Tai Chi can reduce diabetes, obesity and depression, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia.

The three-month pilot study, funded by the Australia Research Trust, found that participants with clinical levels of depression degreased from 60 percent to 20 percent during the study. Additionally, the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference of participants, decreased by 4 and 3 percent respectively.

"In addition to the improvements in depression and obesity, the results of the study also show that this specific program has a beneficial effect on indicators of blood glucose control (decreased by 6 percent), hypertension (decreased by 9 percent and 12 percent in systolic and diastolic blood pressure respectively) and insulin resistance (decreased by 20 percent),” said Dr. Liu Xin, a University of Queensland scientist and the program’s developer.

Many participants also reported improved energy levels, better sleep patterns, and higher-self esteem and confidence as a result of the Tai Chi program.

During the study, participants attended Tai Chi classes for up to 90 minutes a day, three days a week, for three months. The program did not involve a change in diet.

Xin plans to try to replicate the findings among more than 200 people with obesity and depression.