EFFECT OF YOGA ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS RELATED TO OBESE CONDITION AND THE WELLBEING OF PARTICIPANTS AFFECTED BY OBESITY

Abstract

BACKGROUND Obesity, a global health crisis, has tripled since 1975 due to sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and stress, leading to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Conventional treatments often neglect psychological roots. This dissertation explores Yoga as a holistic intervention, focusing on the Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT). Through structured hospital-based programs, it assesses improvements in BMI, blood pressure, sleep, self-esteem, and emotional well being. Yoga’s mind-body practices offer a low-cost, accessible solution, especially vital for countries like India. The study aims to evaluate yoga’s potential as a sustainable model for both physical and psychological rehabilitation in obesity management. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) on the physiological and psychological parameters of individuals with obesity. As part of that, this study assessed the effect of IAYT on Body Mass Index (BMI), Blood Pressure, Sleep quality, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in people suffering from obesity. METHODS Participant: A total of 52 participants aged between 25 and 60 years, clinically diagnosed with obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), were selected using convenient sampling from Aarogyadhama, a yoga therapy hospital under S-VYASA University. Design: This study followed a single-group pre-post design Assessments: In this study, we assessed Body Mass Index (BMI), Blood Pressure (SBP & DBP), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), WHO Quality of Life-BREF (Physical, Psychological, Social, Environmental) 1 Intervention: An integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) program was administered for 2 weeks. The intervention included specific asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), kriyas (cleansing techniques), relaxation methods, and lifestyle modifications, including a special diet. Participants were guided regularly to maintain consistency and adherence to the protocol. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in various physical and psychological parameters, particularly in reduction of body weight, BMI, and improvements in sleep quality, stress levels, and overall well-being. Conclusions: IAYT was found to be effective in reducing obesity and improving physiological and psychological health markers when practiced consistently. It is a safe, holistic, and non pharmacological approach for managing lifestyle disorders like obesity.