Introduction
In industrialized countries characterized by a high prevalence of obesity and chronic
stress, mind−body practices such as yoga or meditation may facilitate body weight
control. However, virtually no data are available to ascertain whether practicing
mind−body techniques is associated with weight status. The purpose of this study is
to examine the relationship between the practice of mind−body techniques and weight
status in a large population-based sample of adults.
Methods
A total of 61,704 individuals aged ≥18 years participating in the NutriNet-Santé study
(2009−2014) were included in this cross-sectional analysis conducted in 2014. Data
on mind−body practices were collected, as well as self-reported weight and height.
The association between the practice of mind−body techniques and weight status was
assessed using multiple linear and multinomial logistic regression models adjusted
for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors.
Results
After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, regular users of mind−body
techniques were less likely to be overweight (OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.63, 0.74) or obese
(OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.50, 0.61) than never users. In addition, regular users had a lower
BMI than never users (−3.19%, 95% CI=−3.71, −2.68).
Conclusions
These data provide novel information about an inverse relationship between mind−body
practice and weight status. If causal links were demonstrated in further prospective
studies, such practice could be fostered in obesity prevention and treatment.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 02, 2015
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© 2016 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
