Study on yoga therapy & dietary changes for obesity

Shirley Telles et al.

December 2009

Overweight / obesity

The Patanjali Yogpeeth Yoga Institute conducted a study to investigate the short-term effects of yoga therapy and dietary changes in obese people.

The sample of 47 test subjects was subjected to a program of low-fat, high-fibre, vegetarian food and five hours of yoga per day.

On the first and last day of the one-week study, the researchers checked body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, mean arm circumference, body composition, hand strength, postural stability, serum lipid levels and fasting serum leptin concentration.

After the therapy week , BMI and fat-free mass of the subjects decreased. Total cholesterol decreased due to a reduced HDL level, which could indicate health risks. Postural stability, grip strength, waist-hip ratio and a reduced serum leptin concentration changed positively.

Short-term, intensive yoga therapy therefore has positive health effects on obesity, but also harbors risks.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Obesity
Institution: University of Patanjali, Haridwar, India
Title: Study on yoga therapy & dietary changes for obesity
Brief description: Study shows that one-week yoga therapy lowers BMI and improves stability, but carries risks due to falling HDL cholesterol.
Original title: Short term health impact of a yoga and diet change program on obesity
Link to the study: https://medscimonit.com/abstract/index/idArt/878317