SURYANAMASKARA AS AN INTERVENTION FOR OBESITY: A META-ANALYSIS

Introduction: The global obesity epidemic, a significant public health challenge affecting adults and children across India, necessitates accessible and effective interventions. Suryanamaskara, a holistic and age-inclusive practice, has emerged as a potential tool for weight management. To consolidate existing evidence, this meta-analysis investigated Suryanamaskara's impact on key obesity markers. Methods: There were 1674 records identified through comprehensive database searches, ultimately including 7 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results: This analysis demonstrated a consistent and statistically significant reduction in BMI (0.5-2 units), weight (1-5 kg), and body fat percentage across various age groups and intervention durations (4-24 weeks). Which indicates a positive and notable effect of Suryanamaskara on obesity. While all included studies reported significant reductions (p < 0.05), substantial heterogeneity was observed in study characteristics such as sample size, age, and intervention duration. The most effective practice pattern identified involved 10-12 sets per day, 5-6 days a week, for a minimum of 8-12 weeks. Conclusion: This can be adopted as a daily routine in obesity along with other diet and lifestyle management. Its structured, accessible format makes it suitable for integration into community wellness and lifestyle programs.