Impact of Yoga on Psychological Health in Obesity Management: A Comparative Study

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19484118

Satyapriya Maharana, Abhimanyu N S, and Snigdha Atmakur (Department of Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, S-VYASA Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, Karnataka)

Obesity is a multisystem disease associated with elevated morbidity and mortality and represents a growing global challenge. Yoga, a traditional mind-body practice, has been shown to positively influence physical and psychological health. The present study aimed to examine the association between regular yoga practice and psychological health among obese individuals. A total of 102 adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), aged 3060 years, were recruited. Individuals with chronic medical conditions, psychiatric or neurological disorders, recent surgery, or physical disabilities were excluded. Participants practicing yoga for at least six months were categorized as yoga practitioners, while the remaining were classified as non-practitioners. Psychological outcomes were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Compared to non-practitioners, yoga practitioners demonstrated significantly lower stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue (all p < 0.001), along with better sleep quality (p < 0.001) and higher quality of life across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains (p ≤ 0.004). Thus, regular yoga practice may contribute to improved psychological well-being and overall quality of life in obese individuals.