Those struggling to lose or maintain weight have another natural health resource to chose from, as research suggests practicing yoga can help prevent overeating.

Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center conducted a study that was based on a previous work showing regular yoga practice may help prevent middle-age people from gaining weight and promote weight loss in overweight individuals.

This time, the scientists found a strong association between yoga practice and mindful eating.

They explain that those who eat mindfully – meaning they are aware of why they ate and stop eating when full – tend to weigh less than those who eat when not hungry or in response to stress.

“Mindful eating is a skill that augments the usual approaches to weight loss, such as dieting, counting calories and limiting portion sizes,” says Alan Kristal, Dr.P.H., an author of the initial study.

“Adding yoga practice to a standard weight-loss program may make it more effective,” he adds.

The arsenal of natural anti-obesity measures is substantial and also includes the alkaline diet. It is rich in citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes, and in addition may benefit bone health.