The impact of yoga on components of energy balance in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Yoga may reduce body weight in individuals with overweight or obesity, but whether this occurs through decreased energy intake (EI) or increased energy expenditure (EE)/physical activity (PA) is unclear. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsychINFO was conducted from inception until April 26, 2021. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials or single‐arm pre‐post studies with any type and duration of yoga intervention in adults with overweight or obesity. Studies with measures related to EI , EE, or PA were eligible. The review initially identified 1,373 articles. RESULTS: Of the 10 included studies, one used indirect calorimeter measures of resting EE, while nine used self‐reported measures of EI and PA. Of the seven studies measuring parameters related to EI, only one found greater decreases in EI relative to the control group, although three other investigations reported trends toward improved dietary intake. Of the eight studies measuring PA, two reported greater increases in resting EE or PA in the yoga group relative to the control group. Two reported significant within‐group increases in PA from pre‐post intervention, and four studies reported a trend for increased PA with no p‐values reported. CONCLUSIONS: Limited evidence suggests yoga may reduce EI and increase PA in adults with overweight or obesity. Additional studies that investigate the effects of yoga interventions on energy balance parameters using objective techniques are warranted.