PANCHAKARMA MANAGEMENT OF STHOULYA (OBESITY): A CASE REPORT ON VIRECHANA KARMA AND BASTI KARMA WITH OUTCOME ASSESSMENT

Background: Obesity (Sthoulya) is an escalating global health crisis characterised by pathological accumulation of adipose tissue leading to systemic metabolic dysregulation. Classified under Santarpanajanya Vyadhi[1] in classical Ayurveda, Sthoulya results from aggravation of Kapha Dosha with Medas and Mamsa Dushya involvement. The condition predisposes individuals to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, and Musculoskeletal disorders. Contemporary pharmacological management is associated with adverse effects and limited long-term efficacy. Ayurveda, through Shodhana Chikitsa (bio-purificatory procedures), offers a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the root cause of Sthoulya at Dosha, Dhatu, and Agni levels. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old unmarried male student presented to the Panchakarma OPD, D.G.M. Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Gadag, Karnataka, with complaints of progressive weight gain over two years, persistent fatigue, polyphagia, polydipsia, and marked lethargy for one year. Anthropometric assessment revealed Body Weight: 95 kg, Height: 164 cm, BMI: 35.3 kg/m² (Obese Class I — WHO classification). Ashtavidha Pareeksha and Nidana Panchaka confirmed Sthoulya with Kaphapradhana Tridoshic involvement.