A Comparative Study on Nidana Panchaka of Atisthaulya and Obesity in Modern Era: A Review Article

Abstract

Background: Obesity, or Atisthaulya, is a global epidemic recognized by WHO as one of the leading causes of preventable death. With industrialization and sedentary lifestyles, the prevalence of obesity has skyrocketed across all age groups. In Ayurveda, Atisthaulya is considered a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi caused by an imbalance of Medo Dhatu, whereas modern medicine identifies obesity as a multifactorial metabolic disorder. This article aims to bridge the classical Ayurvedic Nidana Panchaka framework with modern etiopathogenesis of obesity for integrative understanding and management.

Materials and Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Sangraha, Madhava Nidana, Bhava Prakash, and Yogaratnakara were reviewed. Additionally, modern medical literature, journals, and WHO reports were consulted through electronic databases. Data were analyzed qualitatively and comparatively, structured using flow charts and tabular comparisons. Observations and Results: Ayurveda describes Sthaulya as a result of Santarpana (overnutrition), characterized by Meda and Mamsa excess, impaired Agni, and obstructed Srotasa. The Nidana Panchaka framework in Ayurveda categorizes causative factors as Aharatmaka (dietary), Viharatmaka (behavioral), Manasika (psychological), and other associated causes. The Samprapti Ghatakas of Sthaulya include deranged Kapha and Medodhatvagni, blocked Medovaha Srotas, and vitiation of Rasa and Mamsa Dhatus. Modern complications like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, infertility, and psychosocial stigma correlate with Upadrava mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Both disciplines highlight the chronicity, incurability in congenital cases, and the difficulty in treatment compared to Karshya.

Conclusion: The study highlights the relevance and depth of Ayurvedic Nidana Panchaka in understanding obesity. Atisthaulya is not merely a metabolic disorder but a systemic imbalance rooted in lifestyle, diet, mental state, and hereditary factors. Integrative approaches combining Ayurvedic preventive measures (Ahara, Vihara, Manovyapara) and modern diagnostics may offer a sustainable solution for prevention and management. Further interdisciplinary clinical studies are warranted.