A Review Article on "Childhood Obesity (Bala Sthaulya) Through the Lens of Ayurveda: Looking at Nidana, Samprapti and Chikitsa"

Nearly half of the world's population is thought to be fat or overweight. Thus, it is one of the biggest problems facing public health in the twenty-first century. Childhood obesity is a problem when extra body fat negatively impacts a child's health or well-being. The increasing incidence of childhood obesity and its numerous detrimental health consequences have led to its recognition as a significant public health issue. The most alarming feature of obesity is that it reduces life expectancy. In addition, it lowers life quality and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, sexual impairment, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, gallstones, strokes, and other physical and mental illnesses. Numerous factors, such as increased food intake, a sedentary lifestyle, less mental and physical exertion, and occasionally heredity, contribute to obesity. Sthaulya and Medoroga have used the term "obesity" in texts from Ayurveda. Charak described that Atisthaulya characteris included under Asta Ninditiya Purusha. Atisthaulya was identified by Acharya Charak as a kapha dosha ailment. The main contributing factors to the pathophysiology of Atisthaulya are vitiated Medo dhatus, Agni dusti, and Kapha dosha. There are several ways to treat Sthaulya as described in our classics: Nidana Parivarjarna, Pathyapthya, Santarpanotha vikara chikitsa, Guru Apatarpana chikitsa, Satata karshana, and Langhana chikitsa [Shodhana & Shaman rupi chikitsa]. Three types of Pathyas are mentioned: (a)Aharaja Pathyas, such as Purana Shali, Kulattha, takra, madhu, etc.(b)-Viharaja Pathyas, such as Vyayamas Adhwagamana, etc. and (c)- Manasika Pathyas, such as Chinta, Shoka, etc. When Pathyas are used in conjunction with treatment procedures, better results are obtained. Key words: Obesity, Sthaulya, Santarpana janya vyadhi, Medo roga, Astaninditiya adhyaya, Meda dhatu, Vyayama, Samshodhna, Samshmana