Sthoulya Asthadosha- Review on understanding of complications of obesity through Ayurveda and modern science

Abstract

Sthoulya is major problem the whole world is facing today. Recently many research works have suggested that, over 1.9 billion population of middle age are overweight and 650 million are suffering with obesity worldwide. In India, over 135 million people had suffered obesity. It is a major reason of medical and financial burdens for the government. Central obesity is one among the important risk for vascular diseases of heart (CVDs) and a major reason of mortality in India. Atisthula who is having excessive deposition of meda and mamsa in sthana, udara and sphik is considered as dosha (that can cause many untoward health consequences) as per Ayurveda. Modern pathophysiology also suggests central obesity which is considered Metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO) in contrast with peripheral obesity as metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). Charaka said eight doshas (complications or syndrome) namely Ayukshaya (reduced life expectancy), Javoparodha (reduced physical activities), Krichravyavayata (infertility both male and female, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction), Dourbalya (reduced physical strength and reduced immunity), Dourgandya (Bromhidrosis), Swedabhada (difficulties with sweating), Atikshudha (increased appetite and hunger) and Atitrishna (excessive thirst). Asthadosha when analysed critically covers almost complications and consequences of obesity explained in modern literature. After reviewing both Ayurveda and modern literature about the obesity and its complications there are lots of similarities are observed and makes easy to understand sthoulya better.