Yoga Combats Binge Eating
The Study
The study, published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, examined the effectiveness of a 12-week yoga program on reducing binge eating symptoms. Researchers from Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, administered either a 12-week yoga program or no yoga (wait-list control group) to 90 women (ages 25-63 years) with binge eating disorder (BED) and a body mass index (BMI) over 25. People with a BMI 25 or greater are considered overweight. Binge Eating Scale (BES) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) responses were obtained from the participants, BMI, hips and waist measurements were also obtained.
The Results
The researchers found that the yoga group reported reduced binge eating episodes and increased physical activity. They yoga group also had significant reductions in BMI, hips and waist measurements. However, the wait list control group didn't report any improvements.
The Main Point
"In conjunction with formal weekly sessions, home-based yoga programs are potentially efficacious for the treatment of binge eating," the study authors conclude.
This study is significant because it shows that yoga can be an effective complement to conventional therapy in treating binge eating disorder. Yoga improves body awareness and mindfulness which can help treat negative eating patterns.
Sources
Gavalas, Elaine. The Yoga Minibook for Weight Loss. Simon & Schuster Fireside. elainegavalas.com .
Published by Elaine Gavalas
Elaine's featured on the Today Show, Martha Stewart Living Today and other media. She's an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, yoga therapist and author of Yogi in the Kitchen, Yoga Minibook Series and Secr... View profile
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