We all know that yoga is good for your health and well-being, but does how does it tie into weight loss? After all, it isnt aerobic exercise so can it really help to shed pounds?

A recent study conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA investigated the effects of yoga on weight, which is the first study to investigate the role between the two. More than 15,000 participants were asked to recall their physical activity patterns and weight history between the ages of 45 and 55. The study found that during this period, most people gain about 1 pound each year. The people who practiced yoga at least 30 minutes once a week for four or more years gained 3 pounds less weight than the non-yoga participants.

This is not necessarily staggering results but it gets better! Both men and women who were overweight at the beginning of the period and who started to practice yoga lost about five pounds, while those who were yoga free gained an average of 14 pounds within the next ten years. Now that is news! Imagine what the results would be for people practicing yoga 2-3 times a week.

The researchers have not concluded why the yoga participants lost more weight especially when most of them were not in advanced levels. More studies are needed at this time to give us more insight into the topic.

Participating in regular yoga classes and even getting good enough to venture into some advanced classes, has so many benefits. Here is what yoga can do for you.

Physical Benefits: Creates a toned, flexible, and strong body...yes, it helps to build muscle which will also help to improve your metabolism. It also promotes cardio and circulatory health.

Mental Benefits: Helps you relax and handle stress more easily. Teaches you to quiet all that chatter in your mind so you can focus on how you want to direct your energy. Encourages positive thoughts and self-acceptance. This alone can do a lot for those emotional/stress eaters out there.

Spiritual Benefits: This is a nondenominational value that helps to build awareness of your body, your feelings, and the world around you. It also helps you to learn patience, forgiveness, and the value of gentleness. We all could use some regular reminders of this!

So why not join a yoga class? It can add so many benefits to your life and now you can add weight management to the list! Take action and sign up for an introductory class today!

Meri Raffetto

Meri Raffetto has been a Registered Dietitian for over 8 years with a bachelor?s degree in both nutrition and psychology. Meri has extensive experience in nutritional counseling, education, and medical nutrition therapy. She has worked in several specialty clinics including eating disorders, weight management, heart disease, maternity support, and sports nutrition. She has also helped develop nutrition programs for hospitals and corporate wellness. Meri is a member of the American Dietetic Association and serves as the president for the California Tri-County Dietetic Association. She is the owner of Real Living Nutrition Services which provides nutrition counseling, and online weight management programs to help people understand their unique nutritional issues and provide them with the tools needed to create sustainable changes to reach their health goals.