Q.What is obesity? Explain the procedure, benefits and contraindications of any two asanas used to control obesity.

Obesity is excess body fat accumulation, generally diagnosed at a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (BMI = weight in kg ÷ height in m²), and it is a major risk factor for diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Two syllabus asanas that help control it are Trikonasana and Vajrasana.

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): Stand with the legs 2–2.5 ft apart, raise both arms sideways to shoulder height, then bend to one side touching the toe with two fingers while the other arm reaches straight upward; hold about five breaths and repeat on both sides, 3–5 rounds total. It strengthens the legs, hips and core, improves balance and cardiovascular function, and burns fat, which is why it is recommended for obesity. Avoid or modify it if you have migraine, low or high blood pressure, a neck or back injury, or are prone to dizziness (do not look down in the final stage); people with cervical spondylosis should attempt it only with proper precautions. …

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic condition in which excess body fat builds up to a degree that harms health. It is commonly diagnosed using Body Mass Index (BMI = weight in kilograms ÷ height in metres squared): a value of 30 kg/m² or above is classed as obese. It is not simply a matter of "willpower" — it is a heterogeneous condition with genetic, metabolic, neural, behavioural and socio-cultural causes, and is now treated as a chronic disease requiring active, ongoing management rather than a one-time fix. Obesity is itself a major risk factor for other lifestyle diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Procedure: Stand with the legs about 2 to 2.5 feet apart. Raise both arms sideways to shoulder height, parallel to the ground. Bend the trunk laterally to one side, bringing that hand down to touch the toe with two fingers, while the other arm extends straight up toward the sky so the two arms form roughly a straight vertical line. Hold the position for about five breaths, keeping both legs straight, then return upright and repeat on the other side. Perform three to five rounds in total.

Benefits: Trikonasana increases hip flexibility (useful for people who walk or cycle regularly), strengthens the pelvis and legs, and improves balance. It also strengthens the back and abdominal muscles and improves cardiovascular function, and it helps with backache and arthritis. Because it burns fat, it is specifically recommended for people who are overweight or obese.

Contraindications: People with migraine, low or high blood pressure, or a neck or back injury should practise this pose with caution. It should be avoided during diarrhoea. Anyone prone to dizziness should avoid looking down at the floor in the final stage of the pose, and people with cervical spondylosis should attempt it only with proper precautions.

Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

Procedure: Kneel down and fold both legs underneath the hips so that the feet touch the sides of the hips. Rest the palms on the knees, keep the back and head straight, and breathe normally throughout. …