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A preliminary investigation of yoga as an intervention approach for improving long-term weight loss: A randomized trial.

PloS one
January 1, 2022
Jessica L Unick et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of yoga (as a mindfulness-based intervention) within a weight management program following initial weight loss treatment.

Results Summary

Yoga showed high feasibility and acceptability, with no significant differences between groups on weight loss or most psychological measures at 6 months. However, among participants with high initial weight loss (≥5%), yoga led to greater weight loss, improved distress tolerance, mindfulness, self-compassion, and lower negative affect compared to the control group.

Population

60 women with overweight or obesity (BMI 34.3±3.9 kg/m², age 48.1±10.1 years).

Effective Dosage

12-week yoga intervention (2 sessions per week).

Duration

12 weeks.

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (7)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
yoga
no change
weight change
60 women with overweight or obesity
-
did not differ
#1
yoga
no change
psychological constructs
60 women with overweight or obesity
-
did not differ
#2
yoga
decrease
weight
those with high initial WL (≥5%)
-9.0kg vs. -6.7kg
lost significantly more weight
#3
yoga
increase
distress tolerance
those with high initial WL (≥5%)
-
resulted in greater
#4
yoga
increase
mindfulness
those with high initial WL (≥5%)
-
resulted in greater
#5
yoga
increase
self-compassion
those with high initial WL (≥5%)
-
resulted in greater
#6
yoga
decrease
negative affect
those with high initial WL (≥5%)
-
resulted in lower
#7
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Yoga targets psychological processes which may be important for long-term weight loss (WL). This study is the first to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of yoga within a weight management program following WL treatment. METHODS: 60 women with overweight or obesity (34.3±3.9 kg/m2, 48.1±10.1 years) were randomized to receive a 12-week yoga intervention (2x/week; YOGA) or a structurally equivalent control (cooking/nutrition classes; CON), following a 3-month behavioral WL program. Feasibility (attendance, adherence, retention) and acceptability (program satisfaction ratings) were assessed. Treatment groups were compared on weight change, mindfulness, distress tolerance, stress, affect, and self-compassion at 6 months. Initial WL (3-mo WL) was evaluated as a potential moderator. RESULTS: Attendance, retention, and program satisfaction ratings of yoga were high. Treatment groups did not differ on WL or psychological constructs (with exception of one mindfulness subscale) at 6 months. However, among those with high initial WL (≥5%), YOGA lost significantly more weight (-9.0kg vs. -6.7kg) at 6 months and resulted in greater distress tolerance, mindfulness, and self-compassion and lower negative affect, compared to CON. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings provide preliminary support for yoga as a potential strategy for improving long-term WL among those losing ≥5% in standard behavioral treatment.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdolescentAdultBody WeightExerciseFemaleHumansMiddle AgedMindfulnessObesityOverweightSelf-CompassionTreatment OutcomeWeight LossWeight Reduction ProgramsYogaYoung Adult
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality85/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations7
Citations/Year2.3
Relative Citation Ratio1.46
NIH Percentile64%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.67
Normalized Score0.67
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