Abstract:

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and associated metabolic dysfunction. The current diagnostic approach predominantly relies on anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and body composition, supplemented by assessment of metabolic risk factors. However, BMI alone does not adequately capture differences in body composition, fat distribution or metabolic health.

Ayurveda describes obesity principally through the concepts of Sthaulya and Atisthaulya, with Meda Dhatu Vriddhi, disturbed Agni, Medodhatvagni and Medovaha Srotas playing important roles in its pathogenesis. Ayurvedic diagnosis is multidimensional and includes assessment of Nidana, Dosha, Dhatu, Srotas, Agni, Prakriti and clinical features. Contemporary obesity research similarly demonstrates that adipose tissue is metabolically active and participates in inflammation, insulin resistance and endocrine signalling.

The present review proposes an integrated diagnostic framework in which Ayurvedic parameters of Sthaulya and Meda Dhatu are evaluated alongside anthropometric and metabolic biomarkers such as BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, insulin resistance and selected inflammatory/adipose-tissue biomarkers. The objective is not to equate Ayurvedic concepts directly with modern biochemical entities, but to develop testable correlations that may improve the scientific assessment of Ayurvedic diagnostic parameters.

Keywords:

Sthaulya, Atisthaulya, Meda Dhatu, Meda Dhatu Vriddhi, Agni, Medodhatvagni, Medovaha Srotas, obesity, metabolic biomarkers, Ayurveda, Rog Nidana

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Methods