Significance of Yoga for the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abstract

The present study aims to critically analyze the effects of yogic interventions on dyslipidemia compared with distinct control conditions. We systematically searched the relevant randomized controlled trials published from January 2001 to January 2025 in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Additionally, we conducted a manual search in a peer-reviewed journal. We used a random-effects model based on the inverse variance method to calculate weighted mean differences. We also assessed the risk of bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and reporting bias. A total of 58 records were included in this systematic review, and 53 were considered for meta-analysis. In the group analysis, yoga was compared to control (no intervention), walking/aerobic exercise, and dietary restriction groups, respectively. As a result of the overall comparison between groups, people practicing yoga showed lower levels of total cholesterol (MD: -10.99, 95% CI: -15.19 to -6.78, I2 = 97%, <i>P</i> < 0.001), triglycerides (MD: -17.17, 95% CI: -22.00 to -12.34, I2 = 93%, <i>P</i> < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (MD: -10.71, 95% CI: -13.75 to -7.68, I2 = 96%, <i>P</i> < 0.001), very low-density lipoprotein (MD: -278, 95% CI: -5.33 to 0.15, I2 = 99%, <i>P</i> = 0.06) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.69 to 3.19, l2 = 93%, <i>P</i> < 0.001). These findings suggest that yoga as an intervention has a greater impact on controlling lipid profiles. Medical professionals should recommend yoga as a complementary and alternative therapy for their patients under safe guidance, for better and integrated healthcare.