Body Composition Outcomes of Tai Chi and Qigong Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Linda K. Larkey 1 & Dara James 2 & Michael Belyea 2 & Mihyun Jeong 2 & Lisa L. Smith 3 # International Society of Behavioral Medicine 2018 Abstract Purpose Meditative movement (MM) practices are increasingly being studied, including examination of the potential for these modalities to contribute to weight management. Methods A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials testing one or both of two forms of MM, Tai Chi and Qigong, reporting effects on changes in body composition. Data from these studies were extracted and tabled, and a meta-analysis of studies with inactive control conditions was conducted. Risk of bias was assessed, and seven RCTs had a low risk of bias. Sources of bias include publication bias and selection of English only. Results Publications meeting inclusion criteria yielded 24 studies (N = 1621 participants). Significant improvements in body composition, primarily body mass index, were noted for 41.7% of studies. A synthesis table describes the distribution of design factors, including type of comparison condition (inactive vs. active) and baseline body composition status (whether or not overweight/obese). A meta-analysis was conducted on 12 studies with inactive controls (using a random effects model) finding a small-to-medium treatment effect (SMD = - 0.388, CI = [- 0.732, - 0.044], t = 2.48, p < 0.03) for TC or QG interventions with a high level of heterogeneity. Conclusions Tai Chi and Qigong show demonstrable effects on body composition, when compared to inactive control conditions. Systematic evaluation and valid conclusions regarding the impact of Tai Chi and Qigong on body composition outcomes will require more targeted study designs and control of comparison conditions. Keywords Weight management . Body mass index . Meditative movement . Taiji/tai chi . Qigong Introduction While obesity rates have plateaued within the last decade, two thirds of the United States population is currently clas- sified as overweight (defined as a BMI of 25–29.9 kg/m 2 ) or obese (a BMI greater than 30 kg/m 2 )[1]. Although obesity is a chronic disorder of multifactorial etiology, sedentary lifestyle is assumed to be a key determinant in its develop- ment and maintenance [2]. Obesity was recently classified as a disease by the American Medical Association [3] and is a serious issue, not only because of its detrimental impact on morbidity and mortality rates, but also due to the financial burden it puts on both the individual and society. Obesity is associated with increases in cardiometabolic disease, certain types of cancer, premature death, osteoarthritis, and breathing problems [4]. Additionally, in 2010, an estimated $194 billion was spent on obesity-related issues in the United States [5], and that same year, Americans spent almost $59 billion on weight-loss remedies [6]. Cawley and Meyerhoefer * Linda K. Larkey larkeylite@msn.com Dara James Dara.James@asu.edu Michael Belyea Michael.belyea@asu.edu Mihyun Jeong mihyun.jeong@asu.edu Lisa L. Smith llsmith6@asu.edu 1 College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Arizona State University, 500 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA 2 College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, 500 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA 3 School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, 500 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA International Journal of Behavioral Medicine https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-018-9725-0