To lose weight, generally you need to focus on regular exercise and the right diet. They work but there are other ways to lose weight. Deep breathing can also help you to lose weight.

A study done at Hampton University in Virginia it was found that deep breathing techniques of yoga can change the brain's metabolic activity and thereby decrease body mass index in obese teens.

Effects of deep breathing

Deep breathing provides more oxygen to your body cells and as a result of that you can absorb nutrients. More oxygen will stimulate lymphatic system to get rid of toxins present in your body. If you breathe in a shallow way which is known as chest breathing, your cells will receive less oxygen and as a result of that they will receive less nutrients. Your lymph system may be more sluggish. When this happens, it can result in weight gain.

Benefits of deep breathing

Deep breathing offers several benefits to you. It helps in supporting your central nervous system. If you perform deep breathing techniques in gentle or restorative yoga, it may help you to lose weight. Such breathing will activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This part of your nervous system counteract stress and calms your mind. It also helps in balancing your body. It will slow your metabolism down and increase digestion, which will help you to lose weight. If you are under too much stress, it will result in rapid and shallow breathing, tight muscles and quicker heartbeat. That may cause anxiety and your cravings may not be satisfied fully which can make you to eat more food.

According to some experts mindful breathing can definitely help you to lose weight.

Technique

Breathing through your nose is more important than your mouth because it will help you to better activate your parasympathetic nervous system. You need to go for a full exhalation because then only it will help you to empty your lungs completely and then you will be able to inhale more fully. There are some deep breathing exercises which will help you in understanding and practising deep breathing. To practice this, you need to sit comfortably and rest your hands on your knees. Also relax your shoulders. Now, begin with a slow exhale and count till five, and then pause for two counts and again inhale for five counts. This is one cycle and you should repeat this cycle to 10 more times. During doing this exercise, you should always maintain awareness of your breath.

Possibilities

Breathing is something that you always do. All you have to do is learn how to do it better so that you can lose weight without doing anything else at all. You don't have to go on a diet and avoid eating things that you like to eat. You don't have to count calories for everything that you consume. You don't have too fast so as to lose fat and weight. You also do not need to indulge yourself in different types of physical activities just to lose weight. You don't have to spend hours in the gym only to lose weight without any other objective. This is a practice which will also help you to become more mindful, which means you are aware of the things happening around you. It will help you by vastly improving your outlook and it will help you to decide healthy choices for yourself which you will do yourself without having to force yourself. Such choices will help you to maintain your ideal weight.

References

1. Weight Loss on Autopilot
2. Losing Weight
3. Weight Control