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Yoga practice among ethnically/racially diverse emerging adults: Associations with body image, mindful and disordered eating, and muscle‐enhancing behaviors
Author(s) -
NeumarkSztainer Dianne,
Wall Melanie M.,
Levine Alina,
BarrAnderson Daheia J.,
Eisenberg Marla E.,
Larson Nicole
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.23421
Subject(s) - disordered eating , ethnically diverse , ethnic group , body mass index , binge eating , medicine , population , mindfulness , clinical psychology , psychology , gerontology , eating disorders , environmental health , sociology , anthropology
Abstract Background This study explores cross‐sectional associations between yoga and body image, mindful eating, disordered eating, and muscle‐enhancing behaviors among a population‐based sample of ethnically/racially diverse emerging adults. Method An ethnically/racially diverse population‐based sample of 1,568 emerging adults (18–26 years) completed surveys as part of EAT 2010–2018 (Eating and Activity over Time). Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and body mass index (BMI). Results Practicing yoga at least 30 min/week was reported by 12.7% ( n = 210) of the sample. Yoga practitioners had higher levels of mindful eating than those not practicing yoga. Although effect sizes were small, yoga practitioners were more likely than non‐yoga practitioners to use steroids (3.8 vs. 0.7%, p < .001, h = 0.22) or protein powder/shakes (35.1 vs. 25.3%, p < .010, h = 0.21) to increase their muscle size/tone. Body satisfaction, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and binge eating tended to be similar among yoga practitioners and non‐yoga practitioners. There was a significant interaction between BMI and yoga in predicting body satisfaction with a trend toward a positive impact among yoga practitioners at higher BMI values. Interactions between yoga practice and all body image attitudes and behaviors across gender and ethnicity/race were not statistically significant. Discussion Young people from diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds who practice yoga are more likely to engage in mindful eating but have equal or elevated levels of unhealthy body image attitudes and behaviors as compared to non‐yoga practitioners. Further research should explore how yoga is best taught and practiced to ensure that it is beneficial for body image and related behaviors.