In addition to being a highly beneficial form of exercise that can increase strength and flexibility, boost the immune system and provide relief from insomnia, yoga may be ideally suited for weight loss. According to Dr. Timothy McCall, Yoga Journal's medical editor, studies show that a complete practice encompassing yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation can help people lose weight, even if they have failed with weight-loss programs in the past. Yoga's ability to help you shed pounds extends beyond its role as means of burning calories, says Dr. McCall---even people who engage in a gentle yoga practice that burns few calories find that yoga helps them meet their weight-loss goals.
Yoga Improves Psychological Health
According to Dr. McCall, practicing yoga can lead to less stress, a heightened sense of self-awareness, and improved concentration, which are all important elements that may help those who respond to stress or emotional issues with food. "It's not the way you eat food. It's what's eating at you that is creating an unhealthy relationship between you and the food," says Eric Paskel, yoga instructor and co-founder of The Yoga Shelter in Detroit. "And once you understand what's eating at you, what you eat will change." Yoga's ability to create a heightened mind-body connection can help you develop a greater appreciation for your body and lead to a strengthened commitment to overall health. "Many people with weight problems have little awareness of their hunger and continue indulging long after they're sated," says Dr. McCall. Yoga can also help you tune in to your body, making you more aware of sensations such as hunger and fullness.
Yoga Boosts the Metabolism
Though yoga is performed without the use of weights or other exercise equipment, it involves placing your body into positions that you have to support with your muscles, which can build strength just as well as weight training. "Yoga can be just as effective as weights when it comes to building a stronger, more impressive physique," says Nicholas DiNubile, M.D. Because muscle is more metabolically active than fat, building muscle increases your metabolism, helping you to burn more fat and lose weight. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, yoga can also improve bodily processes such as circulation and digestion, promote greater overall health and help eliminate conditions such as water retention, constipation, and bloating, which can add extra pounds.
Yoga Relieves Hormonal Imbalances
According to Yoga Journal, a regular yoga routine can increase blood flow to the endocrine system, regulating hormone function in glands such as the thyroid, which regulates metabolism, body temperature, and weight. Yoga may also help balance hormones that contribute to water retention, hunger, mood swings, depression and food cravings.
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