A landmark clinical trial published in the Journal of Women's Health reports that Transcendental Meditation (TM) significantly reduced diabetes risk factors and supported weight loss in older Black women at high risk for heart disease. The multi-center study—conducted at Morehouse School of Medicine and Howard University Hospital in collaboration with Maharishi International University—found that meditation improved blood sugar control, insulin resistance, cholesterol, and weight, pointing to a promising low-cost strategy amid the nation's ongoing epidemics of obesity and diabetes.
As new GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy draw national attention, this study highlights that non-drug approaches—such as meditation—may complement medical therapies by addressing stress and metabolic drivers at the root of obesity and diabetes. Unlike medications, meditation is low-cost, scalable, and accessible, making it especially relevant for high risk underserved communities.
A Timely Intervention
Cardiometabolic disease—driven by obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease—is now the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Black women carry the heaviest burden, facing disproportionately higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular mortality than other groups. Yet they remain underrepresented in clinical research, leaving major gaps in prevention and treatment strategies.
Against this backdrop, researchers tested whether a culturally relevant, stress-reducing practice could improve measurable risk factors in this underserved population.
Study Findings
Over 12 months, women practicing Transcendental Meditation showed:
- Lower HbA1c (long term blood sugar levels)
- Improved insulin sensitivity (precursor to diabetes)
- Higher HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
- Nearly 5% weight loss in overweight and obese women
"These results couldn't be more timely," said Dr. Carolyn Gaylord-King, lead author from Maharishi International University. "As diabetes and obesity rise to historic levels, this study shows that meditation—safe, accessible, and culturally relevant—can deliver measurable health benefits."
Dr. Charlie Harris, Morehouse School of Medicine co-investigator at the time of the study highlighted the equity impact: "Black women face some of the greatest inequities in heart and metabolic health. By demonstrating that meditation improves risk factors in this population, we begin to fill a longstanding gap in prevention research."
Senior investigator Dr. Robert Schneider, director of the Institute for Prevention Research at MIU, emphasized the broader significance: "We are witnessing a national health crisis. Meditation is not a replacement for medical care, but it addresses the stress and metabolic drivers at the root of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It deserves a place alongside other prevention strategies."
Why It Matters
Cardiometabolic disease is straining health systems with rising costs, fueling disparities in women's health, and contributing to premature deaths—especially among communities of color. This study highlights meditation as a low-cost, scalable approach that could reduce the burden of disease and help close equity gaps. Public health experts note that integrating evidence-based behavioral strategies into prevention and treatment may be essential to reversing current trends.
About the Study
The randomized controlled trial enrolled 201 women at Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta, GA) and Howard University Hospital (Washington, DC), in collaboration with Maharishi International University (Fairfield, IA). Participants were randomly assigned to practice Transcendental Meditation or to receive health education for one year.
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
