Abstract

COMPREHENSIVE ASPECT OF STHAULYA (OBESITY) AND IT’S MANAGEMENT

Dr. Naina Joshi*, Dr. Srikanta Kumar Panda and Dr. Neelam Jakhar

Abstract

In today’s world, apart from the diseases produced due to infections, carcinogens or hereditary factors, an alarmingly high and increasing number of incidences of diseases are seen happening as a result of our altered lifestyle and dietary habits. The sedentary life, work and sleep routines which contradict the natural circadian rhythm of our body, high calorie and low nutrient diet, lack of exercise and substance abuse makes us susceptible to lifestyle disorders that are a major cause of concern in present times. Obesity is one such lifestyle disorder involving excessive fat accumulation in the body that increases the risk of multiple other health related issues like Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and other cardiovascular diseases. Obesity is described in Ayurveda as sthaulya or medavriddhi which is one of the santarpanottha vikara i.e., diseases resulting due to overeating and abnormal accumulation of any component of diet in the body. The nidana (aetiology), samprapti (pathogenesis), rupa (symptoms) of sthaulya have been stated in the ancient texts. Also, the chikitsa (management) has been explained via therapeutic procedures, medicaments, dietary changes, physical exercise and lifestyle modification. An attempt to understand the concept of obesity and its management through ayurvedic and contemporary perspective has been made through this article.

Keywords: Sthaulya, medaja roga, santarpanajanya vyadhi, aptarpana.