Effectiveness of Adjuvant Yoga Therapy on Atherogenic Dyslipidemia and Insulin Resistance Markers: TG/HDL Ratio and TyG Index Compared with Standard Medical Management

Abstract

Atherogenic dyslipidemia, defined by elevated triglycerides (TG), reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and a high TG/HDL ratio, is a recognized surrogate for cardio metabolic risk and insulin resistance. The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index is a validated, inexpensive marker of insulin resistance. To evaluate the impact of Adjuvant Yoga Therapy (AYT) added to Standard Medical Management (SMM) on TG/HDL ratio and TyG index in adults with metabolic syndrome. In this randomized controlled trial, 116 participants with metabolic syndrome were allocated to SMM (n=58) and SMM+AYT (n=58). AYT consisted of a structured yoga program combining asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques delivered over six months. Primary outcomes were TG/HDL ratio and TyG index, assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention AYT participants showed marked improvements in TG/HDL ratio compared with SMM. TyG index improved in AYT, while remaining high in SMM. Risk-category mitigation revealed that 77.3% of AYT participants shifted to intermediate/ low TG/HDL strata, compared with none in SMM. AYT, as an adjunct to SMM, significantly improved surrogate markers of atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. TG/HDL ratio and TyG index emerged as responsive biomarkers for monitoring non-pharmacological cardio metabolic interventions.