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Does Meditation Work for Weight Loss?

Yes, meditation does work for weight loss.

More Info: According to a study conducted by Dr. Jean L. Kristeller and Dr. C. Brendan Hallett, training yourself to meditate and be mindful is very effective in facilitating self-regulation and in controlling binge-eating urges[1].

Meditation

Meditation or the practice of meditation focuses on engaging the mind in order to develop concentration, clarity, and emotional positivity. It is a way of taking responsibility and changing the way we think. Meditation entails practice and discipline.

Meditation and Weight Loss

When applied to weight loss, meditation can prevent emotional eating. When your mind is truly aware, as it is when practicing meditation, you are able to likewise become aware of why you are eating, and how you are eating. By being aware, you are in tune with your hunger cues, as well as when you are already full, so that you will stop eating more than necessary. According to a study, individuals who engage in binge eating and eating beyond their hunger levels, are unaware of their own hunger cues, and thus are unable to control their food intake.

Behavior Modification

The wisdom of using meditation as a method for weight loss is backed up by studies on behavior modification as well. According to one particular study, behavior modification is a method that has the objective of pointing out the factors and problems that are getting in the way of successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.  Behavior modification involves self-monitoring, control, contingency management, stress management, cognitive behavioral strategies, and social support. Meditation helps in the self-monitoring and stress reduction aspects of behavior modification.

Studies

In order to find out if meditation is truly beneficial as a weight loss method, a study was conducted on eighteen obese women, who were subjected to a six-week meditation group intervention, focusing on meditation exercises that promoted mindfulness and awareness when eating.

The study concluded that those who engaged in meditation exercises and practicing awareness when eating were able to suppress their binge eating urges. The frequency of binge eating decreased from 4/02 times a week to 1.57 times per week in severity.

Meditation is also helpful for anyone trying to lose weight, regardless if they are afflicted with the Binge Eating Disorder or not, as meditation techniques make you aware of whether or not you are truly hungry and when you are already full.

Application

According to Baron Baptiste, who founded Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga in the 1980's, a regular meditation practice affects your diet because it changes how you handle the stress in your life, and whether or not you are eating just to alleviate stress. It also allows you to have a more focused and effective yoga practice, which when coupled with meditation, brings about weight loss.