It is estimated that 18 million people in the United States practice yoga. According to a study published in the journal Alternative Therapies, yoga may be of some benefit to those trying to lose weight.
In the study, over 15,000 men and women in their 50s participated in a written survey in which they answered questions about their exercise and weight history from age 45 to 55. Researchers discovered that people who are at a healthy weight, who practice yoga at least once a week for a minimum of four years, gained less weight than their counterparts who did not practice yoga.
It is important to note that most people who practice yoga do not do it vigorously enough to burn significant calories, and yoga in itself is usually not a weight-loss exercise. However, practicing yoga may increase body awareness, which in turn may help to curb overeating. It is also possible that those who practice yoga are in general more likely to have healthier lifestyles and habits.