Persa Korfiati

Background: Obesity and related health challenges remain significant concerns in Cyprus and Greece. Mindful eating (ME) has emerged as a behavioral approach to address these issues, yet its relationship with BMI, vitamin D levels, and sleep duration in Mediterranean populations is underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to examine associations between ME subcategories (Awareness, Distraction, Disinhibition, Emotional, and External Cues), BMI, vitamin D levels, and sleep duration among Cypriot and Greek adults across two cohorts. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed with data collected in 2022 (N₁ = 438) and 2023 (N₂ = 174). Participants completed the validated Cyprus Mindful Eating Questionnaire (CyMEQ). Vitamin D levels, sleep duration, and BMI were self-reported. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U Tests for ME subcategory comparisons, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and Spearman correlations to examine associations. Results: Significant differences were found between cohorts in ME subcategories, with N₁ scoring higher in Awareness [Median (IQR): 2.60 (2.20–3.00) vs. 2.00 (1.80–2.30), p = 0.02], Disinhibition [2.70 (2.50–3.00) vs. 2.50 (2.20–2.70), p = 0.03], and External Cues [2.50 (2.10–2.90) vs. 2.10 (1.80–2.50), p = 0.01]. ME scores were negatively correlated with BMI (r = −0.25, p = 0.01) and positively associated with vitamin D levels and sleep duration. Differences in vitamin D supplementation practices were observed across groups; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07). Conclusions: ME behaviors, particularly Awareness and Disinhibition, are associated with BMI, highlighting their potential in obesity management. The interplay between ME, vitamin D, and sleep underscores the need for integrative health interventions in Mediterranean populations.

Background: Obesity is a major health concern in Cyprus and Greece, where mindful eating (ME) could aid in weight management by fostering awareness of eating behaviors. This cross-sectional study explores associations between ME, BMI, vitamin D levels, and sleep among 612 Cypriot and Greek adults (22.1% male, median age 33.5). Methods: Participants completed an online survey, including the Mindful Eating Questionnaire, over two phases (2022: N1 = 438; 2023: N2 = 174). Results: The mean ME score was 2.61 ± 0.36, with most participants classified as medium "mindful eaters." Significant negative correlations were observed between Awareness scores and BMI for Cypriots (r = -0.30, p = 0.01) and Greeks (r = -0.20, p = 0.05), while higher Disinhibition scores correlated positively with BMI (Cypriots: r = 0.35, p = 0.005; Greeks: r = 0.25, p = 0.02). Vitamin D was not tested in 63.8% of participants, and 57.5% did not take supplements, with seasonal variations (p = 0.043). Positive associations were also observed between vitamin D levels, ME scores, and sleep duration. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of mindful eating practices and vitamin D supplementation in obesity management. Public health interventions should consider promoting ME, routine vitamin D testing, and adequate sleep for comprehensive weight management.