Effect of Yoga for Reducing the Male Obesity and Weight Related Psychological Problems among College Students

Background & Objectives: Obesity is a rising pandemic in childhood and adult. There is scarcity of evidence on the efficacy of yoga in achieving weight loss in overweight/obese children. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of family-based comprehensive yoga intervention in the reduction of body mass index (BMI) in overweight/obese children and adult too in comparison to standard dietary and lifestyle counseling and control group. Methods: This was an open-label randomized controlled study. College students aged 18-25 yr who were overweight or had obesity were randomized to one of the three arms for 14 wk; standard weight management (group 1), yoga with dietary modification (group 2) and control (no intervention; group 3). Reduction in BMI and improvement in physiological, biochemical and psychological parameters from baseline to 14 wk was compared between the three arms. Late follow up was also done at 3-06 months. Results: A total of 100 youth with mean± standard deviation (SD) age of 18.6±25yr and mean BMI 26.3±4.2 kg/m2 were enrolled. Outcome analysis at 14 wk was performed for 75 youth. Improved diet quality and reduced intake were observed in both intervention arms. The median (IQR) reduction in BMI in standard and yoga arms was similar [-1.4 (-3.1, -0.5) kg/m2 and -1.2 (-2.3, -0.6) kg/m2, respectively], while it increased by +0.3 (-0.3, 0.1) in the control arm. In the yoga arm, mean systolic BP reduced from 118 (10) to 114 (8) mmHg, (P=0.019). In the standard arm, significant improvement in psychological scores was noted. In group 3, the mean fasting glucose increased from 93±10 to 102±12 mg/dl (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that yoga in conjunction with dietary modification is equally effective as the standard weight management for BMI reduction in the pediatric age group.