• Dr. Anil Kumar
• Dr. Udesh Kumar

Abstract Background: Sthaulya (obesity) is a disorder defined by excessive accumulation of Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) and Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue).¹ It is objectively quantified in modern medicine by Body Mass Index (BMI) and other anthropometric measurements.² Yogic interventions are commonly prescribed for managing these objective parameters. Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Kapalbhati Pranayama (Group A) and Suryanamaskara (Group B) on objective parameters, specifically weight, BMI, and body circumferences, in patients with Sthaulya. Methods: A 60-day, open-label, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with Sthaulya (BMI > 24.9 kg/m²).³ Patients were randomly assigned to Group A (n=30), performing 15 minutes of Kapalbhati daily, or Group B (n=30), performing 15 minutes of Suryanamaskara daily.³ Objective parameters (Weight, BMI, Neck, Mid-arm, Chest, Abdomen, Hip, and Mid-thigh circumferences) were measured at baseline and after 60 days. Within-group analysis was conducted using the Paired t-test, and between-group comparisons used the Unpaired t-test.⁴ Results: Both interventions produced highly significant (p<0.001) within-group reductions in weight and BMI.⁵﹐⁶ Group A (Kapalbhati) demonstrated a mean weight reduction of 7.72% and a BMI reduction of 8.46%.⁵ Group B (Suryanamaskara) showed a mean weight reduction of 3.12% and a BMI reduction of 3.35%.⁶ The comparative analysis for weight and BMI showed a highly significant (p<0.001) difference in favor of Group A.⁷ For body circumferences, Group B showed significant reductions in more areas (6/7) than Group A (5/7).⁸﹐⁹ Furthermore, the comparative analysis of circumference reduction was highly significant (p<0.001) or significant (p<0.05) in favor of Group B for all measures except the forearm.¹⁰ Conclusion: Both Kapalbhati Pranayama and Suryanamaskara are effective practices for the objective management of Sthaulya. Kapalbhati produced a statistically superior reduction in overall weight and BMI. However, Suryanamaskara was significantly more effective at reducing regional body circumferences, suggesting a greater impact on body toning and fat redistribution.

Obesity, Sthaulya, BMI, Anthropometry, Kapalbhati, Suryanamaskara, Weight Loss, Clinical Trial

"Comparative Efficacy of Suryanamaskara and Kapalbhati Pranayama on Anthropometric Measurements and BMI in Sthaulya (Obesity): A Randomized Clinical Trial", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no.e224-e227, October-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510435.pdf

"Comparative Efficacy of Suryanamaskara and Kapalbhati Pranayama on Anthropometric Measurements and BMI in Sthaulya (Obesity): A Randomized Clinical Trial", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no. ppe224-e227, October-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510435.pdf