AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY AND DYSLIPIDAEMIA: A CLINICAL REVIEW OF ANATOMICAL AND METABOLIC CHANGES

Background and Objectives: Obesity and lipid disorders are growing global health concerns that are often linked to metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine, provides a unique perspective on obesity, conceptualising it as Medoroga or Sthoulya, mainly resulting from the imbalance of Kapha-Vata dosha and Medo Dhatu (fat tissue). This review aims to evaluate the anatomical outcomes of Ayurvedic therapies in the management of obesity and dyslipidaemia, enabling a comparative analysis of treatment modalities and highlighting changes in fat distribution, body composition, and anthropometric parameters, as supported by clinical evidence. Methods: A systematic search was done using PubMed, Scopus, the AYUSH Research Portal, and Google Scholar. Included clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports involving human participants that reported anatomical changes after Ayurvedic interventions. Both indexed and non-indexed articles from peer-reviewed or editorially reviewed Ayurvedic journals, if they reported outcomes like BMI, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, or fat distribution, were considered. Excluded studies that were limited to biochemical outcomes, animal models, or non-Ayurvedic treatments. Qualitatively grouped anatomical outcomes into categories of body composition, fat distribution, and anthropometric measures. Results: A total of 25 studies were included, demonstrating favourable reductions in anatomical parameters such as BMI, body girth, and skinfold thickness following Ayurvedic interventions. Discussion: The evidence shows the potential of Ayurvedic therapies including herbal formulations, Panchakarma procedures, and dietary changes in improving body parameters related to obesity and dyslipidaemia. However, further high-quality, standardized clinical studies are required. No meta-analysis was conducted due to methodological variability.