Does yoga help with weight loss

From W8MD weight loss and sleep centers
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Yoga can be a helpful tool for weight loss and weight management when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. While yoga alone may not lead to significant weight loss, it can contribute to overall health and well-being, which can aid in weight loss efforts.

How Yoga is Thought to Help with Weight Loss

  • Yoga is thought to help with weight loss in several ways. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to emotional eating and weight gain. Additionally, yoga can improve flexibility and mobility, leading to increased physical activity and potentially increased calorie burning.
  • Yoga may also help to promote mindfulness and self-awareness, leading to healthier food choices and potentially decreased calorie intake.

Research on Yoga and Weight Loss

  • While the evidence on yoga and weight loss is mixed, some studies have suggested that yoga may have potential benefits for weight loss and weight management. A 2016 study found that regular yoga practice was associated with decreased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in overweight and obese adults.
  • Another study found that regular yoga practice led to improvements in body composition, including decreased body fat percentage and increased muscle mass, in older adults with obesity.
  • While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of yoga on weight loss and weight management, the evidence suggests that yoga can be a helpful tool when combined with other healthy habits and lifestyle changes.

Limitations and Risks

  • While yoga is generally considered safe for most people, there are some limitations and risks to consider. Yoga may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or injuries, and it should be practiced under the guidance of a qualified and experienced yoga instructor.
  • Additionally, while yoga can be a helpful tool for weight loss and weight management, it should not be used as a substitute for other healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise. Sustainable weight loss requires a combination of healthy habits and lifestyle changes.

Also see

This is a short summary article. For quality control, we do not encourage or allow strangers to edit the content.