AYURVEDIC INSIGHTS ON THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY (STHAULYA)

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is an increasingly serious global health concern, currently affecting approximately 2.3 billion individuals, with estimates suggesting that 1 billion adults may be obese by 2025. Ayurveda provides a comprehensive approach to managing Sthaulya (Obesity) through dietary control, cleansing therapies, lifestyle adjustments, and Yoga practices. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:The objectives are to investigate the Ayurvedic causative factors (Nidanas) of obesity, explore classical texts for treatment approaches including Shaman, Shodhan Chikitsa, and dietary guidelines, and to understand the role of therapeutic Yoga in its prevention and management. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ayurvedic literature, including Sushrutha Samhitha, Charaka Samhitha, and Ashtanga Hridaya, alongside all other classical texts of Ayurveda and relevant research journals. CONCLUSION: Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing obesity through preventive measures like Nidan Parivarjan, Pathya-Apathya, and Dinacharya, along with therapeutic interventions such as Panchakarma and Shaman Chikitsa. These methods aid in both the prevention and effective treatment of obesity.