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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2021 Mar;29(3):512-520.
doi: 10.1002/oby.23089. Epub 2021 Feb 2.

Feasibility of Integration of Yoga in a Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention: A Randomized Trial

John M Jakicic  1 , Kelliann K Davis  2 , Renee J Rogers  1 , Sally A Sherman  2 , Susan Barr  1 , Marissa L Marcin  1 , Katherine A Collins  3 , Audrey M Collins  1 , Nalingna Yuan  1 , Wei Lang  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Feasibility of Integration of Yoga in a Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention: A Randomized Trial

John M Jakicic et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the feasibility and comparison of two styles of yoga within the context of a standard behavioral weight-loss intervention (SBWI).

Methods: Fifty adults with obesity (BMI: 31.3 ± 3.8 kg/m2 ) participated in this 6-month study that included a SBWI and a calorie- and fat-reduced diet. Randomization was to restorative Hatha (SBWI+RES) or Vinyasa (SBWI+VIN) yoga. Yoga was prescribed to increase from 20 to 40 to 60 minutes per session across the intervention. Weight was assessed at baseline and 6 months. Perceptions of yoga were assessed at the completion of the intervention.

Results: Adjusted weight loss was -3.4 kg (95% CI: -6.4 to -0.5) in SBWI+RES and -3.8 kg (95% CI: -6.8 to -0.9) in SBWI+VIN (P < 0.001), with no difference between groups. Of all participants, 74.4% reported that they would continue participation in yoga after the SBWI. Session duration was a barrier as yoga increased from 20 to 40 to 60 minutes per day, with 0%, 7.5%, and 48.8% reporting this barrier, respectively.

Conclusions: Among adults with obesity, yoga participation, within the context of a SBWI, appears to be feasible, with weight loss not differing by style of yoga. Progressing to 60 minutes per session appears to be a barrier to engagement in yoga in this population.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03459937.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Consort diagram. *SBWI+RES: Standard behavioral weight loss intervention + Restorative Style of Yoga **SBWI+VIN: Standard behavioral weight loss intervention + Vinyasa Style of Yoga
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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