“A COMPHRENSIVE AYURVEDIC REVIEW STHAULYA (OBESITY) WITH CONTEMPORARY CORRELATION ”

Sthaulya is described in Ayurveda as a chronic Santarpanottha Vyadhi resulting from excessive nourishment and impaired Agni, leading to the abnormal accumulation of Meda Dhatu. The condition is predominantly associated with aggravation of Kapha Dosha along with obstruction of metabolic channels (Srotorodha). In the contemporary era, rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary practices, disturbed sleep patterns, and psychological stress have contributed to a marked global increase in obesity. Classical Ayurvedic texts provide a detailed account of the etiological factors (Nidana), pathogenesis (Samprapti), clinical features (Lakshana), complications (Upadrava), prognosis (Sadhyasadhyata), and therapeutic management (Chikitsa) of Sthaulya. This article offers a conceptual review of Sthaulya from an Ayurvedic perspective and correlates it with modern biomedical concepts, highlighting the relevance of Ayurveda in prevention, clinical management, and lifestyle modification.