What is Obesity?
Obesity is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the body, leading to health risks. It is measured by BMI (Body Mass Index) — a BMI of 25–29.9 = Overweight and 30+ = Obesity.
In Ayurveda, obesity is called “Sthaulya”, caused by imbalance of Kapha dosha and weak digestive fire (Mandagni). This leads to slow metabolism, toxin (Ama) buildup, and excess fat storage.
Who is at Risk of Obesity?
- People with sedentary lifestyle (less physical activity)
- Overeating or junk food habits
- Family history of obesity
- Hormonal imbalance (thyroid, PCOS)
- Stress, depression, emotional eating
- Irregular sleep & late-night eating
- People with diabetes or metabolic syndrome
Symptoms of Obesity
- Excess body fat, especially around belly
- Low energy & fatigue
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Joint pain, stiffness, or back pain
- Excess sweating & heat intolerance
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Slow digestion, bloating, constipation
Possible Risks (If uncontrolled)
- Diabetes (Type 2)
- High blood pressure & heart disease
- Stroke
- Joint & bone problems (arthritis)
- Sleep apnea & breathing issues
- Fatty liver disease
- Low confidence, mental stress
Ayurvedic Approach to Obesity
Ayurveda focuses on boosting digestion, burning excess fat, and balancing Kapha dosha.
1. Detox & Panchakarma
- Vamana (therapeutic vomiting – reduces excess Kapha & fat)
- Virechana (purgation – improves metabolism)
- Udvarthana (herbal powder massage – burns fat, tones body)
- Basti (medicated enema – balances Vata, improves digestion)
2. Weight Loss-Friendly Diet (Pathya Ahar)
- Light, warm, freshly cooked meals
- Whole grains: barley, millet, oats
- Vegetables: bottle gourd, bitter gourd, spinach, cabbage
- Herbal teas: ginger, cinnamon, lemon-honey, triphala tea
- Eat smaller, frequent meals
Avoid: fried foods, sweets, bakery items, excess rice, potatoes, dairy & packaged foods
3. Daily Rituals (Dinacharya)
- Early morning walk / jogging
- Warm water with lemon & honey on empty stomach
- Avoid daytime sleep & late-night eating
- Oil massage (Abhyanga) to improve circulation
- Stress management (to avoid emotional eating)
4. Herbs for Weight Management
- Guggulu (Triphala Guggulu, Medohar Guggulu) – burns fat, improves metabolism
- Triphala – detoxifies & reduces belly fat
- Garcinia (Vrikshamla) – reduces appetite
- Methi (Fenugreek) – improves digestion & sugar balance
- Punarnava – reduces water retention & swelling
- Turmeric + Ginger – fat-burning & digestion support
5. Yoga & Pranayama
- Asanas: Surya Namaskar, Naukasana (boat pose), Dhanurasana (bow pose), Pawanmuktasana
- Pranayama: Kapalabhati (belly fat reduction), Bhastrika, Anulom-Vilom
- Meditation: reduces stress eating & emotional imbalance