Integrated Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy in the Management of Obesity- A Case Report

Abstract

Ati sthoulya or obesity, characterized by an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, has become a global epidemic of modern times. A body mass index (BMI) above 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. Around the globe, over 4 million people die each year due to being overweight or obese.1 Raised BMI is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal disorders, and some cancers, leading to high morbidity and mortality. The importance of prompt treatment of Ati sthula has been emphasized in Ayurveda.The management of obesity includes dietary and lifestyle modifications, cognitive and behavioral therapies, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. In Ayurveda, Ati sthoulya is managed by vataghna kapha medohara annapana, rooksha ushna vasti, and teekshna rooksha udwarthana. Practicing yoga helps in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of obese patients. For sustainable weight reduction and maintenance, the treatment should be focused on the grassroots level where the patient’s diet and lifestyle should be given more importance.This case report is an example of a sustainable weight-loss journey focusing more on aetiological factors. The 40-year-old male patient presented in the OPD with excessive weight gain, polyphagia, increased fatigue, and dyspnoea on exertion. He was diagnosed as Ati sthoulya and the treatment was planned mainly focusing on dietary and lifestyle modifications. Within 90 days, weight was reduced by 11.5 kilograms along with positive changes in other symptoms. This case report will help Ayurvedic doctors to focus on weight management from an aetiological point of view.