Impact of Food Intake and Submaximal Exercise on Metabolic Response in Young Healthy Adults of Different Prakriti (Constitutions)

Introduction Prakriti is a lifelong dosha constitution formed at conception, influencing body, mind, and health. Vata shows dryness, lightness, and mobility; Pitta shows heat and sharpness; Kapha shows heaviness and softness. Each type is prone to related diseases. BMR, the body’s basic energy need, varies by age, weight, and height, and rises after exercise in all Prakriti types. Vata controls movement, and proper exercise boosts BMR, fitness, and dosha balance when suited to one’s prakriti, age, and season. A bicycle ergometer measures work done by the rider’s muscles. VO₂max, defined by Hill and Lupton (1923) is the maximum oxygen uptake during intense exercise beyond which no further increase occurs, marking the limit of the cardiorespiratory system. Objective of the study: To study the impact of food intake on metabolic efficiency measured by Basal Metabolic Rate and VO2max in different Prakriti. To study the impact of submaximal exercise on metabolic efficiency in different Prakriti, metabolic efficiency will be measured by basal metabolic rate. Methodology- A total of 99 Participants was included in the study. After taking written consent, based on preliminary assessment, participants were classified into three prakriti based on a questionnaire. Before having food,descriptive data, anthropometric parameters and basal heart rate was recorded. After food, history and quantity of food intake of each prakriti was asked and Basal metabolic rate and post prandial heart rate was recorded. All the participants were allowed to do bicycle ergometer in view of recording VO₂max. Post exercise metabolic rate was then recorded.Results- Amongst all 99participants Kapha prakriti had the highest mean BMR followed by Pitta and Vata prakriti had the lowest BMR amongst the three which relatively indicates slower basal metabolism rate.Vata prakriti individuals show superior cardiorespiratory fitness and oxygen utilization (highest VO₂ max), whereas Kapha has the lowest, with Pitta falling in between.Conclusion- Kapha shows the highest BMR but lowest VO₂ max. Vata shows the lowest BMR but highest VO₂ max. Pitta remains intermediate for both BMR and VO₂ max.