Ayurvedic Management of Sthoulya (Obesity) – A Single Case Study

Sthoulya (Obesity) is a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi described elaborately in Ayurvedic classics, characterized by excessive accumulation of Meda Dhatu leading to pendulous movement of Sphik, Udara, and Stana along with reduced physical activity, dyspnea, fatigue, and metabolic disturbances. It primarily involves vitiation of Kapha Dosha with obstruction of Vata due to excessive Meda, resulting in impaired Dhatvagni and Medodhatvagni. In contemporary science, Sthoulya can be correlated with obesity, a major lifestyle disorder associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Ayurveda emphasizes Nidana Parivarjana, Shamana, and Shodhana therapies like Rukshana, Udvartana, Vamana, Virechana, and Basti along with Medohara Ahara-Vihara. The present case study evaluates the efficacy of Ayurvedic management including Shamana Aushadhi and Panchakarma procedures in the management of Sthoulya, showing significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and associated symptoms, thereby improving the quality of life of the patient.