Obesity Care: Inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita

Obesity has emerged as a major health challenge. While effective drugs are now available, intensive behavioral therapy (IBT)remains the keystone of obesity management. IBT is required to manage weight and maintain health. However, motivationaltherapeutics is a challenging field of medicine. In this editorial, we take inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita to help understandthe need to fight obesity, and the means of doing so. Arjuna can be viewed as a metaphor for the person living with obesity,who is confused about whether to attempt weight loss or not. Lord Krishna offers a balanced viewpoint, including an attitudeof equanimity, moderation in diet and exercise; focus on spiritual (and psychosocial) health, and use of evidence-basedperson-centered medicine.