Pritam Uttamrao Kamble and Naresh R Nimbalkar

Obesity is a rapidly increasing global health problem and is a major contributor to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus ^[1]. Ayurveda describes obesity under the concept of Sthaulya, a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi caused by excessive nourishment, sedentary lifestyle and impaired metabolic activity ^[2]. The central pathological factor in Sthaulya is Medo-Dhatvagni Mandya, leading to abnormal accumulation of Meda Dhatu and obstruction of metabolic channels (Srotorodha) ^[3]. Classical Ayurvedic texts emphasize improper diet, lifestyle errors and weakened Agni as primary etiological factors ^[4]. This review aims to elaborate the Ayurvedic understanding of Sthaulya and correlate its pathogenesis with the modern concept of metabolic syndrome of Sthaulya and correlate its pathogenesis with the modern concept of metabolic syndrome. Conceptual similarities between Agnimandya, Ama, Meda Vriddhi and metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia are discussed. An integrative understanding of Sthaulya may help in developing holistic preventive and management strategies for obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Pages: 250-252  |  14 Views  3 Downloads