Tai Chi Improves Body Composition
in Obese University Students
A recent study published in Scientific Reports (July 2025) demonstrates that regular Tai Chi exercise can significantly improve body composition in obese university students, particularly by reducing waist circumference and increasing lean body mass.
The quasi-experimental study involved 46 Chinese university students with obesity, with an average age of 18.4 years and an average BMI of 31.5. Over a 12-week period, participants engaged in structured Tai Chi sessions. Researchers measured waist circumference (WC), lean body mass (LBM), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) before and after the intervention.
Results showed that Tai Chi led to a statistically significant reduction in WC by 3.38 cm and an increase in LBM by 0.87 kg. While VO2max improved slightly by 1.7 mL/kg/min, this change was not statistically significant. Interestingly, while stretching exercises also reduced WC more sharply (by 4.68 cm), they showed less impact on LBM and no meaningful difference in VO2max.
These findings are particularly relevant given the rising obesity rates among Chinese college students—estimated at 9.5% across 50 surveyed universities. As a low-impact, mindful movement practice, Tai Chi appears well-suited for this population, offering both physical and mental health benefits with minimal risk.
Despite the modest sample size, the study supports incorporating Tai Chi into university wellness programs as a safe, effective intervention for improving health parameters related to obesity. The authors conclude that Tai Chi is not only better than general stretching for improving lean mass but may also have broader health benefits when practiced consistently.
