Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with dyslipidemia recognized as a major modifiable risk factor contributing to their development (1). Elevated levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides, along with reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), are closely associated with atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular events (2).

Conventional management of dyslipidemia typically involves pharmacotherapy, dietary adjustments, and physical activity. However, increasing attention has been directed towards non-pharmacological, holistic approaches that promote both physical and psychological well-being. Yoga and meditation, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, have gained global recognition for their potential health benefits, including stress reduction, improved metabolic function, and better cardiovascular outcomes (3,4).

Yoga combines physical postures (asanas), controlled breathing (pranayama), and meditation to enhance autonomic balance and reduce sympathetic overactivity, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders (5). Several studies have shown that yoga and meditation can positively influence lipid metabolism, possibly by decreasing cortisol levels and improving insulin sensitivity (6,7). However, data remains variable, and further research is necessary to substantiate these effects in diverse populations and under standardized interventions.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a structured 12-week yoga and meditation program on lipid profile parameters among adults with borderline or mildly elevated lipid levels, thereby exploring its role as an adjunctive strategy for lipid management.

Study Design and Participants This prospective interventional study was conducted over a 12-week period at a community wellness center. A total of 60 adult volunteers, aged between 30 and 55 years, were recruited through public announcements and health camps. Inclusion criteria included individuals with borderline or mildly elevated lipid levels (Total Cholesterol: 200–239 mg/dL, LDL-C: 130–159 mg/dL) who were not on lipid-lowering medications. Participants with known cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, or any chronic systemic illness were excluded. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to enrollment.

Intervention

The intervention consisted of a structured yoga and meditation program conducted six days a week for 12 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was supervised by a certified yoga instructor. The sessions included a combination of yoga postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and guided meditation. Participants were advised to maintain their usual diet and avoid any new medications or supplements that could influence lipid metabolism.

Assessment of Lipid Profile Venous blood samples were collected after an overnight fast at baseline and at the end of the 12-week period. Lipid profile parameters—total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)—were measured using enzymatic colorimetric methods in a certified laboratory using an automated biochemical analyzer.

Statistical Analysis Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-intervention values. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

A total of 60 participants (28 males and 32 females) completed the 12-week intervention program. The mean age of participants was 42.3 ± 6.4 years. No dropouts or adverse events were reported during the study period.

A statistically significant reduction was observed in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels following the yoga and meditation regimen. HDL-C levels demonstrated a modest but statistically significant increase.

Table 1 presents the baseline and post-intervention values for lipid profile parameters. The mean total cholesterol level decreased from 210.6 ± 12.3 mg/dL at baseline to 189.4 ± 10.5 mg/dL post-intervention (p < 0.001). Triglyceride levels reduced from 168.7 ± 14.1 mg/dL to 142.9 ± 12.6 mg/dL (p < 0.01), and LDL-C decreased from 132.8 ± 10.4 mg/dL to 115.3 ± 9.7 mg/dL (p < 0.01). HDL-C levels increased from 42.1 ± 4.8 mg/dL to 47.6 ± 5.1 mg/dL (p < 0.05), as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Comparison of Lipid Profile Parameters Before and After 12-Week Yoga and Meditation Program

The percentage change in lipid parameters is summarized in Table 2. The highest relative reduction was seen in triglyceride levels (15.3%), followed by total cholesterol (10.1%) and LDL-C (13.2%). HDL-C showed an increase of 13.1%.

Table 2. Percentage Change in Lipid Parameters Post Intervention

These findings support the positive impact of yoga and meditation on lipid metabolism, suggesting its usefulness as a complementary non-pharmacological therapy for improving cardiovascular health (Table 1, Table 2).

The present study demonstrated significant improvements in lipid profile parameters following a 12-week yoga and meditation intervention. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels were notably reduced, while HDL-C levels showed a significant increase. These findings are consistent with prior studies supporting the cardiovascular benefits of regular yoga practice (1,2).

Yoga has been associated with favorable changes in autonomic balance, promoting parasympathetic activity and reducing sympathetic overdrive—both of which are linked to metabolic dysfunction (3). Meditation, on the other hand, contributes to stress reduction by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and lowering cortisol levels, which are known to influence lipid metabolism (4,5).

Our observed reduction in LDL-C (13.2%) aligns with the findings of Bijlani et al., who reported a similar decline in lipid parameters among participants undergoing a short-term integrated yoga program (6). A randomized controlled trial by Mahajan et al. also confirmed reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels after consistent yoga practice (7).

The rise in HDL-C observed in our study is a particularly encouraging outcome, as higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (8). Several mechanisms may underlie this improvement, including enhanced reverse cholesterol transport and improved endothelial function induced by mind-body interventions (9).

Furthermore, previous meta-analyses have confirmed the effectiveness of yoga in improving lipid profiles, with significant reductions in TC and TG levels, particularly in individuals with metabolic syndrome and diabetes (10,11). The magnitude of change observed in our study may be attributed to the frequency, consistency, and combination of both physical (asanas) and mental (meditation) components, which together produce synergistic effects (12).

It is worth noting that the improvement in lipid levels occurred without any dietary alterations or pharmacological agents, suggesting the stand-alone potential of yoga and meditation as non-pharmacological tools for managing dyslipidemia (13). Moreover, the intervention was well-tolerated, with no reported adverse effects, reinforcing its safety and acceptability in the general adult population.

Despite these promising findings, the study had some limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and there was no control group to rule out placebo effects or external influences. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported adherence to home practice may introduce variability in intervention intensity. Future studies with larger sample sizes, randomized designs, and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these outcomes and explore the long-term sustainability of lipid improvements (14,15).

The findings of this study indicate that regular practice of yoga and meditation can significantly improve lipid profile parameters, including reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, along with an increase in HDL-C. These results highlight the potential of yoga and meditation as safe, cost-effective, and non-pharmacological strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction

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