Long-Term Effects of Yoga Practice on Metabolic, Hormonal, and Anthropometric Parameters in Climacteric Women
In brief
Yoga reduces BMI by 2.2 points and blood pressure by 11/5 mmHg in climacteric women
In a 24-month community study of 182 Brazilian women aged 40-65, regular yoga practice lowered body-mass index by about 2.2 kg/m², reduced systolic and diastolic pressure by roughly 11 and 5 mm Hg, and improved fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and estradiol levels. These findings suggest yoga can be a useful non-drug option for metabolic and hormonal health during menopause, though the non-randomized design warrants confirmation.
- Journal
- Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine (Q1)
- Published
- 8 August 2026
- Study design
- Unclassified
- Evidence level
- Level 5, Expert Opinion (CEBM 5)
- Authors
- Laura Alves Cota E Souza, Ilka Afonso Reis, Angélica Alves Lima
- PMID
- 42570869
- DOI
- 10.1177/2515690X261437460
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (paper of the day, 11 August 2026): Long‑term yoga practice improves metabolic, hormonal, anthropometric outcomes
Abstract
Metabolic and hormonal disturbances are common during the climacteric period and contribute to an increased risk of chronic diseases. Yoga has emerged as a promising complementary approach to promote women's health during midlife; however, long-term evidence remains limited. This longitudinal, community-based controlled study evaluated the effects of regular yoga practice over 24 months on anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal parameters in climacteric women. A total of 182 Brazilian women aged 40-65 were followed; participants who chose to engage in yoga formed the intervention group, while sedentary women served as controls. Data were collected at baseline and after 6, 12, and 24 months. After 24 months, the yoga group showed significant reductions in BMI (-2.24 kg/m2; p = 0.008) and body fat percentage (-4.29%; p = 0.008), as well as decreases in systolic (-11.4 mm Hg; p = 0.012) and diastolic blood pressure (-5.5 mm Hg; p = 0.044). Improvements were also observed in fasting glucose (-9.1 mg/dL; p = 0.024), QUICKI (+0.03; p = 0.046), HDL-c (+9.6 mg/dL; p = 0.012), and non-HDL-c (-23.4 mg/dL; p = 0.018). Estradiol levels increased by 24.4 pg/mL in the yoga group and were significantly higher than in controls at 24 months (+40.9 pg/mL; p < 0.001), suggesting an endocrine-modulating effect. These findings support yoga as a promising nonpharmacological strategy to promote metabolic and hormonal health during the climacteric phase.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.