will yoga reduce weight - #24767
I am feeling really frustrated with my attempts at losing weight, and I keep wondering, will yoga reduce weight? I started practicing yoga about three months ago because I’ve heard so many benefits from friends, but honestly, I’m not sure if I'm seeing any changes. I actually enjoy the classes—the breathing, the stretching, it feels good—but I’m not sweating buckets the way I do when I go for a run or hit the gym. I used to run a lot, but I hurt my knee last year, and that’s why I turned to yoga. I've been trying to manage my diet too, but my cravings seem to be winning a lot of the time. Someone told me that yoga helps with mindfulness and can actually help people eat better, but I’m kinda skeptical. Will yoga really reduce weight? I mean, like, is there some kind of scientific backing to this or is it just a myth? I want to combine yoga with other strategies, but not sure if it’s worth it. Anyone had success with this? Like, did you notice any changes in your weight while doing yoga? I don't know, maybe I'm just not doing the right poses or something... Any insights would help!
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Doctors' responses
Yoga can potentially contribute to weight loss, but not always directly through the intense calorie-burning you might associate with activities like running or high-intensity workouts. The effects of yoga on weight can be more subtle and indirect. For one, yoga has been shown to improve mindfulness and awareness, which can indeed help individuals become more attuned to their eating habits. Practices focused on body awareness can sometimes naturally lead to better food choices or decreased emotional eating. Also, certain styles of yoga, like vinyasa or power yoga, are more vigorous and can burn more calories than gentler forms such as restorative yoga. It’s also worth considering that yoga can support recovery and improve flexibility and strength, which could complement other activities and help you maintain overall activity levels without straining your knee. As you’ve noted cravings and struggles with diet, it might be helpful to incorporate mindful eating practices which yoga can support, and perhaps consult with a nutritionist to support balanced diet changes. If you enjoy yoga, it’s a valuable tool in a broader lifestyle approach that includes varied physical activity and dietary mindfulness. It’s often most effective when combined with other forms of exercise and a balanced diet. Since your knee injury is a factor, keeping communication open with a healthcare or fitness professional who understands your specific situation can ensure your fitness plan respects your physical limitations and supports your goals safely.
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