Abstract
Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is affected by respiration, circadian factors, environmental factors, yoga, and exercises. There are emerging reports of myocardial infarction in young adults. Reduced HRV is a sign of poor autonomic function. Sedentary life habits in the younger generation have become an important issue in consideration along with the unmodifiable risk factors such as aging and hormonal influences. Several studies have shown that young obese males have reduced HRV. However, there are not many studies, which have explored the changes in HRV indices in young females with higher body mass index (BMI).

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the HRV status of young women with higher BMI and women with normal BMI.

Materials and Methods: A total of 40 apparently healthy females of age between 18 and 25 years were recruited in the study. Sedentary behavior was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. According to BMI (WHO guidelines for Asian population), subjects were divided into test group (BMI >23 kg/m2 and waist/hip [W/H] ratio >0.8, n = 20) and control group (BMI = 18-23 kg/m2, W/H ratio

Key words: Heart Rate Variability; Sedentary Females; Sympathetic Overactivity