Correlation of body composition parameters and anthropometric somatotypes with Prakriti body types among the Meitei adults of Manipur, India

Abstract

Background Body composition and types are often considered essential health indicators for lifestyle-related disease. Assessment of body type based on tridosha is regarded as a prerequisite in Ayurveda. Aim To correlate body compositions and somatotypes with Prakriti body types. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study on 463 adult individuals was done. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were measured. Heath-Carter somatotypes and Prakriti body types were also determined. Tests of association were calculated. Correlation and concordance analysis was also done to infer the correlation between body composition parameters and Prakriti body types. Results Kapha Prakriti have significantly higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and body fat mass. Vata have the lowest mean values in all body composition parameters with Pitta in the intermediate position compared to the other Prakriti types. There is a strong and positive statistical association between Prakriti body types and body composition parameters, except height. Cohen’s Kappa analysis reveals there is a fair concordance between Prakriti body types and somatotype. Conclusions Prakriti assessment can explain an individual’s fatness as it correlates with body composition parameters and could be used to predict risk susceptibility to various complex disorders.

Keywords

• ayurveda
• prakriti
• body mass index
• body fat percent
• body fat mass
• somatotypes