The Integrative approach of āyurveda and yoga therapy for Sthaulya (obesity): A therapeutic overview

Abstract

The World Health Organization reported that in 2016, 1.9 billion individuals were overweight, with 650 million classified as obese. In 2020, obesity affected 39 million children under five. This growing issue now impacts low-income countries and is one of the most critical health problems of the 21st century, with obesity rates nearly tripling since 1975. It contributes to 2.8 million deaths annually and is a significant risk factor for diabetes and heart diseases among people of all ages. Ancient ?yurveda, through Charaka’s teachings, describes sthaulya as a common metabolic disorder linked to inactivity and poor eating habits. To prevent and manage it, ?yurveda and yoga promotes holistic measures including medication, daily routines diet, exercise, asana, pranayama, and meditation. These methods aim to improve public health by encouraging lifestyle changes. Integrating traditional wisdom with modern medical science highlights the importance of a holistic and collaborative strategy for preventing and managing obesity. When practiced alongside ?yurvedic dietary guidelines, Panchakarma therapies, and herbal formulations, yoga supports improved compliance and outcome. For instance, practicing Surya Namaskar as part of Dinacharya (daily routine) aligns with ?yurvedic principles of maintaining healthy Agni and regulating Kapha dosha, both central to obesity pathogenesis. Integrating yoga into daily life not only aids in reducing body weight and fat mass but also helps in controlling risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and insulin resistance. In the context of sthaulya treatment, yoga is recognized within ?yurveda as a convenient and effective element of an integrated care model.