Childhood Obesity and its Ayurvedic Understanding - Critical Analysis

Kuldeep Singh Katare; Shrinidhi kumar K; Brahm Dutt Sharma; Piyushika Sharma

doi:10.47070/ijapr.v11i8.2929

Kuldeep Singh Katare PG Scholar, Department of Kaumarbhritya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Shrinidhi kumar K Associate Professor, Department of Kaumarbhritya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Brahm Dutt Sharma Assistant Professor, Department of Kaumarbhritya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Piyushika Sharma PG Scholar, Department of Kaumarbhritya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47070/ijapr.v11i8.2929

Keywords: Childhood Obesity, Sthaulya, Samprapti, Panchakarma

Abstract

Ayurveda, the science of life, recognized lifestyle (Vihara) and diet (Ahara) as potential causes of disease. Childhood obesity in India is caused by factors such as altered lifestyle, food patterns, diet quality and quantity, increased physical inactivity, preserved junk foods, increased sedentary lifestyle, and more. The eight avoidable patients list (Ashtaunindit purushas) described by ancient Ayurvedic scholars includes the disease Sthaulya (obesity) along with the multi-channel approach of management, with the details of factors causing Sthaulya, pathophysiology (Samprapti), and treatment with exercise (Vyayam/Vihar), dietary (Ahar) interventions, remedies, and the body - purification/detoxification (Panchakarma) procedures. The importance of limiting/avoiding disease-causing factors, followed by medicinal management based on Dosha-Dhatu-Mala conditions, is described by ancient Ayurvedic scholars. This article examines the factors that contribute to childhood obesity using Ayurvedic principles.