Question

Which of the following asanas is used for curing obesity?

• A. Sukhasana
• B. Shavasana
• C. Vajrasana
• D. Shalabhasana

Hint:

Yoga poses involving core muscle engagement, like Shalabhasana and Dhanurasana, are effective for reducing obesity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Different yoga asanas provide specific health benefits. Some asanas are particularly useful for reducing body fat and improving metabolism.
Explanation of Options:
Sukhasana: A meditative posture mainly used for relaxation and concentration.
Shavasana: A resting pose used for relaxation and stress relief.
Vajrasana: Helps in digestion but not primarily used for obesity reduction.
Shalabhasana (Locust Pose): Strengthens abdominal muscles and helps in reducing excess fat.
Why Shalabhasana?
Tones abdominal and lower body muscles
Improves metabolism
Helps reduce belly fat
\[ \boxed{\text{Answer: (D) Shalabhasana}} \]

Answer 2

Yoga asanas can be broadly grouped by what they are designed to do: some calm the nervous system and aid relaxation, some improve flexibility or digestion, and a smaller group actively strengthens muscle and burns energy. Sorting the four options into these groups points directly at the answer.

1. Sukhasana: A basic cross-legged seated pose used mainly for meditation and calm breathing. It belongs to the relaxation and concentration group, not the muscle-strengthening group, so it has little bearing on obesity.
2. Shavasana: A fully reclined resting pose in which the body is completely relaxed. It is used to lower stress and restore the body after a session, placing it firmly in the relaxation category rather than the active, calorie-burning one.
3. Vajrasana: A kneeling seated pose often practised right after meals to aid digestion. While useful for digestive health, it does not demand active muscular effort of the kind needed to reduce excess fat.
4. Shalabhasana: An active, prone pose where the legs, and sometimes arms, are lifted off the ground while lying on the stomach, requiring sustained effort from the abdominal, back and hip muscles. This kind of active muscular engagement raises energy expenditure and tones the core, which is exactly the mechanism needed to help address obesity.

Since three of the four options belong to the relaxation or digestion group and only one genuinely demands active core and back engagement, that one stands out as the pose associated with reducing obesity.

Therefore, the correct answer is Shalabhasana.