Research Appraisals
Evidence-based critical appraisals of the latest medical research, systematically evaluated using Oxford CEBM methodology.
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Nutrition journal
Mindfulness and sustainable diets: a meta-analysis and CO2 emission savings scenarios
BACKGROUND: Dietary habits are a major driver of both human health outcomes and global greenhouse gas emissions, with excessive meat consumption being a key contributor. Mindfulness, understood as purposeful and non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, has been suggested as a psychological factor that can foster more sustainable food choices. However, the empirical evidence on the link between mindfulness and sustainable diets remains fragmented. MAIN BODY: This study presents the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between mindfulness and sustainable dietary behaviors. Twelve articles with 13 studies, published between 2018 and 2025, were included, covering both observational and interventional designs with sample sizes ranging from 16 to 560 participants. A random-effects model revealed a small but significant positive association between mindfulness and sustainable diets (d = 0.28, 95% CI [0.13, 0.43]). Subgroup analyses indicated that observational studies tended to show stronger effects than interventions, and that cultural context played an important moderating role, with larger effects reported in Asian samples. Facet-specific analyses suggested that certain mindfulness dimensions - particularly observing, describing, and non-reactivity - were more strongly associated with sustainable food choices, while others showed weaker or non-significant links. A focused analysis on meat consumption revealed that mindfulness was positively associated with reduced meat intake or vegetarian dietary intentions (d = 0.25). Scenario modelling using national Life Cycle Assessment data from Germany, the UK, and the U.S. demonstrated that the potential reductions in meat intake could translate into substantial CO2 emission savings. A full adoption of the EAT-Lancet diet was projected to result in cumulative savings of up to 11% of Germany's total emissions budget by 2040, whereas incorporating the population's willingness to reduce meat intake yielded more conservative cumulative savings of 2.8% over the same period. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides systematic evidence that mindfulness is positively associated with more sustainable dietary behavior and reduced meat consumption. While effects are modest and heterogeneous, the findings suggest that mindfulness could represent a promising lever for promoting dietary change aligned with planetary health goals. Future research should further investigate cultural differences, the role of specific mindfulness facets, and the feasibility of scaling mindfulness-based interventions to support both individual well-being and climate targets.
8 July 2026
Read appraisal →Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals
Prediction Factors Associated with Success in Military Special Operations Courses: A Systematic Review
BACKGROUND: We investigated factors associated with military personnel success in Special Operations courses (course pass or fail). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across eight databases using the keywords "Special Operations" and "attrition." Sample size and profile data, course characteristics, predictive factors, follow-up, and results were extracted from the studies. We compared the means of the variables associated with success between the groups that completed and did not complete the courses. A meta-analysis was conducted for factors assessed by two or more studies, pooling standardized or weighted mean differences using fixedor random-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included. They were published between 1990 and 2022, included samples from 10 nations, lasted between 5 days and 12 months, and ranged from 11 to 1,138 individuals. VO2max, pull-ups, push-ups, and marching performance showed consistent positive associations with course success, while body fat percentage and sit-up performance did not. Certainty of evidence was rated as low to very low using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. CONCLUSION: The factors that increased the probability of success in Special Operations courses were character strengths, recidivism in the course, anthropometric data, performance on physical assessment tests, psychological dissociation, psychosocial resources, blood markers, smoking/alcohol consumption, personality, and psychological strength. These findings support the inclusion of aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and psychological resilience in early screening and preparatory selection processes.
29 June 2026
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