Effects of Yoga in a Behavioral Weight Loss Program on Body Composition and Fitness

Abstract

Yoga is currently a popular form of exercise; however, little is known as to its impact within the context of a weight loss intervention. PURPOSE: To compare a behavioral weight loss program with a prescription of aerobic exercise only (AR) or yoga plus aerobic exercise (YOGA) on changes in muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness at 6 and 12 months. METHODS: Thirty-seven women (age=46.8±6.0 years; BMI=30.6±2.9 kg/m2) were randomized to AR (n=19) or YOGA (n=18). Both groups received a reduced calorie diet. AR was prescribed aerobic exercise that progressed to 40 min/day, 5 days/wk. YOGA was prescribed the same dose of aerobic exercise plus yoga for 3 days/wk. Participants attended weekly intervention meetings for 6 months and then received monthly telephone contact for 6 months. Muscular endurance (1 minute sit-up test), flexibility (sit and reach test), body composition (bioelectrical impedance), weight, and cardiorespiratory fitness (graded exercise test) were measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Chi-square analysis of retention rates revealed 94.7% YOGA vs. 72.2% AR (p=.063) at month 6 and 94.7% YOGA vs. 61.1% AR (p=.013) at month 12. Analyses were conducted with baseline values carried forward for missing data and results are presented below.Table: No title available.CONCLUSIONS: YOGA vs. AR resulted in a significant improvement in weight loss, percent body fat, and fitness at 6 and 12 months. There was an improvement in muscular endurance and flexibility for both groups at 6 and 12 months; however, this difference was not significant between the groups at either time point. Retention was significantly better for YOGA vs. AR. Thus, the addition of yoga to a behavioral weight loss program appears to be a promising option that warrants further investigation.