Abdominal Breathing Technique for Weight Loss (Obesity) By 

Chad Dupuis
Researchers from Japan recently published a study in the biomedical research
journal exploring the use of abdominal breathing techniques to aid with weight
loss.  From a multitude of studies and practical/clinical experience we know that
abdominal breathing creates changes in our nervous system, hormone levels, brain
chemistry and many other aspects.  While there are a multitude of causes and
contributing factors for people dealing with weight issues - frequently eating
beyond our need is one of the main factors.  While people may do this, however,
can be different - addictions, it grounds them psychologically, they are depressed,
habit, poor understanding of calorie dense food, marketing, portion sizes, etc.
This study was fairly unique in it's simplicity - using the breath as a way of
activating the sympathetic nervous system which can aid in weight loss by
increasing metabolic activity.  The method used is the "senobi" breathing method
which can be performed seated or standing and with fingers intertwined or hands
apart.  Basically you extend your hands above your head, palms away (with either
fingers intertwined or not), lean back (neck arched towards back) - this posture
imposes abdominal breathing.  You then inhale for 5 seconds and exhale for 5
seconds - repeating 3 times (total of 30 seconds).  You would do this before every
meal.
The study found a number of positive benefits from this related to weight loss and
found significant losses in body fat after 1 month of regular practice.  Using
various measures researchers found substantial up-regulation of sympathetic nerve
activity and increased urinary hormone secretion after 1 min of the senobi
breathing method.  Interestingly they did not find these effects in the non-obese
control group.
Mixing a deep breathing exercise with this, with a moment of reflection on
yourself and the food you are about to eat would surely lead to even greater results
as this awareness would begin to effect other important measures as food quality,
portion control, etc.