Résumé
The Bathysmed® protocol combines scuba diving with mindfulness meditation and sophrology techniques. The effect of this protocol on emotional eating in obese individuals was studied in a recent randomized controlled trial (Obedive). This study aimed to understand the effects of Bathysmed® therapeutic diving based on the lived experiences of obese individuals included in the Obedive trial.Method: this was a qualitative phenomenological study. A purposive sampling was conducted among volunteers in the "intervention" group of the Obedive trial. Ten semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to reach data saturation and were analyzed using a semiopragmatic-inspired method with triangulation.Results: four categories emerged from the analysis. 1) Therapeutic diving offered a disconnection, awe of theunderwater world, and a transformation of sensory stimuli. Enhanced by meditation and sophrology exercises, these elements created a meditative experience that fostered mindfulness in daily life. 2) Combined with psychological and dietary support, it raised awareness of psychological disorders and had a therapeutic effect on them, promoting engagement in a care process. Overcoming difficulties during this experience increased self-esteem and reduced selfstigmatization. 3) Awareness of emotional eating and better management of emotions and stress facilitated by therapeutic diving led to behavioral changes: reduced food compulsions, increased physical activity, and a pursuit of overall change. 4) The conditions of the intervention influenced participants' unique experiences. The group had a distinct beneficial effect. Virtual reality integrated diving into daily life. The temporality of the effects was unique to each individual.Conclusion: Bathysmed® therapeutic diving is an innovative approach with multidimensional benefits for obeseindividuals. It could be integrated into a comprehensive management of this chronic condition, as it promotes essential lifestyle changes (diet and physical activity). This intervention could also be beneficial for the management of other chronic conditions.