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 format weekly sessions, home-based yoga programs are potentially efficacious for the treatment of binge eating. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.