Yoga in Obesity Management: Reducing cardiovascular risk and enhancing well-being- A review of the current literature.

Indranill Basu-Ray, Puneet Misra, Aditi Garg, Sarita Bajaj, Ganagarajan Inbaraj, Anit Ghosal, Debasmita De, Nandini Kandimalla, Abhishek Thapa, Urveesh Sharma, Pascal Charles, Harish Pobbati, Intkhab Hashmi, Bhavit Bansal, Jacques de Vos, Omar Elshafei

Journal: Current problems in cardiology 2025;50(6):103036

PMID: 40132783

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Obesity, a global epidemic, significantly increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Conventional treatments often lack long-term efficacy, emphasizing the need for integrative, sustainable approaches.

OBJECTIVE

This review assesses the role of yoga as a complementary intervention in obesity management and its effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed literature up to March 2024 from Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane Central Library. The focus was on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the impact of yoga on obesity-related outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors. Studies were reviewed for quality, outcomes, and both physiological and psychological effects of yoga on obese individuals.

RESULTS

Yoga interventions consistently yielded positive results in reducing body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat. These physical changes correlate with significant improvements in cardiovascular markers, including blood-pressure, cholesterol levels, endothelial and autonomic functions. Yoga also enhances stress management and psychological well-being, addressing both mental and physical facets of obesity. The benefits extend beyond mere weight reduction, affecting systemic inflammation and metabolic health, crucial for mitigating CVD risks.

CONCLUSION

Yoga represents a promising, non-pharmacological approach to obesity management and CVD risk reduction. Its holistic impact on physical and psychological health makes it a viable adjunct therapy in comprehensive obesity management, fostering sustainable lifestyle changes and long-term health benefits.

IMPLICATIONS

Incorporating yoga into standard obesity management protocols could enhance therapeutic outcomes. Future research should standardize yoga interventions to better integrate them into modern healthcare and explore their long-term cardiovascular effects.

Published by Elsevier Inc.

Address: Medical Director, American Academy For Yoga in Medicine, Germantown, TN, 38139, USA.; Director-Professor and Head, Department of Medicine, Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad, India.; Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.; Medical officer, American Academy For Yoga in Medicine, Germantown, TN 38139, USA.; Suvekchya International Hospital Pvt. Ltd., India.; Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College & Hospital Kolkata, India.; Department of Internal Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, 110002, India.; Unimed Fortaleza.; Tongji Medical College.; Assistant professor in anatomy, College of medicine Dawadmi, Shaqra University, Riyadh province Saudi Arabia.; Department of Cellular and Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.; Cardiologist and Interventional Electrophysiologist, Director of Cardiovascular Research, Director; Clinical Cardiology Electrophysiology Laboratory, Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, Adjunct Professor; School of Public Health, University of Memphis, G 401 A, 4th floor, Bed Tower; 1030 Johnson Ave, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2025.103036

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Yoga, Cardiovascular Diseases, Obesity, Heart Disease Risk Factors, Obesity Management