Effect of Suryanamaskar on body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) in overweight patients – A randomized controlled trial

Overweight (sthaulya) is a growing health problem characterized by excessive fat accumulation and associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. This study examines the effectiveness of Suryanamaskar (SN) – a yogic exercise sequence of 12 asanas – on BMI and BFP in overweight individuals.

Method

The randomized controlled trial was conducted at the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. 93 participants aged 18 to 50 years with BMI between 23 and 30 kg/m² were divided into two groups:

Group A (intervention group): 45 participants performed Suryanamaskar for 30 minutes, 6 days a week for 60 days.

Group B (control group): 48 participants continued their normal daily routine without intervention.

Participants in group A received 7 days of training in Suryanamaskar before the start of the study to ensure that all exercises were performed correctly.

Evaluation criteria:

Body mass index (BMI)

Body fat percentage (BFP), calculated using skinfold thickness on biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac regions.

Statistical analysis: Independent t-test and paired t-test.

Results

1. BMI:

Group A (SN): BMI decreased significantly by 2.44 kg/m² (from 25.72 ± 1.486 to 23.76 ± 1.464; p < 0.001).

Group B (control group): No significant change (26.19 ± 1.216 to 26.20 ± 1.169; p = 0.713).

2. Body fat percentage (BFP):

Group A (SN): BFP decreased significantly by 3.46% (from 31.12 ± 5.943 to 28.12 ± 5.339; p < 0.001).

Group B (control group): No significant change (31.58 ± 6.067 to 31.58 ± 6.065; p = 0.323).

3. Further observations:

Participant characteristics: 52.69% of the participants were female, 55% belonged to the urban population.

Socioeconomic status: The majority of participants (55.9%) belonged to the upper social class.

Hormonal and metabolic parameters: No significant changes were observed.

The study shows that Suryanamaskar as an intervention measure can bring about a significant reduction in BMI and body fat percentage in overweight individuals. These results suggest that Suryanamaskar is an effective, inexpensive and easy-to-perform yogic practice for weight loss and body fat reduction. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects and optimal training intensities.