Exploring the Effect Of Chandra Namaskar On Body Composition Among Overweight And Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Obesity and overweight have become significant global health concerns, with both conditions associated with abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can negatively impact health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified overweight and obesity as the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. The imbalance between energy intake and expenditure leads to these conditions, often assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 25-30 is considered overweight, and higher values categorize obesity into stages.

As of 2016, over one-third of people globally were overweight, and about 13% were obese. The rates of obesity and overweight have drastically increased since 1975, with a notable rise in both adult and adolescent obesity. By 2022, 16% of adults were obese, and 43% were overweight. Projections suggest these numbers will continue to rise in the coming years, particularly in countries like India.

Obesity is linked to various non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including osteoarthritis, diabetes, various cancers, and stroke. It also contributes to psychological issues like stress and sadness, which negatively affect overall well-being and quality of life.

Treatment for obesity includes anti-obesity drugs such as phentermine, orlistat, and liraglutide, among others. These medications aim to regulate weight over the long term, with orlistat often being the first choice due to its mechanism of action. In more severe cases, bariatric surgery may be recommended, though it comes with risks of complications both in the short and long term.

In addition to medical treatments, physical activity and yoga are valuable for weight management. Regular yoga practice can enhance strength, endurance, flexibility, and self-control. Chandra Namaskar, a form of yoga that reflects the moon’s phases, is a practice that may help reduce body weight and BMI. Preliminary research on the effects of Chandra Namaskar suggests it has positive outcomes on conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and adolescent aggression, though its impact on overweight and obese individuals has yet to be thoroughly studied. This research aims to explore whether Chandra Namaskar can have a beneficial effect on individuals dealing with obesity and overweight.