Yoga practice among ethnically/racially diverse emerging adults: Associations with body image, mindful and disordered eating, and muscle-enhancing behaviors.

Dianne Neumark-Sztainer,Daheia J Barr-Anderson,Nicole Larson,Alina Levine,Melanie M Wall,Marla E Eisenberg

doi:10.1002/eat.23421

Abstract

This study explores cross-sectional associations between yoga and body image, mindful eating, disordered eating, and muscle-enhancing behaviors among a population-based sample of ethnically/racially diverse emerging adults. An ethnically/racially diverse population-based sample of 1,568 emerging adults (18-26 years) completed surveys as part of EAT 2010-2018 (Eating and Activity over Time). Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and body mass index (BMI). Practicing yoga at least 30 min/week was reported by 12.7% (n = 210) of the sample. Yoga practitioners had higher levels of mindful eating than those not practicing yoga. Although effect sizes were small, yoga practitioners were more likely than non-yoga practitioners to use steroids (3.8 vs. 0.7%, p < .001, h = 0.22) or protein powder/shakes (35.1 vs. 25.3%, p < .010, h = 0.21) to increase their muscle size/tone. Body satisfaction, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and binge eating tended to be similar among yoga practitioners and non-yoga practitioners. There was a significant interaction between BMI and yoga in predicting body satisfaction with a trend toward a positive impact among yoga practitioners at higher BMI values. Interactions between yoga practice and all body image attitudes and behaviors across gender and ethnicity/race were not statistically significant. Young people from diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds who practice yoga are more likely to engage in mindful eating but have equal or elevated levels of unhealthy body image attitudes and behaviors as compared to non-yoga practitioners. Further research should explore how yoga is best taught and practiced to ensure that it is beneficial for body image and related behaviors.

Highlights

Yoga may be beneficial for young people at risk for body dissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors aimed at changing one’s body shape and size
In order to promote yoga among diverse populations, and enhance its safety and benefits for weightrelated health, it is crucial for settings in which yoga is offered, and yoga teachers, to have awareness of the high prevalence of concerning disordered eating and muscle-enhancing behaviors among students and to address
The current study aims to address the following research question: How is the practice of yoga associated with various measures of psychological and behavioral health of relevance to the promotion of a healthy body image and the prevention of disordered eating/eating disorders and unhealthy muscle-enhancing behaviors in an ethnically/racially diverse population-based sample of emerging young adults? This study expands on the extant literature in that it explores associations between yoga practice and a broad array of variables, including body satisfaction, body mass index (BMI), mindful eating, extreme and less extreme unhealthy weight control behaviors, binge eating, steroid use, and protein powders/shakes, in an ethnically/racially diverse, population-based sample of emerging young adults

Summary

Introduction

Yoga may be beneficial for young people at risk for body dissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors aimed at changing one’s body shape and size. Body image concerns, disordered eating behaviors, and behaviors aimed at changing one’s body shape and size are highly prevalent among adolescents and young adults [1,2,3,4] While behaviors such as engaging in physical activity, eating varied nutrient-dense foods, and mindful eating are to be encouraged, other actions such as unhealthy weight control behaviors (e.g., skipping meals, taking diet pills, and self-induced vomiting) and use of muscle enhancers, such as steroids, are problematic [5, 6]. If young people at risk for body dissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors aimed at modifying one’s body’s shape and size can participate in yoga, and the yoga is taught in a sensitive manner, the practice may be helpful

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