The fact that you are having difficulty losing weight despite your best efforts is likely due to the fact that obesity is a complicated condition with many potential causes. Having a history of obesity in your family might make it more probable that you will also struggle to maintain a healthy weight in your own life. A sedentary lifestyle combined with a diet that is heavy in ultra-processed foods, sugar, and fat, all of which lead to weight gain. There are a number of variables that further contribute to weight gain, including but not limited to stress, issues with mental health (including using medicine to address specific mental health conditions), insufficient sleep, and hormonal changes.
The fight against obesity may be waged in a variety of different methods, but there is no silver bullet. You might want to give yoga a shot if you're attempting to reduce or keep the same amount of weight you have. Yoga may help you manage stress, boost your mood, put a stop to eating when you're feeling upset, and develop a community of support, all of which can assist with weight loss and maintenance. There is strong data to back this claim.
In addition to helping you develop your muscle build and tone, yoga may also assist you in burning calories. Yoga has been shown to alleviate joint discomfort, which in turn frees people up to engage in greater physical activity and take on more responsibilities in their everyday lives. These are just a few of the many benefits that may be gained through practising yoga.
Yoga for weight loss- Benefits beyond burning calories
The practise of yoga originates from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to reunite the body, the mind, and the feelings. It is a comprehensive practise of the mind and body that helps address many of the factors that contribute to weight gain.
Stress may manifest itself in a variety of ways for different people; for some, it manifests as bodily discomfort; for others, it manifests psychologically as emotions of worry and agitation. An increase in the hormone cortisol is the direct result of stress. The stress hormone cortisol produces an increase in belly fat, a reduction in muscle mass, and cravings for foods high in fat and sugar, all of which can contribute to obesity.
Yoga has been shown to reduce stress and cortisol levels, improve mood, lessen feelings of anxiety and depression, boost the quality of sleep, and treat chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes, hence minimising the need for drugs that can lead to weight gain.
Although yoga is not a quick fix for weight problems, it may be effective in addressing the underlying issues. The calculation of calories consumed vs calories burned only scratches the surface of its advantages.
Mindfulness can be improved in relation to eating patterns through yoga.
The majority of us who have cravings for ice cream after 9 o'clock at night or who can't stop eating potato chips are aware that these behaviours make it more difficult for us to lose weight. Consuming foods like veggies, healthy grains, lean proteins, and other such foods has been shown to have positive effects on both our health and our weight. Although having this knowledge is essential, it does not appear to be enough to assist us in sticking to our plans for healthy eating.
One of the benefits of yoga is that it helps people become more attentive of their bodies and more aware of the feelings their bodies experience. Because of this, yoga is sometimes referred to as "moving meditation." The effects of yoga on one's awareness may be obtained even without engaging in any type of traditional sitting meditation, according to research.
Emotional eating, stress eating, and binge eating are all reduced as a result of improvements in mindfulness brought about by yoga. These behaviours not only hinder our attempts to lose weight but also have the potential to set us off on a downward cycle of guilt and humiliation, which most frequently results in our quitting.
Going to a gym for the first time can be scary and may cause some individuals with bigger bodies to feel as though they do not belong there. In contrast, the culture of yoga emphasises qualities such as kindness, support, and acceptance of oneself.
Yoga instructors and more advanced practitioners have the ability to function as role models for less experienced pupils and motivate them to lead better lifestyles. According to research, social networks have an effect on the behaviours that affect one's weight. Being a member of a community that promotes healthy lifestyle choices, such as the yoga network, may make a significant impact in one's ability to manage their weight and achieve their weight reduction goals. It may be challenging to find this kind of community when participating in other sorts of physical activity.
It is important for practitioners to find an atmosphere that is both secure and pleasant. Your self-esteem and confidence might use some work, and joining a friendly yoga group could do the trick. Find a nearby studio that is supportive without being overbearing and has other practitioners who are at the same level as you. Instructors can alter postures to accommodate students who are just starting out or who have physical restrictions. It's possible that you won't discover an instructor or a course that you enjoy taking until you give a few other classes a shot. Don't quit up after the first try if you want to succeed!
If you are unable to locate a studio in your area, there are always online choices available on YouTube and Instagram. These platforms provide courses for students of varying skill levels. There are yoga instructors out there who know what it's like to be a larger size, and having a positive, supportive attitude about one's body demonstrates that yoga is not just for "thin people." Some people offer motivational tales on how yoga assisted them in overcoming their own challenges with depression, binge eating, and weight issues. If you are just starting out in the practise, you might want to think about signing up for a little challenge to help you stay engaged.
No matter what your body type is or how flexible you are, everyone can benefit from practising yoga. Establishing a regular yoga practise can take many weeks or even months, and consistent practise is essential to reap the long-term benefits of yoga.