A Holistic Ayurvedic Approach in Management of Sthaulya (Obesity).

Sthoulya (Obesity) is a global problem and a recent world health study reports that obesity is included among the top ten selected risk to health. Sthoulya is such a disease which provides a platform for so many hazards like hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, as well as psychological disorders like stress, anxiety, depression etc. In Ayurveda, Sthoulya (Obesity) regarded as medoroga, a disorder of meda dhatu, which includes fat tissue and fat metabolism. According to Ayurveda obesity begins with imbalance of doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), agni (digestive fire), malas (waste products) or an imbalance of shrotas (microcirculatory channels). This collection of imbalances then interferes with the formation of tissues or dhatus and leads to a tissue imbalance that we experience as excess weight. In this regard, an attempt has been made to critically review the Medohar and Lekhaniya (Anti-obesity and Hypolipidemic) drugs mentioned in Ayurvedic classical texts which may abet our understanding of prevention and management of obesity. Charaka has given single Gana of 10 drugs (Lekhaniya Gana), while Sushruta and Vagbhata have mentioned 8 and 10 Ganas respectively. Rasaushadhis like Shilajatu, Loha bhasma, Rasasindhura/Parada bhasma etc. are the best drugs to treat Sthoulya. Drugs that are Katu, Tikta, Kashaya in Rasa, possessing Ushna Virya, Laghu Ruksha Guna and Vata Kaphahara actions are largely responsible for Medohara and Lekhaniya activities. Hence the present work was planned to review and explore the potential drugs for the management of Sthoulya (Obesity).