Dance interventions potent tool for managing overweight and obesity

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2024-01-25T11:00:00+05:30 | Updated On 25 Jan 2024 12:07 PM IST

A recent systematic review found that dance interventions are a potent tool in combating overweight and obesity. This study assessed the effects of dance interventions on body composition and compared the results with those leading normal lifestyles. The key findings were published in the Public Library of Science One Journal.

This study meticulously combed through seven databases that spanned from their inception to July 3, 2023 in search of research that pitted dance interventions against normal lifestyles. The studies that specifically target individuals with overweight and obesity (BMI>24 kg/m² and abnormal fat mass percentages) were included in this meta-analysis. In this study, there were no restrictions on the type of dance forms were explored.

Out of the 654 studies identified, 10 studies were deemed eligible for evaluation. This meta-analysis uncovered many compelling evidence that dance interventions highlights significant improvements in body mass, BMI, waist circumference, fat percentage and fat mass. Also, the waist-to-hip ratio did not exhibit any significant variations.

This research concludes that dance is a potent weapon to fight against fat accumulation in those with overweight and obesity. This leads to significant improvements in body mass and composition which further influences the morphology positively. The efficiency of dance as an exercise intervention comes coupled with the inherent joy it brings makes it a beneficial and enjoyable strategy for those planning to shed excess fat.

The finding further highlights that incorporation of dance into fitness routines could offer a refreshing and effective alternative for individuals struggling with obesity. Beyond the physical benefits, the psychological boost from the enjoyment of dance is observed and adds an unique dimension to this intervention strategy.

Reference:

Zhang, Y., Guo, Z., Liu, Y., Zhou, Y., & Jing, L. (2024). Is dancing an effective intervention for fat loss? A systematic review and meta-analysis of dance interventions on body composition. PloS One, 19(1), e0296089. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296089

PLOS ONEdanceObesity managementlifestyle changes

Source : PLOS One

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751