Leptin Resistance in Obesity With Special Reference to Sthoulya Nidana: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Obesity is a metabolic disorder of multifactorial origin characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and is associated with numerous metabolic complications. One of the main causative factor in obesity is resistance to Leptin, a hormone responsible for regulation of hunger and energy expenditure. Despite increased leptin levels in obese individuals, impaired leptin signalling leads to persistent hunger and further accumulation of fat. Ayurveda describes obesity as Sthoulya, which develops due to various etiological factors mentioned in Sthoulya Nidana. These factors include excessive intake of Guru and Snigda Ahara, Avyayama and Harshanityatvat etc., ultimately resulting in aggravation of Kapha and accumulation of Medo Dhatu. The present article attempts to correlate the concept of leptin resistance with the Ayurvedic description of Sthoulya Nidana and tries to highlight the similarities in understanding Nidana & Samprapti between modern medicine and Ayurveda.