Why does yoga help in reducing weight?

Yoga is one of the ways that people use to reduce weight. Yoga is a type of strength training and stretching. Doing stretching may burn some calories but not as that of intense cardiovascular or heavy weight training exercises.Yoga offers a balanced approach and stress management. It not only burns calories but also improves metabolic function, muscle tone and maintains mental discipline. All these are important for long term weight loss.

The various styles of yoga are Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Power Yoga that increases heart rate, strengthens muscles and increases stamina. These dynamic and physically demanding yogas will lead to high calorie burn during and after the sessions. Only if you practice consistently, you can attain lean muscle mass. Without any activity, considering the age & sex some of the calories will be burnt by itself called basal metabolic rate.

Yoga helps in stress reduction. High stress will lead to elevated cortisol. It is a hormone that causes increased appetite and fat accumulation, especially around the abdomen. To lower the cortisol level one should do breathing, meditation and relaxation in yoga. Doing pranayama reduces cravings to eat and emotional eating patterns that lead to weight gain.

Mindfulness is a crucial part of yoga. It helps in developing a better relationship with food. Also, mindfulness in yoga decreases emotional eating and stress eating. It helps in maintaining a balanced diet i.e. Yoga can help you make healthier food choices.

Digestion is necessary for a healthy weight. Specific poses in yoga improves digestion and helps internal organs to stimulate better nutrient absorption and waste elimination.

Yoga increases sleep quality. Sleep is necessary for weight balance. Because, poor sleep will shake the hunger hormones and it leads to overeating. By doing yoga there will be no hormonal imbalance and sleep comes fast. It also improves willpower.

Yoga offers a holistic and sustainable way to reduce weight and promote overall well-being by addressing physical, emotional and hormonal factors.