Effects of residential Yoga therapy on blood pressure and body mass index in women with hypothyroidism and obesity: A retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Hypothyroidism is a highly prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Patients with hypothyroidism often develop obesity, which further increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Yoga has positive effects on hypothyroidism indices. Aim: This retrospective study evaluates the effects of a two-week residential Yoga intervention on blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) among women with hypothyroidism and obesity. Materials and methods: Data of 98 females with a clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism and obesity, aged between 18 and 60 years, who received two weeks of residential Yoga intervention between 2013 and 2020 at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru, India, was retrieved retrospectively. The residential Yoga intervention consisted of integrated Yoga sessions, breathing practices, devotional sessions, a simple and wholesome diet, and educational sessions every day. Data on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed. Records of patients with cardiac disease, cardiorespiratory compensatory disease, hypertension, or patients on antihypertensive drugs were excluded. Results: There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and BMI at two weeks compared to baseline. Conclusion: A two-week residential Yoga intervention has a positive impact on blood pressure and BMI in women with hypothyroidism and obesity. Future randomized controlled trials with larger samples and long-term follow-ups are warranted.