A Study of the Role of Yoga Practice in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of metabolic abnormalities including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and impaired glucose metabolism, which is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. MetS is a significant public health issue due to the increase in sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Yoga has become a potential non-pharmacological intervention that has the potential to enhance the metabolic health and well-being. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital-based prospective observational study which was conducted at Muzaffarnagar medical college and hospital in Uttar Pradesh for 18 months. Sixty patients with metabolic syndrome and body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m² were recruited. The program was a structured yoga program of asana, pranayama, mudras, bandhas and relaxation techniques for about 55 minutes per day for six months. At baseline, 3 and 6 months, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scores were evaluated. Results: There was significant improvement in all the parameters after yoga intervention. Mean waist circumference decreased from 99.66 ± 5.36 cm to 92.17 ± 5.40 cm, while fasting blood glucose declined from 122.84 ± 11.07 mg/dL to 107.30 ± 10.13 mg/dL (p<0.0001). There was also a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure, while HDL cholesterol significantly increased (all p<0.0001). WHOQOL-BREF scores improved from 59.06 ± 5.78 at baseline to 67.83 ± 6.89 at six months (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Yoga practice has a significant effect on metabolic, cardiovascular and quality of life parameters of metabolic syndrome patients. Yoga can be used as a safe, effective and sustainable complementary approach in the holistic management of MetS.