Efficacy of yoga practices on BMI among college students with polycystic ovary syndrome

This study examines the effectiveness of yoga as a complementary therapy for managing stress among college students diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). A total of 120 participants from various academic disciplines in Vijayawada, Krishna District, were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which engaged in daily yoga practices—including Surya Namaskar, Asanas, Mudras, Meditation, and Pranayama—or a control group, which participated in active rest over a six-month period. Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated using the standard formula of weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, was used as an indicator of physical health. Originally devised by Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s and later named by Ancel Keys in 1972, BMI serves as a screening tool to assess weight-related health risks. Weight was measured using a weighing scale. Quantitative analysis, including descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test), was conducted to assess the impact of yoga. Results indicated a significant reduction in stress levels among students practicing yoga, suggesting that incorporating yoga into PCOS management may improve mental well-being and overall health outcomes in young women.