Eatiful Science proves Mindful Eating increases enjoyment

At Eatiful we believe the key to successful long term weight loss is through changing how you eat, and that slow and mindful eating practices can help you enjoy food more while you lose weight. We have embarked on a study with Liverpool John Moores University to test these theories.

We already have preliminary findings, that we’ll be presenting at The European Congress on Obesity 2025 in Malaga in May.

💡 What We Studied

Together with researchers at Liverpool John Moores University, we ran a 12-week study with 52 participants using the Eatiful app. All participants had a BMI of over 25, and all were looking for an alternative to traditional dieting.

We used a mix of methods to explore:

• Changes in eating behaviour

• Mood and meal satisfaction

• Weight-related outcomes

• Real-time experiences via in-app surveys

🧠 What We Found

Here’s what we’ve learned so far:

✅ Slower Eating = More Meal Enjoyment

Participants who slowed down during meals reported significantly more enjoyment.

Eating less didn’t necessarily make them happier—but eating mindfully did.

✅ Mood Improved Over Time

Participants’ moods after eating improved as they practiced mindful eating techniques—showing the positive mental health benefits of slowing down and tuning in.

✅ Traditional Dieting Habits Don’t Stick

From calorie counting to Slimming World, participants shared that nothing worked long-term. They were tired of guilt, hidden eating, and failing to maintain weight loss. Eatiful offered a new way forward.

✅ Life Gets in the Way

Menopause, caregiving, daily chaos—many people felt their eating was out of their control. We believe Eatiful can help them regain that control, one mindful mouthful at a time.

💬 What Participants Told Us

“I’m not planning to count calories my whole life.”

“Every time I do Slimming World, I lose weight… but then I just put it back on.”

“If I don’t eat with my husband, he’ll say ‘Why aren’t you eating?’ I can’t say I had two sausage sandwiches in Asda.”

These are real stories from real people, and they reflect the challenges so many of us face with traditional weight loss approaches.

🚀 So, What’s Next?

Our research continues, but the early results are clear:

🌱 Changing how you eat (slowing down, tuning in) leads to more satisfaction, better mood, and a new relationship with food.

🧘‍♀️ Mindful eating is more than a trend. It could be a long-term, compassionate, and sustainable weight care solution.

📧 Want to hear more?

For more details of our research email katie@eatiful.co.

We’re proud to be part of a new movement in weight care—one that puts your body, your mind, and your experience at the heart of it all.