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Research in Formal, Applied
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ISSN (Print): 2328-3777, ISSN (Online): 2328-3785, ISSN (CD-ROM): 2328-3793
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EFFECT OF SIDDHA SAMADHI YOGA CAMPS on HEALTH and

NUTRITIONAL STATUS of NORMAL and OBESE SUBJECTS
K. Sreedevi1 G. Vani Bhushanam2 and P. Baby Devaki3
Lead interventionist, Behavioral Science Unit, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India1
Research Associate, All India Coordinated Research Project on Home Science, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural
University, Hyderabad2
Head of the Department (Retd.), Faculty of Food Science & Nutrition, Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupathi3

Abstract: Yogasana, pranayama, meditation and changed food habits is perceived by many Indians to lead
a happy purposeful life with heightened consciousness. Siddha Samadhi Yoga (SSY) camp, a10 day package
is believed to be one such effort to invoke the intellectual, emotional, mental and physical potential in each
individual. This paper examines the effect of Siddha Samadhi Yoga (SSY) camps on normal and obese
subjects. Thirty normal and thirty obese male subjects in the age group of 25 to 45 years free from
additional complications were selected from two camps conducted in Mahaboobnagar and Tirupathi. The
BMI of all subjects was assessed and Diet Survey conducted. Blood samples were analyzed for post
prandial blood glucose; serum cholesterol; serum iron and hemoglobin levels. A significant difference in
pre and post prandial blood glucose level of Normal subjects (t = 4.9811 > 2.05) and Obese (t = 7.6582 >
2.05) was observed. The percent reduction in BMI was 4.2 and 4.1 in normal and obese subjects
respectively. Serum cholesterol levels among obese reduced by 3.4% and by 2.9% in normal subjects. A
significant difference in pre and post serum iron level of Normal subjects (t = 12.881> 2.05) and Obese (t =
11.354 > 2.05) was observed. Hemoglobin levels improved by 12.27% and 14.71% respectively in normal
and obese subjects.

Keywords: Yoga, normal, obese, cholesterol, hemoglobin, post prandial blood glucose

I. Introduction
Degenerative diseases and cancer are emerging as major causes of death not only in India but in other
South and Southeast Asian countries as well. If present trends continue, India could emerge as one of the
countries with the highest concentration of cases of diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease (CHD) within
the next three decades[1].
Obesity threatens to become the foremost cause of chronic disease in the world. Being obese can
induce multiple metabolic abnormalities that contribute to cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and other
chronic disorders. Reasons for the rising prevalence include urbanization of the world’s population, increased
availability of food supplies, and reduction of physical activity[2].
Obesity is generally regarded as one of the most common and serious nutritional problems confronting
many communities today. Adults in India suffer from a dual burden of malnutrition; more than one-third of
adults are too thin, and more than 10 percent are overweight or obese [3].
Yogic exercises are getting popular all over the world, not only for health and physical fitness, but also
for therapeutic purposes. Yogic training tends to reduce the cholesterol level which is significant in individuals
having above normal limits[4]. Meditation reduces bodily stress which is evident with reduced blood levels of
cortisol and a lowered rate of urinary excretion of nitrogen and may prove useful for persons suffering from
anxiety state and depression[5].
Antioxidant deficiency and free radical stress may be a risk factor for the development of diabetes and
cardiovascular disease. It is possible that treatment with antioxidant vitamins may be protective [6]. Now-a-days a
new way of life comprising of yogasana, pranayama, meditation and changed food habits which is expected to
lead a happy purposeful life with heightened consciousness and perceptiveness. One such yoga camp is Siddha

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K. Sreedevi et al., American International Journal of Research in Formal, Applied & Natural Sciences, 3(1), June-August, 2013, pp. 01-04

Samadhi Yoga (SSY) camp which is said to invoke the true intellectual, emotional, mental and physical
potential in each individual. These yoga camps claim to have the powers of reversing the ill effects of
degenerative diseases[7].
In view of the beneficial effects of Yoga, Meditation and changed food habits the effect of Siddha
Samadhi Yoga (SSY) camp’s on normal and obese subjects was planned.

II. Materials & Methods

Thirty normal and thirty obese male free from further complications of twenty five to forty five years
of age were selected from two camps conducted in Mahaboobnagar and Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India.
General information regarding economic status, educational status, occupation, family size etc. was elicited
using General information questionnaire.
The BMI of all subjects were calculated based on the heights and weights recorded. Blood samples
were analyzed for post prandial blood glucose; serum cholesterol; serum iron and hemoglobin levels. Diet
Survey was conducted on the basis of food intake record provided by the subjects before and at the end of the
SSY camp of 18 days.
The height and weight of all subjects were recorded following the methods of Jellifee [8] BMI was
calculated using the formula weight in kg / height in (m2) and compared with standard classification of James et
al(1998). Five ml of the blood was drawn from each subject and divided into three portions, one for estimation
of blood glucose by Nelson and Somayagi[9] method, second for the estimation of serum cholesterol by Carr and
Drekter[10] Method and the other for serum iron by ά – ά – dipyridly method[11], and finger prick samples were
collected to estimate hemoglobin levels by cyanomethaemoglobin method[12].
Diet survey was conducted to note down the food items consumed over a period of three days (2
working days + 1 holiday) before and at the end of the SSY camp using standard cup to measure the food they
consumed. Based on the food intake record food consumed per day was computed. The mean nutrients were
calculated by using the tables of food values.
The data on BMI, blood glucose; serum cholesterol; serum iron and hemoglobin levels, Dietary pattern
and intake and personal well being of normal and obese subjects was analyzed statistically. The percentages,
mean, standard deviation, t- value and their test of significance were calculated.

III. Results & Discussion

The results on the effect of yoga camp on health status of normal and obese subjects with reference pre
and post levels of blood glucose and serum cholesterol is presented in Table 1.
TABLE 1: PRE AND POST LEVELS OF BLOOD GLUCOSE AND CHOLESTEROL LEVELS (n=30)

Glucose Levels Cholesterol Levels

Details of Difference in Difference in
Levels
Subjects Mean + SD pre & post t' value Mean + SD pre & post t' value
mean +SD mean +SD
Pre-
147.46+10.4 236.42+7.13
Normal Levels
2.38+2.3 4.87 6.86+5.3 7.14
Subjects Post-
145.08+10.16 229.56+5.31
Levels
Pre-
149.03+6.20 258.97+8.84
Obese Levels
3.63+2.6 7.66 8.92+4.2 11.60
Subjects Post-
145.40+5.44 250.05+7.82
Levels

The mean difference between the pre and post blood glucose level of Normal and Obese subjects was
2.38mg/dl and 3.678mg/dl respectively. The percent reduction of blood glucose was 1.6 +7.9 in Normal and
2.44 + 2.6 in obese subjects.
Statistically there is a significant difference in pre and post prandial blood glucose level of Normal
subjects (t = 4.9811 > 2.05) and obese (t = 7.6582 > 2.05). The‘t’ value is greater than‘t’ critical value at 5
percent level. The percent reduction of serum cholesterol level in Normal was 2.901 + 5.26 and 3.44 + 4.20 in
Obese.

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K. Sreedevi et al., American International Journal of Research in Formal, Applied & Natural Sciences, 3(1), June-August, 2013, pp. 01-04

Generally among normal subjects before breakfast blood usually contains about 80mg/dl glucose. After
a meal the concentration rises because, the glucose absorbed from the gut passes through the liver in to general
circulation, it may reach 132mg or even more, but rarely exceeds 177mg at which point glucose usually enters
into the urine. The effect of yoga camp of normal and obese subjects on the pre and post serum iron is presented
in Table 2.

Table 2: Serum iron levels before and after SSY camp

Serum Iron Levels

Details of Subjects Levels

Difference in pre & post
Mean + SD t' value
mean +SD

Normal Subjects Pre-Levels 143.68+11.83

12.01+5.1 12.88
(n=30) Post-Levels 155.69+9.96

Obese Subjects Pre-Levels 139.41+7.97

6.69+3.23 11.35
(n=30) Post-Levels 146.10+7.28

The difference in pre and post serum iron levels was 12.01ug/dl in Normal and 145.73 μg/dl in Obese.
There was percent decrease in serum iron levels (8.35 + 5.1) in Normal and Obese (1.2 + 7.28).
There is a significant between pre and post serum iron levels of Normal and Obese. The increase in the
serum iron levels from pre to post level in Normal subjects was statistically highly significant (P<0.05)
compared to obese subjects.
The effect of yoga camp of normal and obese subjects on the pre and post levels of dietary pattern is
presented in Table 3

Table 3: Blood Hemoglobin levels of male subjects before and after SSY camp

Blood Hemoglobin Levels

Details of Subjects Levels Difference in pre & post
Mean + SD t' value
mean +SD

Normal Subjects Pre-Levels 10.72+1.35

1.32+0.77 9.1
(n=30) Post-Levels 12.03+1.0

Obese Subjects Pre-Levels 10.16+0.87

1.495+0.62 7.85
(n=30) Post-Levels 11.66+0.898

The mean blood hemoglobin pre levels of Normal and Obese subjects were 10.7 and 10.2g/dl
respectively. The post levels were 12.03 and 11.66g/dl respectively. Healthy normal adult man has about 13 –
14g% blood haemoglobin11. The difference between pre and post level among normal subjects was 1.32g and
percent increase in hemoglobin was 12.27+0.77and the difference between pre and post level was 1.495g and
percent increase in hemoglobin was 14.71 + 0.87 among obese subjects.
The effect of yoga camp of normal and obese subjects on the pre and post levels of dietary pattern is
presented in Table 4.
Table 4: Nutrient intake of Subjects before and during SSY program

Nutrients
Details of
Levels β- Vitamin
Subjects Energy Carbohydrate Protein Fat Fiber Iron
Carotene C

Normal Before SSY 1786.63 213.43 49.92 54.58 1.76 19.82 1784.12 31.1
Subjects
(n=30) During SSY 1640.08 190.48 48.97 39.32 2.43 26.06 2091.93 36.91
Obese Before SSY 1954.55 264.78 59.89 58.94 1.70 26.8 1711.8 26.49
Subjects
(n=30) During SSY 1667.51 211.82 57.95 43.43 4.34 28.1 1940.38 35.58

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K. Sreedevi et al., American International Journal of Research in Formal, Applied & Natural Sciences, 3(1), June-August, 2013, pp. 01-04

4.64 percent reduction of calories was observed in Normal and 14.71 in Obese. Percent reduction in
carbohydrate; Protein; Fat dietary cholesterol was observed in Normal & Obese. Percent increase in intake of
Fiber and Iron was observed in Normal and Obese. The percent intake of carotene was 14.71 in Normal and
24.25 in Obese but these values are still lower than the standard recommended intake which may be due to
lowered intake of diet. In the present study a low degree of positive correlation was found between Vitamin C
and post prandial blood glucose levels in Normal and negative correlation in obese subjects. There is a highly
significant correlation between Vitamin C and post prandial blood glucose in normal subjects (r=0.484). From
this it is evident that if Vitamin C intake is increased, post prandial blood glucose is controlled.
IV. Summary & Conclusion
The SSY camp has a significant effect in decreasing the post -prandial blood glucose and serum
cholesterol levels, intake of calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol, fat and significant increase in the intake of
fibre, vitamin C, iron and B-carotene. The correlations obtained between the health parameters, haematological
parameters and the energy and nutrient intakes are very obvious and significant. Therefore efforts should be
made to practice the food habits, regular exercise, yoga and meditation for continued beneficial effect.

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