Ayurvedic management of Sthoulya (Medoroga) W.S.R. to obesity

Obesity has been described as Sthoulya or Medoroga in Ayurvedic texts. It is described under Santarpanottha Vikar. Sthoulya is an abnormal state i.e., excessive accumulation of Medodhatu. Faulty lifestyle like over-eating, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise leads to various health problems. One of such lifestyle health problem is obesity which leads to various disease such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, joint disorders, diabetes and sometimes cancer also. Now a days, obesity is considered as a Global epidemic and a public health problem. One of the important aspects is mentioned in Ayurvedic text is Agni which plays an important role to maintain the normal state of health (equilibrium of Dosha, Agni, Dhatu and Mala). Mandagni leads to production of Ama which may be at the level of Jatharagni, Bhutagni or Dhatvagni. Mandadhatvagni leads to improper Dhatu Vriddhi and vitiated Medodhatu is main cause of metabolic disturbance in an obese individual. Medodhatu also becomes increased due to excessive intake of Kaphavardhaka Aahar-vihar. The modern drugs like appetite suppressants and lipase inhibitor have their side effects but Ayurveda acts on the causative factors (aggravated Kapha Dosha, Mandagni and vitiated Medodhatu) through Aoushadha, Aahar and Vihar which will be further described in full paper.