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Yoga For Weight Loss And It's Health Benefits

Last Updated: Dec 20, 2024

Benefits of yoga for weight loss

For people who are overweight or gain weight rapidly are often conscious of their appearance in public. They opt for various medications and gym for losing those extra kilos. But these processes for weight loss have some side effects associated with it. The most natural process for losing extra weight is through yoga. Losing weight can be simply understood as calorie intake vs calorie burnt. Yoga for weight loss is an excellent option as it brings along itself a better quality of life, enhanced self-image, and evenly toned body. One of the major causes of weight gain is stress. Doing yoga reduces the amount of stress being experienced by a person. Doing yoga consistently helps the person in maintaining an appropriate weight.

There are several asanas that involve deep stretching and bending which leads to sweating due to calories being burnt. Yoga provides the option of either losing weight gently or going for a rigorous style of weight loss. The decision to choose the yoga style for weight rests in the hands of the people who want weight loss. A person need not join any yoga classes for weight loss rather they can learn the yoga asanas for weight loss online as they are simple to understand and easy to learn. Given below are some of the asanas that help in weight loss.

Yoga asanas for weight loss

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Wide-Legged Forward Bend

Start by spreading your feet at least 3-4 feet apart. Bend forwards from your hips and try to keep your back as straight as possible and move forwards. Stretch your back and hamstrings. Try to hold the position for 5-6 breaths. If you are comfortable with it, clasps your hands behind your back and stretch them towards the ceiling.
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Half Boat Pose

An excellent yoga pose to reduce the weight gained at the abdomen. Start by placing the palms face down on the floor and raise the legs. Try to raise them to the level where they are parallel with the floor. Breathe deeply and evenly and hold the pose for 30 seconds.
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Side Plank

Start with lying on the ground on your stomach. Place the palms on the ground and the raise yourself such that only the toes touch the ground. Now tilt yourself to the left such that only your right palm and right toes are touching the floor. Slowly lift your free arm towards the ceiling and stretch. Try to hold the position for 30 seconds and then repeat it on the other side.
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Chair Pose

Start by placing your feet together and stretching your arms upwards. Now lower yourself to a squat making sure that the feet are in front of the knees. Do not arch your back too much and try to maintain a straight back. Try to keep your thighs parallel to the ground and hold the position for 30 seconds.
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Lord Of The Dance Pose

Start with a standing posture. Hold your left ankle and move your weight forwards. As you are leaning, arch your back. Gently try to raise your right arm at the front while keeping your left leg straight. Try to hold the pose for 30 seconds and repeat with the other side.

Conclusion

Practicing yoga regularly provides a healthy option for weight loss but if someone is not eating healthy food then even yoga cannot provide any assistance in the weight loss. People when under stress tend to eat unhealthy food and develop very poor eating habits. If a person has decided to lose weight then he/she needs to choose healthy food products over unhealthy ones. Some of the foods that must be avoided if a person wants to lose weight include sweetened beverages like soda, sweet lassi, and sweetened tea. Foods rich in high sugar value like rice pudding, cakes, ice cream, and cookies must be avoided. Foods that contain high fat like French fries, parathas, and potato chips must be avoided at any cost. Instead of these unhealthy eating options, a person who needs to lose weight must incorporate healthy eating products. For instance, a person must incorporate vegetables in their diet like eggplant, okra, bitter melon, cabbage, mushrooms, and spinach. Fruits like mango, pomegranate, oranges, pears, and plums must be added in the diet. Instead of regular rice brown rice must be incorporated in the diet. Unhealthy fats must be replaced with healthy fats like coconut milk, avocado, and olive oil. Healthy eating along with regular eating results in a natural process of weight loss.

References

  • Rioux J, Thomson C, Howerter A. A pilot feasibility study of whole-systems ayurvedic medicine and yoga therapy for weight loss. Global advances in health and medicine. 2014 Jan;3(1):28-35. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:
  • Braun T, Park C, Conboy LA. Psychological well-being, health behaviors, and weight loss among participants in a residential, Kripalu yoga-based weight loss program. International Journal of Yoga Therapy. 2012 Jan 1;22(1):9-22. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:
  • Ross A, Brooks A, Touchton-Leonard K, Wallen G. A different weight loss experience: a qualitative study exploring the behavioral, physical, and psychosocial changes associated with yoga that promote weight loss. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;2016. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:

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    Written ByDr. Pranjit Mushahary MBBS,MD(medicine),MD - Internal MedicineGeneral Physician
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    Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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