What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two Ayurvedic treatments for managing childhood overweight in terms of clinical and biochemical improvements.

April 1, 2026Open Access

Efficacy of Sthaulyahara Ghana Vati along with Lifestyle (Diet and Exercise) Modification in the Management of Sthaulya w.s.r. to Overweight Children – An Open-Labeled Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Key Points

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two Ayurvedic treatments for managing childhood overweight in terms of clinical and biochemical improvements.
Thirty overweight children diagnosed with Sthaulya were randomly assigned to two treatment groups.
Group A received Sthaulyahara Ghana Vati and Group B received Triphalaguduchyadi Vati, both with lifestyle modifications.
The intervention lasted for 8 weeks with a follow-up period of 4 weeks.
Various statistical analyses were performed to assess subjective and objective outcomes.
Group A showed significant improvements in subjective symptoms related to overweight conditions.
There was a notable reduction in triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and waist circumference in Group A.
Inter-group analysis highlighted superior outcomes in weight loss and body composition metrics for Group A.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Childhood overweight has emerged as a critical public health challenge worldwide. In Ayurveda, Sthaulya is described as a Meda- and Kapha -predominant disorder. Objective: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of Sthaulyahara Ghana Vati and Triphalaguduchyadi Vati (TGV), administered along with lifestyle modification, in the management of Sthaulya (overweight) in children. Materials and Methods: Thirty children diagnosed with Sthaulya were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups using a computerized randomization method. Twenty-five participants completed the study (Group A: n = 12; Group B: n = 13). Group A received Sthaulyahara Ghana Vati (SHGV) and Group B received TGV, both in weight-specific doses with lukewarm water before meals, along with lifestyle modification. The intervention period was 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–Whitney U -test for subjective variables and paired/unpaired Student’s t -test for objective variables. Results: Group A demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in subjective parameters including Chala Sphika-Udara-Sthana, Ayasena Shwasa, Ati Kshudha, Nindraadhikya, Aalasya / Utsahani, Daurbalya, Swedaadhikya , and Daurgandhya . The objective outcomes showed significant reduction in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, waist circumference, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and improvement in high-density lipoprotein. Inter-group comparison indicated superior outcomes in Group A for Daurbalya, body weight, body mass index, MUAC, mid-thigh circumference, and skinfold thickness. Conclusion: SHGV in conjunction with lifestyle modification was more effective than TGV with lifestyle modification in reducing clinical and biochemical features of Sthaulya in children. The findings suggest its potential as a preferred Ayurvedic intervention for childhood overweight.

Efficacy of Sthaulyahara Ghana Vati along with Lifestyle (Diet and Exercise) Modification in the Management of Sthaulya w.s.r. to Overweight Children – An Open-Labeled Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Key Points

Abstract

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