FIGHT OBESITY WITH AYURVEDA

*Koli Prajakta R. and Bhagwat Madhav S.

ABSTRACT

Obesity is an accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over a persons's ideal body weight. It is a multi-factorial disorder, which is often associated with many other significant diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. It is caused by numerous social and environmental factors that influence people's food habit and physical activity. A research shows that women in India are more likely to be obese. In Ayurveda, Acharya Charaka had included Atisthul vyakti in Ashta nindit purusha. The management of obesity is therefore the need of the hour. This article highlights various preventive aspects and treatment of obesity with yoga, bilwadi panchmul kwath and diet plan. Yoga affects body and mind. Acharya Charaka has mentioned bilwadi panchmul kwath with honey for treatment of Atisthul (obesity). Diet plans include specific aahar, aahar paddhati mentioned in samhitas. Ten obese women were given treatment for three months which included the above mentioned therapy. A significant weight loss was observed in above mentioned therapy. Body measurements such as BMI and inch wise measurement significantly decreased. No side effects of any kind were observed during the treatment period.

Keywords: Obesity, yoga, bilwadi panchmula kashay, diet plan.