Effectiveness of a School-Based Interventional Package on Adolescent Obesity in Kanyakumari District

Abstract

Background Overweight and obesity in adolescents have increased significantly in developed and developing countries. The trend, previously exclusive to adults, is now also being seen in young populations. Complementary therapies, such as yoga, are being increasingly recognized as potential interventions for weight control in adolescents. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an interventional package using dietary education and yoga in the reduction of obesity among adolescents aged 10-19 years in selected schools in Kanyakumari district, India. Methodology A total of 400 overweight or obese students from four private matriculation schools were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 200) or a control group (n = 200). The intervention consisted of a guided 1,800-calorie diet education session and 12 weeks of yoga (five days a week). Pre and post-interventional body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and well-being scores were measured at three points. Student's t-test and chi-square test (SPSS version 20.0) were used for statistical analysis, with p-values ≤0.05 being the criterion for significance. Results The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in BMI and WHR at post-intervention measurements compared to controls. Mean BMI decreases were 3.2%, 5.4%, and 7.9% at post-test periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively (Post 1: t = 4.923, p < 0.001; Post 2: t = 6.045, p < 0.001; Post 3: t = 7.837, p < 0.001). Likewise, WHR values reduced consistently. Scores of knowledge and well-being also improved significantly (p < 0.001). Major lifestyle attributes, namely, missing breakfast, red meat consumption, and junk food eating, were strongly related to obesity markers. Conclusions The interventional package comprising diet training and yoga was associated with clinically and statistically significant improvements in obesity outcomes in adolescents. These results favor the implementation of such non-pharmacological interventions as part of school health programs to ensure sustainable weight control.