Yoga, Mood and Weight Loss

Dr. Shillingford in Boca Raton, South Florida practices weight loss surgery and general surgery. His clinical team includes both a psychologist – Dr. Tracey Krigstein and psychiatrist – Dr. Priti Kothari. One of the focuses of his team is to give support to patients regarding weight loss surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric band and gastric bypass procedures). It is well known throughout the scientific literature that a calm, positive mood can aid patients in their weight loss journey.

One exciting area of growing research is the role of yoga both to enhance mood and weight loss. Yoga is also a great form of exercise to improve flexibility and tone and strengthen one’s core; exercise is a key ingredient in success post weight loss surgery. Yoga originates in ancient India and has become a highly popular form of exercise in the South Florida region as well; it is been estimated that 20 million Americans do yoga by yoga journal magazine. Yoga has also been modified for special populations such as seniors as well pregnant women. Many people find yoga to be very balancing and meditative while they undergo the process of weight loss surgery.

Multiple findings in research support the potential of yoga as a complementary treatment of depressed patients who are taking anti-depressant medications but who are only in partial remission. Yoga has also been quite effective for a condition named Dysthymia (chronic, mild depression). Moods have shown to improve from before to after yoga classes. Yoga appears to be a promising intervention for depression and mood; it is cost-effective and easy to implement. It produces many beneficial emotional, psychological and weight loss effects, as supported by observations in various studies.

Below is a sampling of various yoga studios in Deerfield Beach, Davie, Coral Springs & Boca Raton, South Florida vicinity:

• Annuttara Yoga Deerfield Beach, Florida
• Yoga Source Coral Springs, Florida & Davie, Florida
• Bikram Yoga, Boca Raton, Florida
• Yoga At The Beach, Boca Raton, Florida

Thus yoga is beneficial for two areas: mood and weight loss. It is a non competitive practice in that one follows one’s own journey and need not compare him/herself to others. Weight loss benefits include burning calories, improving overall balance and fitness. Mood benefits include relaxation, reflection and an inner calm. Dr. Shillingford’s clinical team supports you in your weight loss journey both pre and post weight loss surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric band and gastric bypass procedures) and wishes to offer you yoga as one of many coping strategies to aid weight loss and enhance mood.