AN AETIOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF STHAULYA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ASHTADOSHA AND OBESITY- A LITERARY REVIEW

Obesity, defined by abnormal or excessive fat buildup that affects health, closely connects with Sthaulya, mentioned by Acharya Charaka under Ashtanindita Purusha (Ch.Su.21). This condition predominantly involves Medovaha Srotas and manifests through the ancient Ashtadosha, Ayushya-hrasa, Javoparodha, Krichchha-vyavayata, Daurbalya, Daurgandhya, etc., which reflect modern clinical effects such as shorter lifespan, lethargy, sexual dysfunction, weakness, and body odour. The Samprapti of Sthaulya includes Kapha–Medovaha sanga, Medodhatu-agnimandya, and a Tridoshic pathological cycle, finally causing Ashtadosha and related comorbidities. Currently a global epidemic, obesity has tripled from 1975 to 2020, affecting over 2.6 billion people globally, with India experiencing significant increases due to urbanisation, expected to reach 450 million by 2050. The incidence in metropolitan areas higher than that in rural regions due to sedentary lifestyles and overnutrition.