Study on the effect of yoga and Ayurveda on obesity

Jennifer Rioux, Amy Howerter

March 2019

Overweight / obesity

The study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of an Ayurveda/yoga intervention for weight loss, using dual-diagnosis inclusion criteria, dual-paradigm outcomes, and a semi-standardized protocol with adjustment according to the individual Ayurvedic constitutional/imbalance profile of all participants.

17 subjects participated in a three-month weekly intervention program conducted at the University of Arizona, Department of Family and Community Medicine, from April to December 2012.

The results showed an average weight loss of 3.5 kg during the intervention and further weight loss averaging 5.6 kg after 3 months and 5.9 kg after 6 months.

From these results, it can be concluded that holistic Ayurvedic medicine and yoga therapy offers a promising, non-invasive, cost-effective alternative to traditional weight loss interventions, with additional benefits in terms of sustainable holistic lifestyle changes and positive psychosocial changes.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Obesity
Institution: Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
Title: Study on the effect of yoga and Ayurveda on obesity
Brief description: A study shows that the combination of Ayurveda and yoga is a promising, cost-effective method for weight loss.
Original title: Outcomes from a Whole-Systems Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Therapy Treatment for Obesity Pilot Study
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30870013/