Exploring the Effects of Yogic Practice and Diet Intervention on Body Composition in Obese Female Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, obesity has become a significant health problem among adolescents; the prevalence of obesity has been steadily increasing among these age groups. It has been shown that lifestyle interventions can help manage obesity and improve body composition, such as yoga practice and dietary modifications. However, little research has compared the effect of both the interventions on obese female adolescents. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine how yoga and diet intervention affect body composition in obese female adolescents. Methods: Sixty female obese adolescents (age: 19.4 ±7.2 years; height: 162.3 ±8.4 cm; weight: 72.25 ± 9.1 kg) were randomly assigned to three equal groups (n = 20): a yoga practice group (YG), a diet group (DG) and a control group (CG). Experimental groups: yoga practice and diet interventions were followed up for 12 weeks. All measurements were taken 24 hours before and after the first and the last interventions. Results: As a result of the study, both experimental groups showed significant improvements in various body composition parameters when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Both the yoga practice group and the diet group (p<0.05) experienced significant changes in weight, body mass (BFM), and body fat percentage (BFP) during the pre-to-post interaction period. SMM (skeletal muscle mass) did not change significantly in any of the groups. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that yogic practice and diet intervention both are effective in improving body composition, notably reducing weight, BMI, body fat mass, and percentage, thereby enhancing overall health in obese female adolescents.