Evaluating the Effectiveness of Therapeutic Yoga Asanas on Body Mass Index in Class I Obese Individuals

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of therapeutic yoga asanas on body mass index (BMI) among Class I obese men. Thirty Class I obese individuals were selected from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, during 2024. The participants were aged between 30 to 40 years. The subjects were divided into two equal groups of 15 each: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group participated in a six-week therapeutic yoga asanas program, while the control group did not engage in any special training during the study period. BMI was used as the primary criterion variable in this research and was measured using a body mass index analyzer. Pre-test measurements were taken prior to the training period, and post-test measurements were taken immediately after six weeks of intervention. The collected data were statistically analyzed using the 't' ratio to assess differences between pre-test and post-test scores within and between the groups. The analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in BMI among participants in the experimental group, while the control group showed no significant change. These findings indicate that therapeutic yoga asanas can serve as an effective intervention for managing body mass index in Class I obese individuals. Regular practice of selected asanas likely contributed to improved metabolism, better physiological balance, and greater awareness of body-mind integration, thereby promoting healthier body composition. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating therapeutic yoga into wellness routines for obesity management and overall health improvement.