Practicing yoga might boost heart health for those with excess weight, according to a recent study from the University of Edinburgh. Published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health, the research led by Widya Wasityastuti examined 30 studies to see how yoga impacts cardiometabolic health.
Yoga is beloved worldwide for being gentle and accessible. The meta-analysis focused on how yoga affects important health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose control. They looked at participants with a body mass index (BMI) over 23 for Asian populations and over 25 for others, indicating overweight or obesity. Most studies (23 out of 30) were from Asian countries, while a few came from the United States, Germany, and Australia.
The researchers found that yoga practitioners experienced noticeable health improvements. Blood pressure dropped by an average of 4.35 mmHg for systolic and 2.06 mmHg for diastolic readings. Additionally, participants saw some positive changes in their cholesterol levels, which are crucial for reducing the risk of stroke.
However, it’s worth noting that these studies weren’t specifically aimed at individuals with obesity, and they did not measure how much yoga practice is needed for these benefits. Many studies suggested at least 180 minutes of yoga weekly, but there were limitations. Notably, studies excluded those with other health conditions, making it hard to say if people with diabetes or heart disease will benefit in the same way.
The authors emphasize the need for further research to see if yoga can help different populations. They state, “Our review suggests that yoga may offer a helpful additional option for improving some aspects of cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight or obesity, particularly blood pressure.”
This finding sheds light on the potential of yoga as more than just a wellness trend. In a world increasingly aware of lifestyle impacts on health, yoga could be a simple tool for better health, especially for those struggling with weight.
For more insights, you can read the original study here.
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Blood, Blood Pressure, Obesity, Yoga, Cardiometabolic, Exercise, Glucose, Inflammation, Public Health, Research
