TY - JOUR
T1 - Yoga for weight management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
T2 - a focus group study among yoga therapists
AU - Rao, Vibhuti Samarth
AU - Cheema, Birinder S.
AU - Armour, Mike
AU - Smith, Caroline A.
AU - Metri, Kashinath G.
AU - Ee, Carolyn
PY - 2025/12
Y1 - 2025/12
N2 - Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age and is associated with excess weight. Yoga is a holistic mind-body practice that has shown some promise in targeting clinical outcomes in women with PCOS. This study aimed to understand the yoga therapists’ experiences and explore the characteristics of a yoga therapy (YT) program for weight management in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to assist in a future trial. Methods: Experienced yoga therapists with a degree in yoga, or equivalent, and >5 years of experience in delivering yoga to women with PCOS were invited to an online focus group. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using descriptive content analysis. Results: Eight yoga therapists participated. Four categories with several sub-categories were derived from the analysis: (i) yogic approach to PCOS management, (ii) benefits are beyond weight reduction, (iii) characteristics of yoga therapists, and (iv) characteristics of the YT program for managing weight in PCOS. Most participants believe that YT for PCOS should not be constructed as an exclusive form of exercise but as a mind-body intervention that focuses on lifestyle reforms, helps manage day-to-day stress, and promotes sleep and quality of life in women with PCOS. Overall, the participants indicated that a meticulously planned group-based, multicomponent, PCOS-specific, YT class can be a sustainable mode of healthy living for women with PCOS. Conclusion: This is the first qualitative exploration from yoga therapists’ perspectives on weight management in women with PCOS. The results of this study provide a valuable preliminary basis for the design of future research in order to enhance lifestyle care for women with PCOS and excess weight.
AB - Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age and is associated with excess weight. Yoga is a holistic mind-body practice that has shown some promise in targeting clinical outcomes in women with PCOS. This study aimed to understand the yoga therapists’ experiences and explore the characteristics of a yoga therapy (YT) program for weight management in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to assist in a future trial. Methods: Experienced yoga therapists with a degree in yoga, or equivalent, and >5 years of experience in delivering yoga to women with PCOS were invited to an online focus group. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using descriptive content analysis. Results: Eight yoga therapists participated. Four categories with several sub-categories were derived from the analysis: (i) yogic approach to PCOS management, (ii) benefits are beyond weight reduction, (iii) characteristics of yoga therapists, and (iv) characteristics of the YT program for managing weight in PCOS. Most participants believe that YT for PCOS should not be constructed as an exclusive form of exercise but as a mind-body intervention that focuses on lifestyle reforms, helps manage day-to-day stress, and promotes sleep and quality of life in women with PCOS. Overall, the participants indicated that a meticulously planned group-based, multicomponent, PCOS-specific, YT class can be a sustainable mode of healthy living for women with PCOS. Conclusion: This is the first qualitative exploration from yoga therapists’ perspectives on weight management in women with PCOS. The results of this study provide a valuable preliminary basis for the design of future research in order to enhance lifestyle care for women with PCOS and excess weight.
KW - Excess weight
KW - Focus group
KW - Lifestyle
KW - PCOS
KW - Qualitative study
KW - Yoga
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105018326095&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102569
DO - 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102569
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105018326095
SN - 1876-3820
VL - 80
JO - European Journal of Integrative Medicine
JF - European Journal of Integrative Medicine
M1 - 102569
ER -