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

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.