Comparison of Ayurvedic Dosha Types for Energy Balance Factors

Abstract

According to Ayurveda, the ancient medicine of India, there are three doshas, or body types. Kapha (K) constitutions have solid builds and a tendency toward obesity while Pitta (P) constitutions are medium-built and maintain the most regular eating patterns. Vata (V) constitutions are thin, have sporadic eating patterns, and are least likely to gain weight. Individuals may be either dominant for one dosha or have a combined dosha profile. To date, there have been no objective studies on body composition, physical activity, dietary intake, and eating behaviors among doshas. We compared these factors in a convenience sample of 16 healthy, non-smoking subjects ages 18 to 49 y participating in a study of diet and obesity (final anticipated n=94). Subjects were classified into P (n=6), PK (n=5) and KP (n=5) dosha types according to a 49-item published questionnaire (S Gerson 2002). After controlling for age and sex, there were significant differences among the groups in body weight, BMI, fat free mass (FFM), and waist circumference (p<0.05) and a marginal difference (p=0.07) in percent body fat (BOD POD), with the KP group having higher values than both P and PK groups. Resting metabolic rate (Body Gem) was also higher in the KP group (p<0.05). KP doshas scored higher for dietary disinhibition and emotional eating (Eating Inventory) than the other two groups (p<0.05). None of the physical activity or dietary intake variables considered thus far differed significantly among the groups. These preliminary findings support some tenets of Ayurvedic medicine.