Mapping The Evidence On Yoga, Kalari, And Combined Traditional Practices For Managing Obesity In Young Adults: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Obesity in young adults is a growing public health concern. Two traditional Indian movement techniques, yoga and Kalaripayattu (Kalari), are gaining scientific recognition as all-encompassing, deeply ingrained remedies. But information about traditional yoga and martial arts practices, like Kalari, is still lacking.

Objectives: To map and summarize the body of research on how yoga, Kalari, and associated traditional practices (martial arts, integrated yogic therapy, and combined therapies) affect young adults' obesity-related outcomes.

Methods: PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed during the scoping review. Based on abstracts from the uploaded PDF, sixteen studies—randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pre-post trials, pilot trials, and systematic reviews looking at conventional practice-based obesity interventions—were included. Key outcomes retrieved included anthropometry, body composition, metabolic indicators, psychological factors,and quality of life.

Results: The majority of research (n = 12) concentrated on yoga-based therapies, and there is only indirect evidence for Kalari from more general martial arts studies (e.g., Tai Chi, Kung Fu, mixed martial arts training). BMI, body fat percentage, waist/hip circumference, sleep quality, stress, and certain lipid-profile markers were all consistently improved by yoga across RCTs. Results from martial arts-based therapies were inconsistent, showing minimal relevance in meta-analyses but some improvements in anthropometry and metabolic indicators. Although data from martial arts and combat sports indicates possible benefits for body composition, no studies specifically assessed Kalari for obesity. Although there are still methodological issues, systematic reviews have confirmed modest but significant changes in anthropometry and cardiometabolic indicators with yoga.

Conclusions: With persistent benefits in a number of anthropometric and psychological outcomes, there is evidence that yoga is a promising traditional practice for treating obesity in young adults. Although the evidence for Kalari is indirect, it points to potential advantages akin to those of martial arts training. There is an immediate need for more thorough, Kalari-specific, combined-practice intervention research.