Effect of yoga on bio-physiological parameters among overweight and obese adolescents: a case series study

Abstract

The number of overweight and obese children in India was 19.3% (NFHS-5), which was a big jump from the previous number of 6.3% (NFHS-4). A school-based case-series design was conducted to assess the effect of yoga on biophysiological parameters among overweight and obese adolescents (11-13 years) at selected schools in Puducherry. The census method was used to screen 286 adolescents, aged 11 to 13, for height and weight. The study included 18 overweight boys and girls. Bio-physiological parameters were measured at baseline, three months, and six months after yoga practice. The results of the study showed that a significant difference was found after yoga practice. The mean difference in weight reduction was 4.0, the BMI was 1.7, the waist circumference was 4.6, the hip circumference was 6.2, the triceps skin fold thickness was 4.9, and the sub capsular skin fold thickness was 5.7. The mean difference in pulse reduction was 8.8, the systolic blood pressure was 11.0, and the diastolic pressure was 6.9. In terms of body composition, the decrease in fat (%) was 3.4, water (%) was 2.4, extracellular volume (ECW) (%) was 1.1, intracellular volume (ICW) (%) was 2.0, and the body fat mass index (BFMI) was 1.7. The study concluded that yoga is effective in managing obesity and building healthy citizens in future adolescents.