Sanjay Kumar, Shirley Telles, Naveen K.V & Acharya Balkrishna.
Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, India.
sanjubliss75@gmail.com

Abstract

Background
Obesity is increasing worldwide, and obese persons find it difficult to be physically active. The effects of a six day yoga program, emphasizing breathing techniques practiced while seated, was assessed in forty-seven obese persons.
Material/Methods
A single group of forty-seven persons were assessed on the first and last day of a six day yoga and diet-change program. The assessments were: body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, mid-arm circumference, body composition, hand grip strength, postural stability, serum lipid profile and fasting serum leptin levels. During the camp participants practiced yoga for five hours everyday and had a low fat, high fiber, vegetarian diet. Last day and first day data were compared using a t-test for paired data.
Results
Following the six day residential yoga program participants showed a decrease in BMI (1.6%), waist and hip circumferences, fat-free mass, total cholesterol (7.7% decrease), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (8.7% decrease), fasting serum leptin levels (44.2% decrease) and an increase in postural stability and hand grip strength (p<0.05, in all cases).
Conclusion
A six-day residential yoga program decreased the BMI associated with a decrease in fat-free mass. There was also a decrease in total cholesterol due to a decrease in HDL levels. These results suggested that a brief, intensive yoga program with a change in diet can pose certain health risks. Benefits seen were in the form of better postural stability, grip strength reduced waist and hip circumferences and a decrease in serum leptin levels.
Key words
Obesity Body mass index Postural stability Leptin yoga