Yoga 4 Body Image (Y4BI): Investigating the Impact of Yoga on Body Image and Eating Behaviours

University of Padova

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Body Image; Eating Behaviors; Body Dissatisfaction

Treatments: Other: ACTIVE; Other: Y4BI

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06724796

389

Details and patient eligibility

About

The practice of yoga can positively impact body image, a psychological construct encompassing perceptual, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects, which can be either positive or negative. Negative body image manifests as extreme dissatisfaction with one's body-a condition particularly common among young women-that places them at significant risk for developing Body Image Disorders (BIDs). In contrast, positive body image is characterized by an overall respect for one's body.

Current research on the impact of yoga on body image has several limitations, making it challenging to determine whether yoga practice truly has a positive effect on body image and to identify the mechanisms underlying this impact. To address these gaps, the present project aims to overcome the limitations of existing studies by investigating the impact of yoga on body image through quantitative methodologies and by exploring the mechanisms that drive this effect.

The project consists of two phases:

1. Investigating the impact of yoga on body image (both positive and negative) and eating behaviours in a population characterized by high levels of body dissatisfaction-young women.
2. Examining the psychological mechanisms underlying yoga's impact on body image, including increased interoceptive awareness, embodiment, and self-compassion, as well as a reduction in self-objectification.

Enrollment: 100 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Females
• Age 18-35 years old

Exclusion criteria

• Regular yoga practice
• Pregnancy
• Medical conditions that preclude yoga practice (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, recent injuries, rheumatic conditions)
• Full-blown body image disorder

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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100 participants in 2 patient groups

Y4BI

Experimental group

Description:

The yoga classes will be conducted once a week, in groups, with each session lasting 1 hour. They will be led by a qualified instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience in yoga.

Treatment:

Other: Y4BI

ACTIVE

Active Comparator group

Description:

The total body classes will take place once a week, with each session lasting one hour. They will be led by a kinesiology specialist in preventive and adapted physical activities.

Treatment:

Other: ACTIVE