Effect Of Selected Yogic Practices On Anxiety Related Obesity And Dyslipidaemia

Introduction : Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress. But when it becomes excessive, it becomes a disabling disorder, giving birth to a number of problems. One of such most prevalent problems today is that of obesity & its related complications.

Objective & Hypothesis : In condition like stress under influence of steroids, GH i.e. anti-insulin hormones or sheer mass of fat cells which is beyond control of natural insulin levels, there is increase fatty acid flux out side fat cells and inside muscles. The excess fats lead to genesis of increased levels of triglycerides, raised levels of blood sugar because of peripheral insulin resistance. This also leads to deposition of visceral fat. If one is able to adapt better to stressful conditions, it would automatically reverse the changes in serum triglycerides, blood glucose levels and would help in reduction of visceral fat content. Yoga is a master key which can help achieved this.

Methodology
A study was conducted to find out effect of yogic practices on anxiety and related disorders from 10.06. 2007 to 28.07.07 for a period of 7 weeks for a group of 45 patients, who were selected on basis of consistency in their yogic practices out of a total 60 who had voluntarily registered for the camp. The daily yogic practices were conducted from 6.00am to 7.15am included chanting of 'Omkar, prayers, trataka, followed by simplified asanas, pranayam, nadayoga, yoganidra. Informative lectures, personal counseling sessions were conducted apart from these practices

Considering the effects of anxiety at psychosomatic level, relevant clinical investigations including pulse and B.P. (using pulse-oxymeter), flexibility tests measuring rotation flexion, extension of neck, body composition analysis (bio impedance analysis BIA) using biospace machine [WHO & USFDA approved] where done before and after the beginning of camp. BIA is a simple non expensive and non invasive test based on electrical conductive properties of human body. It is best known as a technique for measurement of percentage of body fat. A psychological subjective analysis was done using internationally accepted 'Zung Scale' of self rating for anxiety and depression.

Discussion Of Results
The results show statistically significant improvement not only in pulse and B. P. but also in mobilizing fat content of body, with an improvement in fat free mass. There are also statistically significant changes observed in blood glucose, triglycerides, visceral fat area, and fitness score. This indicates a possible role of yogic practices to treat stress induced diabetes and obesity. This probably is the result of improved psychological scores judged by self rating scale. These results were compared to a control group of 35 participants.

Conclusion
Yogic methodology targeted at Spiritual -Emotional - Mental - Hypothalamus ­Pituitary - Target organ axis seems a non-chemical, physiologic, safe and promising way to deal with increasing problems anxiety related obesity of modern world today.