Yoga as a treatment for binge eating disorder: A preliminary study.

Author: McIver S, O\'Halloran P, McGartland M.
Affiliation:
School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
Conference/Journal: Complement Ther Med
Date published: 2009 Aug
Other: Volume ID: 17 , Issue ID: 4 , Pages: 196-202 , Word Count: 156


OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of a 12-week yoga program aimed at reducing binge eating severity. DESIGN: A randomised trial was undertaken assigning participants to yoga (n=45) or wait-list control (n=45) groups. Of these, 25 in each group were analysed. PARTICIPANTS: A community-based sample of women between 25 and 63 years of age who identified with diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder (BED) and a BMI>25 were recruited for the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes included the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Secondary outcomes comprised measures for BMI, hips and waist. RESULTS: For the yoga group, self-reported reductions in binge eating and increases in physical activity were statistically significant. Small yet statistically significant reductions for BMI, hips and waist measurement were obtained. The wait-list control group did not improve significantly on any measures. CONCLUSION: In conjunction with formal weekly sessions, home-based yoga programs are potentially efficacious for the treatment of binge eating.

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