Can Yoga Lose My Weight?

More than 135 millions online articles available when you typed "weight-loss tips" on your search engine. And maybe you've ever heard about yoga for losing weight. But, can yoga really lose your weight?

Yoga and Weight-Loss

There hasn't been a great deal of research on yoga for weight loss. In general, though, physical activity is better for preventing weight gain than it is for promoting weight loss, and it appears this also applies to yoga. Most types of yoga don't have the same level of calorie-burning power as does aerobic exercise. Consider that a 150-pound person will burn 240 calories in an hour of doing regular yoga, compared with 360 calories for an hour of aerobics.

But any activity is good activity. Yoga will get you moving, after all, and it can provide health benefits such as improved blood lipid levels and enhanced mood.

Donald Hensrud, M.D. (Mayo Clinic preventive medicine specialist) said that regular physical activity should be part of any weight-loss or weight management plan. To lose weight, you want to reduce the calories you take in (eating) and increase calories out (physical activity). If you want to use yoga for weight loss, the smart play is to include it in an exercise plan that includes aerobic activities, such as biking, jogging or swimming, which burn more calories. 

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Stress-Induced Weight Gain, No More

Sometimes you find yourself eating too much while you're not hungry at all (but you're under stress). How does it happen? Here are some explanation from Edward T. Creagan, M.D. (Mayo Clinic staff) about stress-induced weight-gain.

Stress and Weight Gain

When you're under stress, you may find it harder to eat healthy. Also, during times of particularly high stress, you may eat in an attempt to fulfill emotional needs — sometimes called stress eating or emotional eating. And you may be especially likely to eat high-calorie foods during times of stress, even when you're not hungry.

How to Prevent

To prevent weight gain during stress and reduce the risk of obesity, get a handle on your stress. When you feel less stressed and more in control of your life, you may find it easier to stick to healthy eating and exercise habits.

Try these stress management techniques to combat stress-related weight gain:

• Recognize the warning signs of stress, such as anxiety, irritability and muscle tension.
• Before eating, ask yourself why you're eating — are you truly hungry or do you feel stressed or anxious?
• If you're tempted to eat when you're not hungry, find a distraction.
• Don't skip meals, especially breakfast.
• Identify comfort foods and keep them out of your home or office.
• Keep a record of your behavior and eating habits so that you can look for patterns and connections — and then figure out how to overcome them.
• Learn problem-solving skills so that you can anticipate challenges and cope with setbacks.
• Practice relaxation skills, such as yoga, massage or meditation.
• Engage in regular physical activity or exercise.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Get encouragement from supportive friends and family.

After all...

If you try stress management techniques on your own but they don't seem to be working, consider seeking professional help through psychotherapy or counseling.

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