While yoga may support weight loss, the practice features additional benefits, according to Turner, Bermudez and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, including:

• Increased flexibility
• Improved posture
• Improved respiratory health (lung capacity and oxygen intake)
• Stress relief, as well as reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Improved sleep
• Pain relief, including neck pain, migraine or tension-type headaches and pain associated with knee osteoarthritis

If you’re considering adding yoga into your weight loss plans, the experts shared the following tips to get you started:

• Start slowly. The key to getting started with yoga — or any form of exercise — is to begin with an introduction.
• Make adjustments as needed.
• Find a style, class, and instructor that fits you to a tee.
• Incorporate other forms of exercise, too.
• Keep at it.
Seek professional input.

Yoga practitioners reported:

• less “stress eating”
• more mindful eating
• fewer food cravings
• an increase in self-esteem
• better muscle tone
• an increase in the interest in healthy living