Obesity

In Ayurveda, a person having heaviness and bulkiness of  the  body  due  to  extensive  growth  especially  in Udaradi (abdominal) region is termed as “Sthoola” and this state of Sthoolata is called as Sthoulya. Atishtoola has been defined as a person who on account of the inordinate  increase  of  fat  and  flesh  is  distinguished with pendulous buttocks, belly and breasts and whose increased  bulk  is  not  matched  by  a  corresponding increase  in  energy. Good  and  potent Dhatvagni (metabolism in tissues) is  responsible  for  the  maintenance  of healthy Dhatus (tissues) through proper metabolism at Dhatu level.  Due  to  specific Dhatvagni Vikruti  (imbalance) there will be improper formation and accumulation of respective Dhatus. In obesity improper formation and accumulation of fat is taking place.

Adipose tissue, otherwise known as body fat, is a connective tissue that extends throughout your body. It’s found under your skin (subcutaneous fat), between your internal organs (visceral fat) and even in the inner cavities of bones (bone marrow adipose). Excessive  lipid  deposition,  diminished  lipid mobilization and  diminished lipid  utilization are  the  three  main  components  in pathogenesis of obesity. As per ayurveda causes of obesity are the following

Causes of obesity

Adhyashana (Taking food after lunch or dinner)

Avyayama (No Exercise)

Amarasa (Indigestion)

Atisampurna (Binge eating)

Avyavaya (No sexual activities)

Achintana (No worries)

Snigdha(Oily),Madhura (sweet) foods

Ati Brimhana (Over nourishment)

Diwaswapna (Day sleep)

Guru Ahara Sevana (Taking food which is heavy to digest)

Shleshmala Ahara Sevana (Food which will increase Kapha)

Symptoms of Obesity

·       Ayusho Hrasa (Deficient in longevity),

·       Javoparodha (Less energy levels)

·       Krichchra Vyavaya (Difficulty during Sexual Intercourse)

·       Daurbalya (Weakness)

·       Daurgandhya (Bad Smell)

·       Swedabadha (More Sweating)

·       Ati Kshudha (Excessive Hunger)

·       Ati Pipasa (Excessive Thirst)

Management of Obesity

While Ayurvedic texts acknowledge obesity as a challenging condition to treat, there exist numerous effective approaches for its management. However, treatment methods and lifestyle adjustments vary significantly among individuals due to the uniqueness of each person and the distinct underlying causes of obesity. In Ayurveda, managing obesity involves more than just calorie burning. It's recognized as a metabolic syndrome that impacts various body systems, not solely an issue of appearance. Understanding the cause of weight gain is crucial before initiating treatment. If obesity is genetic, the prospects for weight loss are minimal; however, if it stems from poor diet and lifestyle choices, there is greater potential for improvement. Obesity leads to an accumulation of fat (medas), which obstructs the normal flow of vata dosha in the body, causing its imbalance and manifesting various symptoms. Therefore, effective treatment of obesity involves addressing the imbalances of vata, kapha, and medas. Ayurvedic therapies emphasize purificatory (sodhana) practices tailored based on the severity of the condition (vyadhibala) and the patient's constitution (dehabala). Among the six therapeutic approaches in Ayurveda, methods like lightening therapy (langhana) and drying therapies (rukshana) are particularly effective for managing obesity.

Diet and lifestyle modifications play an important role in weight loss management. A mixed and balanced diet is a practical method for sustained weight loss over time. It's important to choose high-quality proteins to ensure essential amino acids support lean muscle mass. Additionally, incorporating fiber-rich foods generously is beneficial due to their low calorie content. Ayurveda recommends foods that are heavy and non nourishing, warm, and dry to counteract the heavy and cold qualities of vitiated dosha and dhatu. Establishing a daily routine (dinacarya) that includes regular meal times, adequate sleep, and exercise is crucial in Ayurvedic management of obesity. Physical activities like yoga, walking, and specific exercises tailored to one's dosha are recommended. Ayurveda emphasizes the mind-body connection, suggesting techniques such as meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and stress reduction strategies to manage emotional eating and promote overall well-being.