Non-Pharmacological Approach in the Management of Obesity (Sthaulya)

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st century, with morbid obesity affecting 5% of the country's population. It is caused by the combination of excessive food energy intake, lack of physical activity, genetic susceptibility, endocrine disorders, medications or psychiatric illness. Obesity affects adversely on health, and reduced life expectancy of the individual. Despite of continuing efforts to find solutions it has reached epidemic proportions in many countries. A similar type of disease described in Ayurveda is sthulya roga, which is due to disorder of meda and kaphaja dosha. Various type of dietary articles like barley, old rice, oat, Bengal gram etc. mention in Ayurveda, which reduce the kapha and meda. Low energy food article with huge amount of fiber are effective in the management of obesity. Many researches proved that fruits and vegetables with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals can counteract obesity. Practiced of various Yogic techniques can be effectively to reduce the weight and achieve normal health of the body and mind. Therefore non-pharmacological approach likes diet and yogic practices like asana, pranayama and meditation have great hope for the management of obesity.