Obesity ( Sthulya)

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. The issue has grown to epidemic proportions, with over 4 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese in 2017 according to the global burden of disease.

Experts often rely on BMI to determine if a person is overweight. The BMI (Body Mass Index) estimates your level of body fat based on your height and weight.

Starting at 25.0, the higher your BMI, the greater is your risk of developing obesity-related health   problems. These ranges of BMI are used to describe levels of risk:

Overweight (not obese), if BMI is 25.0 to 29.9

Class 1 (low-risk) obesity, if BMI is 30.0 to 34.9

Class 2 (moderate-risk) obesity, if BMI is 35.0 to 39.9

Class 3 (high-risk) obesity, if BMI is equal to or greater than 40.0

There are many websites with calculators that give your BMI when you enter your weight and height.

In Ayurveda, Atisthaulya (Obesity) is described as excessive accumulation of Meda (fat/adipose tissue) and Mamsa (flesh/muscle tissue) leading to flabbiness of hips, abdomen, and breast. It is considered as one of Santarpanottha Vikaras (disease due to consumption of excessive calories) in Ayurveda.

CAUSES OF OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY

• Increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat, carbohydrates
• Overeating and Irregular food habits
• Lack of Physical activities due to sedentary lifestyle
• Genetics, endocrine disorders, Medical Reasons or Psychiatric illness
• Day – time sleeping

SYMPTOMS:

• Breathlessness even on little exertion / physical activity.
• Lack of interest in doing work.
• Profuse sweating with foul body odor.
• Excessive hunger.
• Feeling of tiredness.
• Excessive sleep.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT of OBESITY. (LINE OF TREATMENT)

(Under strict supervision of Registered Ayurvedic Physician)

Shamana (Palliative) treatment:

1. Langhan (Fasting),
2. Ama pachan (oral use of digestives to augment the fat metabolism),
3. Ruksha Udwartan (Dry medicated powder massage),
4. Heavy and non-nourishing diet/items like Honey, salad etc are advised.
5. Physical exercises, mental work is also recommended.

Samshodhana Chikitsa (Purificatory procedures): Panchakarma

1. Vaman (Therapeutic emesis),
2. Virechan (Therapeutic purgation),
3. Lekhan vasti (Medicated enema) are advised for the management of Sthaulya.

Alternative Therapy.

• Acupuncture Therapy
• Yoga Therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Psycotherapy
• Unnani / Siddha Treatment.
• Counselling or Lifestyle Management.

Dr.Hiroshini Amarasingha

Founder

Healthayu.lk