36 Spirituality Studies 11-1 Spring 2025 The significant improvement in BMI and degree of obesity reinforces the potential of FFMBI as a tool for weight management, aligning with emerging research suggesting that mindfulness-based interventions can be effective adjuncts to traditional weight loss programs (Carrière et al. 2018, 164). The trending decrease in visceral fat rating, approaching statistical significance, is particularly noteworthy given the association between visceral fat and metabolic health risks (Shuster et al. 2012, 1). However, these findings should be interpreted with caution. While statistically significant, the observed changes were relatively modest, and the study’s short duration limits the ability to assess long-term effects or sustainability. Although no specific dietary restrictions were imposed, all participants adhered to the Buddhist precept of abstaining from food after noon. Consequently, all caloric intake occurred before midday, with meals consisting of a vegetable-based diet that included eggs but excluded meat. This consistent dietary pattern helped minimize variability in nutritional intake. Nevertheless, the fasting period after noon may have influenced fluctuations in body weight and BMI, necessitating further investigation into its long-term impact. 5.4 Stress Response and Brainwave Activity The significant reduction in self-assessed stress levels aligns with the well-established stress-reducing effects of mindfulness practices (Khoury et al. 2015, 519). This decrease suggests that FFMBI was effective in helping participants manage their perceived stress, which could have far-reaching implications for mental health and overall well-being. The magnitude of this reduction over a relatively short intervention period is particularly noteworthy and speaks to the potential efficacy of FFMBI as a stress management tool. The brainwave measurements provide compelling evidence for the neurophysiological impact of FFMBI. The significant increases in both the highest and average alpha/beta ratios indicate a shift towards a more relaxed and focused mental state. Higher alpha/beta ratios are associated with increased relaxation, improved attention, and enhanced cognitive processing (Putman et al. 2014, 782). These findings suggest that FFMBI may not only reduce subjective feelings of stress but also induce measurable changes in brain activity conducive to improved mental functioning. 5.5 Cortisol Response The cortisol results present an unexpected finding. The significant increase in salivary cortisol levels seems to contradict the observed reductions in stress and improvements in brainwave patterns. However, it’s crucial to consider the complex nature of cortisol function and its diurnal rhythm (Adam et al. 2017, 25). The timing of sample collection may have influenced these results, with pre-intervention samples collected between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and post-intervention samples collected just after 3 a.m. This discrepancy in collection times likely contributed to the observed increase in cortisol levels. Future research should aim to clarify the relationship between subjective stress reduction, brainwave changes, and cortisol responses in the context of mindfulness practices. Longitudinal studies with more frequent cortisol sampling throughout the day could provide a more comprehensive understanding of how FFMBI affects the entire diurnal cortisol rhythm. 5.6 Participant Feedback and Experiences The qualitative insights from participant interviews offer a deeper understanding of the FFMBI program’s impact. Participants reported improvements in physical health, including better metabolism, reduced body pain, and enhanced sleep quality, aligning with the quantitative findings of slight but significant reductions in body weight and BMI. These physical benefits contribute to the overall well-being of participants and support the program’s potential to foster a positive mind-body connection. The mental benefits reported by participants, including increased relaxation, better focus, and reduced stress and anxiety, reinforce the significant reductions in self-assessed stress levels and the enhancements in brainwave activity observed in the study. These improvements in mental clarity, emotional stability, and mindfulness indicate that the FFMBI program effectively promotes mental well-being. Importantly, participants expressed a strong intention to integrate mindfulness techniques into their daily lives, highlighting the program’s sustainability and practical applicability. This intention is crucial for maintaining the benefits of mindfulness interventions over the long term and underscores the program’s real-world applicability and potential for sustained impact.
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