De-stress to slim

Yoga is recommended for soothing the mind rather than losing weight, but what if keeping calm could also help you shift the pounds? That’s what Brown University, USA, found when they recruited obese and overweight women to take part in a 12-week weight-loss programme alongside yoga or nutritional education classes.

Out of those who lost a significant amount of weight over the three months, women in the yoga group lost an extra 3.5% of their body weight and also improved their stress tolerance. It’s believed that lower stress levels may have led to fewer cravings or dietary lapses.

Fortunately, both virtual and in-person practice worked equally well in the study, so find a free Youtube channel you like – Woman magazine loves Yoga with Adriene – and stick with it.