Abstract

LITERARY REVIEW OF STHAULYA IN AYURVEDA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO OBESITY

*Dr. Saili S. Shelake and Dr. Jyotsna Yadav

Abstract

Sthaulya is discouraged by the society for as well as medical reason. Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in affluent societies. The incidence of Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, angina pectoris, and myocardial infection is higher among obese individuals. Commonly obesity is due to excessive eating and lack of adequate exercise. Acharya Charaka quoted a Sthaulya under the eight varieties of impediments which designated as Nindita Purusha. Ati-sthaulya comprises one of them. Acharya Charaka also list this problem under Santarpanajanita vyadhi. He listed eight defects underlying-Sthaulya purusha, Ayuhrasa, Javopradha, Alpa-vyavayita, Daurbalya, Daurgandhya, Swedabadha, Ati-trishna, Ati-Kshudha. Dalhana seems to be more explicit while commenting on a medo Roga specified that Agni which is involved in pathogenesis of the disease viz. Dhatvagnimandya. The main causes have been described in modern literature viz.1) Dietetic, 2) Genetic, 3) Hormonal. Sthaulya is a typical involving the Medovriddhi with which this study deals with typical obesity, not with the reasonal adiposity,which is a reflection of endocrine imbalance. The term Medasvi is auggestive of nutritional status of the individuals indicating a well nourished disposition rather than disease. Obesity is one of the common disorders in the Luxurious and industrialised society.

Keywords: Obesity, Ayurveda, Medorog, Sthaulya, Ancient Literature.