A critical analysis of etiological factors of sthaulya (obesity)
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A critical analysis of etiological factors of sthaulya (obesity)
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Monica Aggarwal
M.D.Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, New Delhi
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A critical analysis of etiological factors of sthaulya (obesity)
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Obesity is increasingly being recognized as a significant lifestyle disorder correlated with modernity and nutritional abundance. In Ayurveda, obesity is referred to as "Sthaulya," classified under "Santarpanjanya Vikara" (over-nourishment disorder). It stems from intricate etiological factors that include dietary habits, lifestyle choices, mental well-being, and hereditary aspects. A comprehensive analysis of these factors is essential for understanding and managing obesity effectively in its early stages, ultimately reducing the burden of later-stage diseases.
The Role of Diet in Sthaulya
One of the primary contributors to Sthaulya is the intake of "Madhur Rasa" (sweet taste) coupled with "Atisampoorana" (overeating). Ayurvedic texts emphasize that excessive consumption of sweet, heavy, and cold foods increases the properties associated with obesity, namely "Guru" (heavy), "Sheeta" (cold), and "Snigda" (unctuous). Over time, this dietary imbalance leads to the accumulation of "Aam" (improperly digested food) in the body, ultimately resulting in the increased formation of "Meda Dhatu" (fat tissue). The understanding of dietary inbalances is crucial since they are the first step to addressing and preventing obesity.
The Impact of Lifestyle and Mental Factors
Sedentary behavior and a lack of physical activity significantly contribute to obesity, as highlighted by the term "Avyayama" (lack of exercise). Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for burning excess calories and maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, mental factors such as excessive daytime sleepiness ("Divaswapna") and a lack of mental exertion ("Achintana") create a cycle that exacerbates obesity. Mental well-being is closely tied to physical health, with a sedentary lifestyle and negative emotional states leading to further energy imbalance in the body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the multifaceted nature of Sthaulya necessitates an integrated approach to treatment that addresses the complex interplay of dietary habits, physical activity, and mental health. Understanding the etiological factors from an Ayurvedic perspective can inform effective management strategies, emphasizing dietary modifications and increased physical activity as the first line of defense. This holistic understanding serves not only to treat Sthaulya but also to enhance overall health and prevent associated lifestyle disorders.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the Ayurvedic term for obesity and its classification?
The Ayurvedic term for obesity is 'Sthaulya,' classified under 'Santarpanjanya Vikara,' which refers to over-nourishment disorder caused by excess dietary intake.
What are the key etiological factors contributing to Sthaulya?
Key factors include excessive intake of 'Madhur Rasa,' overeating, lack of physical activity, inadequate mental exertion, and hereditary influences, which collectively lead to the accumulation of excess adipose tissue.
How does lack of physical activity contribute to obesity?
Lack of physical activity results in energy imbalance; excessive caloric intake without corresponding physical exertion leads to fat accumulation, typifying the condition of Sthaulya.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A critical analysis of etiological factors of sthaulya (obesity)�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Sthaulya:
Sthaulya in Ayurveda refers to obesity, characterized by excess adipose tissue and increased body weight. It is classified as a Santarpanjanya vikara caused by diet, lifestyle, mental, and genetic factors. Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu are significant in its etiology and treatment.
2) Guna:
Guna in the context of Ayurveda refers to the qualities or attributes of substances. For example, foods with Guru (heavy), Sheeta (cold), and Snigdha (unctuous) Guna are associated with the increase in Meda-dhatu and Kapha-dosha, contributing to conditions like Sthaulya.
3) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, known for its heavy, cold, and unctuous qualities. It plays a significant role in the development of Sthaulya when augmented by diet and lifestyle factors. Kapha-dosha imbalance is central to obesity etiology.
4) Guru:
Guru is a Sanskrit term meaning 'heavy' and is one of the Guna or qualities in Ayurveda. Foods and substances with Guru-Guna contribute to the increase of Meda-dhatu and Kapha-dosha, playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Sthaulya (obesity).
5) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the tissues of the body in Ayurveda. There are seven primary Dhatus, and an imbalance in these, especially Meda-dhatu, can result in Sthaulya. Proper functioning of Dhatu is essential for maintaining health and combating diseases.
6) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda-dhatu is the adipose tissue in the body, responsible for storing fat. In the context of Sthaulya, an excess of Meda-dhatu is a primary characteristic. Increased Meda can obstruct body channels and contribute to obesity-related symptoms.
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a holistic Indian science of medicine that emphasizes balance in bodily systems. It explains conditions like Sthaulya through dosha imbalances and offers treatments through diet (Aahar), lifestyle (Vihara), and detoxification methods.
8) Varanasi (Varanashi):
[see source text or glossary: Varanasi]
9) Samhita:
[see source text or glossary: Samhita]
10) Aahar:
Aahar refers to diet in Ayurveda, playing a pivotal role in the development and management of diseases. Excessive intake of Madhura Rasa and foods with Guru, Sheeta, and Snigdha qualities can lead to Sthaulya by increasing Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu.
11) Nidana:
Nidana refers to the causes or etiological factors of a disease in Ayurveda. For Sthaulya, Nidana includes factors like Atisampoorana (overeating), Avyayama (lack of exercise), and intake of Guru, Sheeta, and Snigdha foods, among others.
12) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda pertains to taste. Madhura Rasa (sweet taste) is particularly linked with the increase of Meda-dhatu and Kapha-dosha, contributing to conditions like Sthaulya. Controlled intake of Rasa can help manage such health conditions.
13) Diet:
Diet is crucial in Ayurveda for maintaining health and treating diseases. An imbalance in dietary habits, specifically the overconsumption of foods with Guru, Sheeta, and Snigdha characteristics, is a primary factor in the development of Sthaulya.
14) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda, such as Sthaulya (obesity), arises from dosha imbalances due to poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Effective treatment includes Nidana Parivarjana (eliminating causes) and adopting opposite Gunas to restore balance.
15) Dravya:
Dravya refers to substances in Ayurveda, including foods and medicines. The properties (Gunas) of Dravya, such as Guru, Sheeta, and Snigdha, are critical in the pathogenesis and treatment of Sthaulya by influencing the body's doshas and Dhatus.
16) Food:
Food, or Aahar, in Ayurveda has therapeutic significance. Foods with properties like Guru (heavy), Sheeta (cold), and Snigdha (unctuous) are implicated in the development of Sthaulya by increasing Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu.
17) Vyayama:
Vyayama, or physical exercise, is highly emphasized in Ayurveda for maintaining health and treating diseases like Sthaulya. It helps reduce Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu by increasing muscle mass and enhancing digestion through Ushna Guna.
18) Vikara:
Vikara in Ayurveda refers to diseases or disorders. Sthaulya is considered a Santarpanjanya Vikara, stemming from over-nourishment and lifestyle factors that increase Meda-dhatu and Kapha-dosha.
19) Shukra (Sukra):
[see source text or glossary: Shukra]
20) Ajirna:
Ajirna, or indigestion, is a crucial concept in the pathogenesis of Sthaulya. It leads to improper digestion and formation of Aam, which contributes to the imbalance of Meda-dhatu and Kapha-dosha, resulting in obesity.
21) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha are the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Sthaulya primarily involves an imbalance in Kapha-dosha, characterized by its heavy, cold, and unctuous qualities, leading to excess Meda-dhatu.
22) Nidra:
Nidra, or sleep, is essential for health in Ayurveda. Excessive daytime sleep (Divaswapna) is linked to increased Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu, contributing to Sthaulya by adding Snigda and Guru qualities to the body.
23) Tama:
Tama is one of the three Gunas in Ayurveda, representing inertia and darkness. In Sthaulya, excess Tama Guna influences both the mind and body, contributing to lethargy and obesity through increased Kapha-dosha.
24) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, embodying qualities like heaviness, coldness, and unctuousness. An imbalance in Kapha-dosha is a primary factor in the development of Sthaulya, leading to increased Meda-dhatu and obesity.
25) Medadhatu (Meda-dhatu):
Medadhatu is the adipose tissue in the body. In Sthaulya, there is an excess accumulation of Medadhatu caused by diet and lifestyle factors, which leads to obesity and related complications.
26) Amasaya (Amashaya, Ama-ashaya):
Amashaya, or stomach, is crucial in the digestive process. Indigestion (Ajirna) in the Amashaya leads to the formation of Aam, which contributes to the pathogenesis of Sthaulya by increasing Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu.
27) Pradhan:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhan]
28) Mala:
Mala in Ayurveda refers to waste products. Improper digestion (Ajirna) can lead to accumulation of waste that obstructs body channels, further complicating conditions like Sthaulya by aggravating Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu.
29) Vayu:
[see source text or glossary: Vayu]
30) New Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: New Delhi]
31) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Sthaulya primarily involves an imbalance in Kapha-dosha, but it is also considered a Tridoshaj Vyadhi involving all three doshas.
32) Samanya:
Samanya in Ayurveda refers to the concept of similarity or commonality. Atisampoorana Aahara can be in the form of Dravya Samanya (similar substances) or Guna Samanya (similar qualities), contributing to the pathogenesis of Sthaulya.
33) Krishna (Krsna):
[see source text or glossary: Krishna]
34) Alasya:
Alasya, or lethargy, is a common symptom of Sthaulya. It results from the increase in Guru (heavy) and Sheeta (cold) qualities of Kapha-dosha and leads to reduced physical activity, further aggravating obesity.
35) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle practices in Ayurveda. In Sthaulya, improper Vihara, such as lack of physical exercise (Avyayama) and excessive day sleep (Divaswapna), contribute to the aggravation of Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu.
36) Chinta:
Chinta, meaning anxiety, is a normal physiological function but its excess or lack (Achinta) can influence conditions like Sthaulya. Inadequate mental exertion can increase Tama Guna and Kapha-dosha, worsening obesity.
37) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
38) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda refers to actions or activities. Proper actions, such as Vyayama (exercise), play a crucial role in combating Sthaulya by reducing Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu through increased muscle mass and enhanced digestion.
39) Sneha:
Sneha, meaning 'oily' or 'unctuous', is a quality associated with Kapha-dosha. Foods with Snigdha (oily) Guna contribute to the increase in Meda-dhatu, playing a significant role in the development of Sthaulya.
40) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi refers to bone tissue in Ayurveda. An imbalance in Dhatu formation, as seen in Sthaulya, not only increases Meda-dhatu but can also hamper the formation of subsequent Dhatus like Asthi, leading to further health issues.
41) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna, meaning 'hot', is a Guna that combats the Sheeta (cold) quality of Kapha-dosha. Activities like Vyayama (exercise) increase Ushna Guna, helping to manage Sthaulya by reducing excess Meda-dhatu and improving metabolism.
42) Majja:
Majja refers to the bone marrow and nervous tissue in Ayurveda. In conditions like Sthaulya, excess Meda-dhatu can obstruct the proper formation and functioning of subsequent Dhatus like Majja, leading to various health issues.
43) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
44) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
45) Bija:
[see source text or glossary: Bija]
46) Shri (Sri, Sr):
[see source text or glossary: Shri]
47) Kledakakapha (Kledaka-kapha):
Kledaka-kapha is a subtype of Kapha-dosha located in the stomach. It is involved in the initial stages of digestion. When vitiated, it can contribute to the pathogenesis of Sthaulya by impairing the digestive process and increasing Meda-dhatu.
48) Shukradhatu (Sukradhatu, Shukra-dhatu):
Shukra-dhatu is the reproductive tissue in Ayurveda, responsible for vitality and strength. In Sthaulya, formation of Shukra-dhatu is hampered, leading to symptoms like lack of vitality and difficulty in indulgence.
49) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
Madhura-rasa, or sweet taste, is primarily associated with the increase of Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu. Excessive consumption of foods with Madhura-rasa is a significant etiological factor in the development of Sthaulya.
50) Samanavayu (Samana-vayu):
Samana-vayu is a subtype of Vata-dosha involved in the digestive process. In Sthaulya, imbalance in Samana-vayu due to obstructed body channels can aggravate the condition by contributing to improper digestion and Aam formation.
51) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
[see source text or glossary: Dravya-guna]
52) Daurgandhya:
Daurgandhya, or foul body odor, is a symptom associated with Sthaulya. It results from the imbalance of doshas and the accumulation of Aam in the body, contributing to poor metabolic function and hygiene.
53) Agriculture:
[see source text or glossary: Agriculture]
54) Adhyashana (Adhyasana):
Adhyashana, or overeating, is a crucial Nidana (cause) for Sthaulya. Consuming excess food, especially those with Guru, Sheeta, and Snigdha qualities, leads to improper digestion and the formation of Aam, contributing to obesity.
55) Vyanavayu (Vyana-vayu):
Vyana-vayu is a subtype of Vata-dosha responsible for the circulation of energy and nutrients. In Sthaulya, its imbalance due to obstructed channels can lead to inadequate nutrient distribution and contribute to obesity.
56) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
Agnimandya, or weak digestive fire, is a key factor in the pathogenesis of Sthaulya. It leads to improper digestion and the formation of Aam, contributing to the imbalance of Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu.
57) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni refers to the digestive fire in the stomach. Its imbalance, known as Agnimandya, is crucial in the development of Sthaulya. Weak Jatharagni leads to improper digestion and Aam formation, increasing Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu.
58) Depression:
[see source text or glossary: Depression]
59) Samprapti:
[see source text or glossary: Samprapti]
60) Daurbalya:
Daurbalya, or weakness, is a symptom of Sthaulya. Despite excess body weight, individuals with Sthaulya often experience reduced physical strength and endurance due to the imbalance in Dhatu formation and excess Meda-dhatu.
61) Alpabala (Alpa-bala):
Alpa-bala, meaning low strength, is a symptom observed in Sthaulya. It occurs due to the imbalance in Dhatu formation, where an excess of Medadhatu hampers the development of subsequent Dhatus, resulting in reduced physical strength.
62) Atikrisha (Atikrsa):
[see source text or glossary: Atikrisha]
63) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: Substance]
64) Vitiation (Vitiated):
[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]
65) Vagbhata:
[see source text or glossary: Vagbhata]
66) Atinidra:
Atinidra, or excessive sleep, is a clinical feature of Sthaulya. It results from the increase in Kapha-dosha and the accumulation of Medadhatu, leading to lethargy and weight gain.
67) Medoroga (Medas-roga):
Medoroga is another term for Sthaulya in Ayurveda, referring to the disease involving excess adipose tissue. It is caused by an imbalance in diet and lifestyle, primarily involving Kapha-dosha and Meda-dhatu.
68) Sweating (Sweat):
[see source text or glossary: Sweating]
69) Madhura:
[see source text or glossary: Madhura]
70) Snigdha:
Snigdha is one of the qualities (Guna) in Ayurveda, meaning 'unctuous' or 'oily'. Foods and substances with Snigdha Guna contribute to the increase of Meda-dhatu and Kapha-dosha, playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Sthaulya.
71) Kledaka:
[see source text or glossary: Kledaka]
72) Laghuta:
[see source text or glossary: Laghuta]
73) Tikshna (Tiksna):
[see source text or glossary: Tikshna]
74) Samana (Shamana):
[see source text or glossary: Samana]
75) Utsaha:
[see source text or glossary: Utsaha]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 89]
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