PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PREVENTIVE MANAGEMENT OF STHAULYA: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

Sthaulya, commonly correlated with obesity in contemporary medicine, is described in Ayurveda as a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi arising from over-nourishment and derangement of Kapha Dosha and Meda Dhatu. In classical Ayurvedic texts, especially Charaka Samhita, Sthaulya is counted among the Ashtaunindita Purusha and is considered a condition requiring preventive and therapeutic attention. Modern society has witnessed a rapid increase in obesity due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, psychological stress, and reduced physical activity. Obesity is now recognized as a chronic metabolic disorder associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases, collectively referred to as metabolic syndrome. Ayurveda provides a comprehensive explanation of the pathogenesis of Sthaulya through concepts such as Agnimandya, Meda Dhatu Vriddhi, Kapha aggravation, and Srotorodha. This paper discusses the Ayurvedic understanding of Sthaulya, its etiological factors, pathophysiology, correlation with metabolic syndrome, diagnosis, fat metabolism, and preventive management. The integration of Ayurvedic principles with modern preventive strategies such as dietary regulation, physical exercise, yoga, and stress management may provide a sustainable approach to controlling obesity and preventing metabolic complications.