deficits (e.g., COVID-19-induced loss of taste/smell);
• • antibiotic use during the latest 3 months;
• • participation in another study;
• • language understanding limitations (i.e., not able to understand either Swedish or English); - coeliac/inflammatory bowel disease;
• • planned weight management program within three months;
• • pregnancy;
• • lactation;
• • menopause.