Introduction: Obesity, or Sthoulya, is a metabolic disorder characterised by excessive fat accumulation that adversely affects overall health. It is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m². The global prevalence varies, with rates reported as 67% in the Americas and 31% in Southeast Asia and Africa. It is estimated that 16% of adults over 18 years of age will be obese by 2027. In Ayurveda, obesity is viewed as a nutritional illness (Santarpanjanotha Vyadhi) linked to vitiated Kapha and Medha due to Medovaha Srotas Dushti. Acharya Charaka states that Udvartan, which includes both dry and unctuous procedures, may contribute to the excessive accumulation of Meda Dhatu (fat tissue). Need of the study: Obesity significantly contributes to numerous co-morbid conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, osteoarthritis, and various cancers such as colon and breast cancer. Although conventional pharmaceutical and surgical treatments may offer short-term benefits, they are often associated with side effects, high costs, and poor long-term adherence. Ayurveda provides a safe, holistic, and personalised approach to managing Sthoulya by addressing both physical and psychological components. The primary therapeutic methods oral medication (systemic modulation), Udvartan (external stimulation), and Basti (colon cleansing)— have individually demonstrated effectiveness. However, comprehensive comparative studies evaluating their long-term efficacy are lacking. The present study aims to bridge this gap in integrative obesity management and provide scientific evidence for standardised Ayurvedic treatments, potentially influencing public health and clinical practice. Aim: To evaluate the comparative efficacy of a Medopachak formulation (Yoga) administered through three different routes— Basti (enema), Udvartan (local application), and oral Medopachak Ghana tablets (Vati) in the management of obesity (Sthoulya). Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial will be conducted from May 2025 to May 2026 at Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Salod (H), Wardha, Maharashtra, India A total of 78 patients will be enrolled and treated with the Medopachak formulation via three different routes. Group A: Medopachak formulation (Yoga) administered as Basti (enema) through the anal route for eight days. Group B: Medopachak formulation (Yoga) applied through Udvartan (local application) for eight days. Group C: Medopachak Ghana tablet (Vati), 250 mg two tablets with lukewarm water twice a day for 24 days. Objective parameters Body Mass Index (BMI), body weight, anthropometric measures, serum lipid profile, and skinfold thickness—will be assessed on days 16 and 24. Statistical analysis will include Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) paired t-test, or Wilcoxon Signed-rank test. A p-value <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.
Kalode et al. (Sat,) studied this question.