To Study the Effect of Pranayama on Clinical Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Medical Students with Raised Body Mass Index and or Elevated Blood Pressure: A Prospective Interventional Trial

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) involves several risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is common among Indian medical students due to their sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits [1]. Yoga and Pranayama are becoming popular non-pharmacological strategies to prevent MS through lifestyle modifications. Aim: To study the effect of pranayama on clinical predictors of metabolic syndrome in medical students with raised body mass index and/or elevated blood pressure. Methods and Material: After screening 100 undergraduate medical students aged 17 to 20, 32 students with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher and/or elevated blood pressure (systolic BP >120 mm Hg and diastolic BP >80 mm Hg) were selected based on clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using block randomization, these students were randomly assigned into two groups: the Interventional Group (N=16) and the Control Group (N=16). Both groups had statistically similar mean values for age, gender distribution, physical activity levels, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass composition, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, and blood pressure. The Interventional Group practiced Pranayama for 25 minutes daily, six days a week, for eight weeks, while the Control Group continued their routine activities. After eight weeks, the parameters previously measured in both groups were reassessed, and the results were analyzed statistically. Results: The Interventional Group experienced a notable reduction in BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fat weight, fat percentage, blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic), serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and fasting blood sugar. Additionally, this group experienced a significant increase in lean mass percentage and total body water percentage. In contrast, the Control Group showed no significant changes in these parameters. Conclusions: Regular practice of Pranayama can serve as an effective non-pharmacological tool for preventing obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, while also optimizing lipid profile, thereby significantly reducing the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.