STHAULYA AS A SANTARPANOTTHA VYADHI: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC PATHOGENESIS AND MANAGEMENT

Sthaulya (obesity) is one of the major lifestyle disorders described in Ayurveda under the broad category of Santarpanottha Vyadhi, diseases arising from over-nourishment and excessive accumulation of bodily tissues. With rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyle, altered dietary habits, and psychosocial stress, obesity has emerged as a global health challenge. Ayurveda offers a comprehensive understanding of Sthaulya through the concepts of Agnimandya, Kapha-Medo Dushti, Srotorodha, and Dhatu Vaishamya. Classical texts describe Sthaulya not merely as excessive body weight but as a pathological condition affecting physical, psychological, and metabolic functions. This review explores the Ayurvedic understanding of Sthaulya, its etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, complications, and management strategies. Emphasis is placed on Nidana Parivarjana, Ahara, Vihara, Shodhana, Shamana, and Rasayana approaches. The integrative understanding of Sthaulya provided by Ayurveda may contribute significantly to preventive and therapeutic strategies for obesity management.