Yoga
for Weight Loss
For Pilot Research Report Yorkshire Post article, 1 March 2006 University investigates claims that Madonna's
recipe to staying slim really does work
by Julie Hemmings
Members of a yoga for weight-loss class – Pam Thomas,
Jackie Scott, Eileen Smith and Julie White – show
in potatoes the 262lb the class lost. www.yorkshireyoga.co.uk
Picture: Gary Longbottom. Meditation soup 'made with love' helps yoga class
peel off pounds SLIMMERS are always
on the lookout for ways to boost their willpower –
and a group of Yorkshire women may have the answer.
The guinea pigs in a research project monitored by Leeds
University are celebrating shedding pounds and inches
in a weight-loss regime incorporating yoga.
Laura Bissell, who runs the Yorkshire Yoga Centre in Knaresborough,
contacted academics in Leeds about a study into weight
loss and improved wellbeing through a holistic approach.
After the six-month trial ended yesterday she now hopes
to broaden the study by running classes across Yorkshire.
Participants joined a weekly weigh-in and yoga class,
including core stability exercises and breathing and relaxation
techniques. They followed a diet high in fruit, vegetables
and grains and low in saturated fats, an essential part
of which was making their own "meditation soup"
– from vegetables "made with love and meditation",
according to Ms Bissell.
In spite of celebrity endorsement from the likes of Madonna
and Gwyneth Paltrow, some find the "mumbo jumbo"
linked to yoga can be off-putting.
But even cynics were converted when the relaxation techniques
they learnt in class helped them to stay strong in the
face of temptation. Eileen Smith, 60, who lost 24lb, said
when she tried what used to be her top treat – a
chocolate chip cookie – she ate barely half because
it tasted too sweet.
"I can't believe it, I've got a waist," said
Mrs Smith who, like many of the group, had swung through
yo-yo dieting for years, losing weight only to end up
heavier than when they started.
Many who took part have seen an improvement in their cholesterol
and blood pressure levels during the study, which is the
first of its type conducted by Leeds University's epidemiology
and biostatics department, which is now analysing the
data. Researcher Diana Camidge also monitored a control
group which followed the eating plan without yoga.
Julie White, 46, said the motivational boost from yoga
helped her to lose 22lb and she found she had far more
energy and slept better.
"I've done all the diets and slimming clubs but after
a few months got bored.
"Everyone is so supportive – at slimming clubs
you tend to be talked at but here we're mixing together
and get support from each other."
Class members said yoga's stress-busting qualities led
to a greater sense of calm and focus which kept them on
the straight and narrow.
"I feel absolutely great," said Jackie Scott,
61, who was the most successful slimmer with a weight
loss of 39lb. "I've always kept active and eaten
relatively healthy and now I hope I've got it in here,"
she added, tapping her head. "That's what will keep
me going."
Pam Thomas, 61, saw a less-dramatic weight loss –
11.6lb. "Before I used to plod, not walk. This tones
your muscles, makes you less stressed and feel better
about yourself. I'm far more focussed and don't pick at
food when I'm not hungry."
01 March 2006
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Laura Bissell and Harrogate Mayor Councillor Caroline Bayliss
