Yoga training improves metabolic parameters in obese boys

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Obesity in adolescents is a growing concern, linked to metabolic disturbances.
• Yoga is explored for its potential to modulate metabolic parameters and manage obesity.
• Adolescent obesity impacts body composition, lipid profiles, and insulin resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an 8-week yoga-asana training program on body composition, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in obese adolescent boys.
• To assess changes in body weight, BMI, fat mass, fat-free mass, and basal metabolic rate.
• To determine effects on lipid profiles (Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 20 obese adolescent boys (BMI > 95th percentile).
• Participants were assigned to either an 8-week yoga intervention group or a control group.
• The yoga group engaged in supervised yoga-asana training three times weekly at 40-60% HRR.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in body weight, BMI, fat mass, and body fat percentage were observed post-yoga training.
• Significant increases in fat-free mass and basal metabolic rate were noted in the yoga group.
• The yoga group showed significant improvements in fat mass and body fat percentage compared to the control group. Total cholesterol significantly decreased in the yoga group, while HDL-cholesterol decreased in both groups. No significant changes in triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, or HOMA-IR were found.

Conclusions:

• An 8-week yoga training program effectively improves body composition in obese adolescent boys.
• Yoga intervention led to a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels.
• Yoga may be a beneficial complementary therapy for managing certain metabolic syndrome risk factors in obese adolescents.