Abstract

AYURVEDIC APPROACH TOWARDS STHAULYA (OBESITY)

Vd. Priyanka Singh* and Vd. Siddharth D. Gaikwad

Abstract

Sthaulya (obesity) is one among many lifestyle disorders which is rapidly increasing worldwide. It not only disturbs the physical structure but also affects the mental and social health of an individual. Nowadays, it has become a disease of all age group. Sthaulya in Ayurveda is described in detail under medoroga which results due to dysfunction of meda dhatuagni(factors responsible for nourishment/metabolism of meda dhatu. Rapid modernization and application of modern science to human affair has led to improvement in the quality of life, but it has also induced lifestyle changes that are not always favourable to health. This modernization such as various machines, ready to eat foods, processed food items, use of vehicles, increase in leisure time activities involving computer, mobile and television, various advertising techniques are being used to target particularly children and the youth whose generous consumption of unhealthy foods leads to obesity which act as a precursor for various disease such as Diabetis, Cardio vascular disease, Cancer These complication affects the Heart, the Brain, the Kidneys, the Liver and the pancreas of an individual. This article describes the Aetiological factors, pathogenesis and various preventive measures and management of sthaulya(obesity) through Ayurvedic Aspects as described in classical Ayurvedic Texts.

Keywords: Sthaulya, Obesity, Management.