Researchers studied a unique program that combines scuba diving with mindfulness meditation to help adults with obesity. Ten people participated in interviews about their experiences. The program helped them feel more aware of their emotions, reduce stress eating, and make healthier choices. Participants reported feeling more confident, less ashamed of their weight, and more motivated to exercise. The combination of being underwater, learning to relax, and getting support from others seemed to work together to create real, lasting changes in how people think about food and their bodies.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How a program that combines scuba diving with mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques affects people with obesity, particularly their emotional eating habits and overall well-being
  • Who participated: Ten adults with obesity who volunteered to participate in the Bathysmed program, which was part of a larger research study
  • Key finding: Participants reported significant positive changes including reduced emotional eating, better stress management, increased physical activity, improved self-esteem, and less shame about their weight. The underwater experience combined with meditation created a powerful effect that helped people make lasting lifestyle changes.
  • What it means for you: If you struggle with emotional eating or weight management, trying activities that combine physical experience with mindfulness (like this diving program) may help you develop healthier relationships with food and your body. However, this is a small study, so talk with your doctor before starting any new program.

The Research Details

This was a qualitative study, which means researchers focused on understanding people’s personal experiences rather than just measuring numbers. Ten adults who participated in the Bathysmed program were interviewed one-on-one about their experiences. The researchers asked open-ended questions to let participants share their stories in their own words. The interviews were then carefully analyzed to find common themes and patterns in what people said. This approach helps researchers understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind changes, not just whether changes happened.

The Bathysmed program itself combines three elements: scuba diving in a controlled environment, mindfulness meditation (focused attention and awareness), and sophrology (a relaxation technique combining breathing and visualization). Participants received this combined program along with psychological support and dietary guidance. The researchers used a special analysis method called semio-pragmatic analysis, which looks at the meaning and practical impact of what people say.

Understanding people’s lived experiences helps us know whether a program actually works in real life and why it works. Numbers alone can’t tell us how a program makes people feel or what specific parts help them most. This study helps explain the mechanisms behind behavior change—how the underwater experience, the group support, and the mindfulness techniques all work together to help people make healthier choices.

This study has both strengths and limitations. The strength is that it provides rich, detailed information about how the program affected real people. The limitation is the small sample size (only 10 people), which means we can’t generalize these findings to all adults with obesity. The study was part of a larger randomized controlled trial, which adds credibility. However, because this is qualitative research, it’s exploratory rather than definitive proof.

What the Results Show

The research identified four main ways the program helped participants. First, the underwater diving experience created a sense of wonder and disconnection from daily stress. Being underwater felt meditative and peaceful, and participants said this helped them practice mindfulness in their everyday lives. Second, combined with counseling and nutrition support, the program helped people recognize emotional eating patterns and understand the psychological reasons behind their eating habits. This awareness, plus overcoming the challenge of diving, boosted their confidence and reduced feelings of shame about their weight. Third, participants became much more aware of when they were eating due to emotions rather than hunger. They reported eating less compulsively, moving more, and feeling motivated to continue making healthy changes. Fourth, the group experience was important—being with others going through the same journey provided support and encouragement.

Participants also reported improved stress management and better emotional regulation overall. The combination of physical activity (diving), mindfulness practice, and group support created what researchers call a ‘synergistic’ effect—meaning the parts worked better together than they would separately. People felt more engaged in their own health care and more hopeful about making lasting changes. The sense of accomplishment from completing the diving experience seemed to carry over into other areas of their lives.

Previous research shows that mindfulness and meditation can help with emotional eating, and that group support improves weight management outcomes. This study adds something new by showing that combining these approaches with an engaging physical experience (scuba diving) may create a more powerful effect. The underwater environment appears to be particularly helpful because it naturally encourages mindfulness and provides a sense of awe and wonder that breaks people’s usual patterns.

This study is small (only 10 people), so we can’t say these results apply to everyone with obesity. The participants volunteered for the program, which means they may have been more motivated than the general population. We don’t know how long the benefits lasted after the program ended. The study also doesn’t compare this program directly to other weight management programs, so we can’t say it’s better than alternatives. Additionally, this is a qualitative study describing experiences, not a study measuring specific weight loss or health outcomes.

The Bottom Line

If you struggle with emotional eating or weight management, consider exploring programs that combine physical activity, mindfulness practice, and group support. The evidence suggests this combination may be helpful, though more research is needed. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether a diving and mindfulness program might work for you, or look for similar programs that combine these elements. Moderate confidence level—this is promising but based on a small study.

This research is relevant for adults with obesity who want to address emotional eating and improve their relationship with food. It may be particularly helpful for people who respond well to group activities and novel experiences. People with certain medical conditions, anxiety about water, or physical limitations may need to adapt or choose different approaches. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new program, especially one involving physical activity.

Based on participants’ reports, people noticed changes in their awareness and stress management within the program period. However, the study doesn’t specify how long the program lasted or how long benefits persisted. Expect to see changes in awareness and emotional patterns relatively quickly, but lasting behavior change typically takes weeks to months of consistent practice.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track emotional eating episodes daily by noting: (1) What you ate, (2) What emotion you were feeling before eating, (3) Your stress level (1-10), and (4) Whether you were physically hungry. This helps you identify patterns and recognize when emotions drive eating rather than actual hunger.
  • Use the app to set a daily mindfulness reminder (even just 5 minutes) and log one moment each day when you noticed your emotions before eating. Practice pausing before eating to ask: ‘Am I physically hungry, or am I eating because I’m stressed/sad/bored?’ This builds the awareness that was key to participants’ success.
  • Weekly review: Look at your emotional eating log to identify your top trigger emotions. Create a response plan for each (e.g., take a walk, call a friend, practice breathing). Monthly check-in: Assess changes in stress eating frequency, emotional awareness, and motivation for physical activity. Track any new activities you’ve started or increased, as participants reported increased physical activity as a key change.

This research describes people’s experiences with a specialized program combining scuba diving and mindfulness. It is not medical advice. Before starting any new weight management program, physical activity program, or diving activity, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have medical conditions, take medications, or have concerns about water safety. This small qualitative study provides insights but is not definitive proof of effectiveness. Individual results vary, and what worked for these ten participants may not work the same way for everyone. If you’re struggling with emotional eating or obesity, work with qualified healthcare professionals including doctors, registered dietitians, and mental health providers.