• The Shoulder stand and Fish postures in yoga stimulate the thyroid, which is responsible for modulating your metabolic rate, the speed by which your body burns fat.

• Yoga promotes good postural alignment, which gives the illusion of a slimmer frame. With your thoracic region elevated, the centre line of the body is taut and you appear taller and leaner.

• Forward bends and rotations help to regulate your digestive system, promoting better elimination. Proper digestion and elimination prevent the body from storing food as fat.

• Standing balance postures increase your body’s muscle mass. Muscles burn fat more effectively.

• Dynamic yoga classes such as Asthanga or Bikram (yoga in a heated room) can be cardiovascular challenging and promotes weight loss.

• Yoga philosophy recommends a vegetarian diet, low in saturated fats, stimulants and refined foods.

Long-term weight loss requires balancing your energy in (what you eat) with energy out (exercise).