Yoga Practice Among Ethnically/Racially Diverse Emerging Adults: Associations with Body Image, Mindful and Disordered Eating, and Muscle-Enhancing Behaviors

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p><jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold> Yoga may be beneficial for young people at risk for body dissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors aimed at changing one’s body shape and size. This study explores associations between yoga practice and body image, mindful eating, disordered eating, and muscle-enhancing behaviors among a population-based sample of emerging adults from diverse socio-economic and ethnic/racial backgrounds.<jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold> Survey data were collected from 1,568 ethnically/racially diverse emerging adults (18-26 years) as part of the EAT 2010-2018 study (Eating and Activity over Time). <jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> Practicing yoga at least 30 minutes/week was reported by 12.7% (n=210) of the sample. In models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, yoga practitioners had higher levels of mindful eating and body satisfaction than non-practitioners. Of concern, yoga practitioners were more likely to use steroids to enhance the size or tone of their muscles than those not practicing yoga (4.2% vs. 0.8%, p&lt;.001). Furthermore, 35.4% of yoga practitioners used protein powder or shakes in the past year as compared to 25.0% of those not practicing yoga (p=.005). Yoga practitioners had similar levels of unhealthy weight control behaviors and binge eating to those not practicing yoga. Associations between yoga practice and body satisfaction, mindful eating, disordered eating, and muscle-enhancing behaviors were similar across ethnic/racial groups.<jats:bold>Conclusions:</jats:bold> In order to promote yoga among diverse populations, and enhance its safety and benefits for weight-related health, it is crucial for settings in which yoga is offered, and yoga teachers, to have awareness of the high prevalence of concerning disordered eating and muscle-enhancing behaviors among students and to address accordingly.</jats:p>

Changes to Physical Activity during a Global Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Analysis among a Diverse Population-Based Sample of Emerging Adults in the U.S.

“…Participants in the C-EAT (COVID-19 Eating and Activity over Time) study were members of the EAT 2010–2018 longitudinal study cohort who were invited to complete an online survey in 2020 during the U.S. outbreak of COVID-19. Participants included young people who attended middle schools and high schools in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota in 2009–2010 and were followed over time [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The C-EAT survey was designed to capture changes in weight-related health and markers of psychosocial well-being during COVID-19.…”

Characteristics of Anorexia Prevention Programmes. A Systematic Review

“…In turn, yoga enhances body functionality, appreciation and embodiment, reducing self-objectification and body control by promoting body acceptance, self-compassion, and a sense of personal agency (Cox & Tylka, 2020). These competencies are fundamental in preventing and treating ED (Neumark-Sztainer et al, 2020). A systematic review of body-oriented therapies in ED prevention demonstrated that programmes engaging the body effectively reduce risk factors and promote protective factors.…”