Review on Classical Ahar Dravya For Medoroga (Obesity)

The incidence of lifestyle diseases like Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Dyslipidemia, and overweight/obesity associated with cardiovascular diseases is high on the rise. Worldwide, at least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Obesity is a social, psychological and somatic disorder leading to miserable life and a challenge to the physician in treatment since it exacerbates a large number of health related problems, independently and as an involvement with other diseases. The etiological factors mainly vitiate the Meda-Kapha and this vitiated Meda obstruct the path of Vata, which results into provocation of Vata. In the pathogenesis of obesity two factors are of prime significance, Tikshna Jatharagni (Intense metabolism) and Medodhatvagni-mandya (Reduced fat metabolism). Irrationality between two levels of Agni makes the disease Krichhra Sadhya (Difficult to treat). In the context of obesity, it has been recommended by earlier studies that it must be treated on the lines of Guru Apatarpana and the Ahara administered must pacify Vata, Kapha & Meda. Wide range of Ahar dravya having the above mentioned properties have been illustrated in Charaka Samhita viz. Nagar, Yava, Yavaka, Mudga, Kulattha, Adhaki, etc. Hence detailed review on these Ahar dravya in perspective of obesity is done. Owing to the importance of multigrain concept as recognized by Ayurveda thousands of years ago and also endorsed by modern science, need is felt to promote these Ahar dravya`s which are pivotal for complete & balanced physical & psychological development of humans besides considerable immunological support.