A recently published study protocol in Frontiers in Nutrition outlines an ongoing trial evaluating the practicality, acceptability, and feasibility of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet among adults living with obesity.
The findings are expected to generate feasibility data and early insights that will guide future research exploring how dietary patterns interact with the gut microbiome, mental health, and obesity. This evidence may help shape interventions aimed at improving both physical and psychological health.
Obesity, Mental Health, and Dietary Connections
Obesity and mental health disorders frequently co-occur, contributing significantly to individual distress and public health burden. Although the biological and behavioral mechanisms linking these conditions are not fully understood, increasing evidence highlights diet as a key factor influencing both body weight and emotional well-being.
In Sweden, rates of overweight and obesity have risen steadily over the past 20 years, particularly among younger adults. Currently, more than half of the adult population exceeds a healthy weight, with disparities evident across gender, educational attainment, and country of birth. These trends highlight the urgent need for preventive strategies that address mental and physical health together.
Weight loss achieved through dietary changes has been associated with mood improvements in individuals with obesity. Additionally, diet may affect mental health through its influence on the gut microbiome, which plays an important role in metabolism, stress regulation, and mood-related pathways.
Rationale for the MIND Diet
The MIND diet emphasizes foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and unsaturated fats that support both brain and gut health. Rather than fully integrating Mediterranean and DASH dietary patterns, it selectively incorporates components believed to offer the greatest neuroprotective and metabolic benefits. If feasible and acceptable, this dietary approach may support weight reduction and mental well-being within the Swedish population.
Study Design and Methods
The MIND-GUT study is a randomized controlled trial involving two groups: one receiving a structured MIND-diet intervention and the other receiving general healthy-eating advice. A total of 126 adults aged 25–50 years with obesity will be recruited from primary care settings and the community in Sweden’s Västra Götaland Region.
Participants must have a BMI of at least 30 kg/m², internet access, and willingness to complete study procedures. If recruitment proves difficult, eligibility may be expanded to include individuals with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher. Key exclusions include medical conditions or treatments that may affect dietary adherence, gut microbiota, or mental health outcomes.
Outcomes and Public Health Implications
Primary outcomes focus on adherence, retention, and acceptability, while secondary outcomes examine changes in gut microbiota composition, mental health indicators, and anthropometric measures. The exploratory analyses aim to inform the design of future large-scale trials.
Overall, this study assesses whether a MIND diet–based intervention can be realistically implemented among adults with obesity, providing an essential foundation for future public health strategies that integrate nutrition, mental well-being, and metabolic health.
