What causes obesity according to Ayurveda?

According to Ayurveda, Agni, and Vata, vitiation leads to Visamagni (erratic digestion). Agni and Pitta vitiation lead to Teekshnagni (overactive metabolism). While Agni and Kapha vitiation can cause Mandagni (slow metabolism), which can increase body weight.

Can obesity be cured naturally?

Yes indeed! Obesity is a gradual condition that can be controlled as soon as one realizes there is weight gain. Regular exercise, diet, and lifestyle improvements can help in controlling obesity naturally. For stubborn weight, Panchakarma treatments help in resetting the metabolism and help in aiding weight loss.

What is the root cause of obesity?

Many factors can contribute to excess weight gain including eating patterns, physical activity levels, and sleep routines. Social determinants of health, genetics, and taking certain medications also play a role. The root cause of obesity for each individual is different and treatments work around the root cause removal.

What are the 3 keys to preventing obesity?

The most important strategies for preventing obesity are healthy eating behaviors, regular physical activity, and reduced sedentary activity.

What social factors affect obesity?

Social factors could involve stress that could be financial or stress from trauma, lack of sleep, marriage problems, and lack of education regarding health or types of food choices. Physical determinants could include a natural environment, lack of physical activity, transportation, or worksite settings.

Ayurveda Treatment for Obesity

July 18, 2025

Overview

What is Obesity?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Obesity is a chronic, complex disease characterised by excessive fat accumulation that can negatively impact health. In Ayurveda, the condition is referred to as “Sthoulya,” which refers to a state in which there is excessive accumulation of Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) due to weakened Agni (digestive fire), improper metabolism, and Ama (toxin) build-up. Obesity can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, hypertension, cancer, psychological problems, bone & joint issues, and reproductive problems. Obesity Ayurveda treatment follows a more whole-person approach that focuses on re-establishing the metabolism of the body.

How is Obesity Measured?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the simplest way to determine if you are obese. It is a simple tool that helps estimate body fat content based on the height and weight ratio. A BMI of 25 or more signifies overweight, while a BMI of 30 or more indicates Obesity.

Obesity in India: A Growing Crisis

Obesity has now become a global health concern, with 1 in 4 Indians now obese. Its prevalence has drastically increased over the years due to a lack of early diagnosis, inadequate clinical and lifestyle interventions, poor awareness of long-term health risks, urban lifestyle changes, sedentary behaviour, and a lack of effective clinical and public health strategies.
Despite its prevalence, obesity often goes unrecognised as a disease and is mistakenly attributed only to poor lifestyle choices, leading to social stigma and undertreatment.

Why is Weight Loss So Difficult?

Obesity is not simply about overeating or a lack of willpower. Research confirms that several biological and psychological mechanisms make long-term weight loss difficult:

Hormonal changes that increase hunger and reduce the feeling of fullness
A slower metabolism means your body uses less energy, so fewer calories get burned throughout the day, even if you’re active.
Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers (like stress, sleep, processed food)

These factors make it harder to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.

Obesity Treatments: Current Modalities and Approaches

Diet and Exercise: Diet and exercise are foundational and can help you lose weight. However, they may be insufficient alone, as the body adapts by lowering metabolic rate, making it difficult to sustain weight loss over time, and eventually, the lost weight is regained.

Anti-obesity medications: Prescribed under medical supervision, anti-obesity medications can assist in reducing weight. However, these medications can cause side effects and are not suitable for everyone.
Surgery: Bariatric surgery or liposuction may be an option for severe obesity cases, especially with complications. However, their safety and sustainability are questionable as they carry risks and require lifelong lifestyle adherence.
Obesity Ayurveda treatment: In contrast to symptomatic treatments, obesity Ayurveda treatment promotes natural and sustainable weight reduction, without extreme diets or dependency on medications, by focusing on:
1. Reigniting the Agni (digestive fire)
2. Enhancing Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) metabolism
3. Amapachana (Eliminating toxins)
4. Balancing the Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)

Apollo AyurVAID’s Integrative Obesity Management

Apollo AyurVAID’s customised approach towards Obesity focuses predominantly on root cause identification and a personalised, precise treatment protocol to attain whole-person health and sustained well-being. This obesity Ayurveda treatment views the patient whole person, considering not just weight but the full spectrum of physical, mental, and metabolic health challenges associated with obesity:

Adapting a tailor-made Ayurveda diet for weight loss and lifestyle modifications personalised to the individual’s constitution and health status, ensuring long-term sustainability and alignment with their daily routines and preferences.
Intake of classical Ayurveda medicines for correcting metabolism enhances digestive efficiency and regulates hormonal activity.
Undergoing Panchakarma treatments (detoxification/deep cleansing at cellular levels)
Addressing the core metabolic imbalances, removing Ama (toxin accumulation), restores Agni (digestive fire), improves nutrient assimilation, balances hormones, and enhances energy levels, leading to improved vitality and reduced risk of comorbidities.

Who Can Benefit and Who May Not: Ayurveda Treatment Scope in Obesity

Who Benefits from AyurVAID’s Treatment? Obesity

Individuals with Mild to Moderate Obesity
People with slow metabolism or comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or cholesterol issues
Individuals with hormonal imbalances
People seeking natural and sustainable weight loss without synthetic medications and surgery
People with poor lifestyle choices, such as sitting for long hours or eating irregularly

Who May Not Benefit from AyurVAID’s Treatment?

While Ayurveda aims for root cause reversal for Obesity, the scope may be restricted in some cases, as below:

Individuals with serious cardiovascular conditions
Those with extreme fluid retention (oedema) due to kidney or heart diseases
Those seeking rapid weight loss without committing to healthy Ayurveda diet for weight loss
Those with advanced metabolic disorders like uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes or insulin resistance
People with severe morbid obesity [BMI >40] with comorbidities

What Obesity Patients Can Expect from AyurVAID’s Approach

Conventional weight loss programmes primarily focus on a one-size-fits-all approach with a precharted calorie-deficient diet, generic exercises, and medications. These approaches initially provide quick results but do not address the underlying metabolic imbalances, and as a result, the weight loss is temporary.

The AyurVAID approach, on the other hand, identifies the root cause of obesity, considers the Agni (metabolic strength) and Shareera Bala (physical strength) of the individual, and prescribes a customised weight loss plan. Patients undergoing AyurVAID’s obesity treatment can expect:

Improved metabolism and overall gut health
Sustainable and natural weight loss
Improved energy levels
Reduced stress
Reduction in risk of comorbidities like diabetes, Hypertension, Osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, etc.
Regulated Hormonal balance, especially insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones

Nidanas (Causative factors) for Obesity

In most cases, obesity is a multifactorial disease. Causative factors can be classified into:

Aharatmaka Nidana (Diet factors):

Overeating and consuming high-calorie, low-nutrient foods (fast food, processed snacks)
Excessive consumption of sweets and sugar
Large portion sizes and frequent snacking
Excessive intake of meat, milk, their preparations, and ghee

Viharatmaka Nidana (Lifestyle factors):

Lack of physical activity
Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy sleep habits

Manasika Nidana (Psychological factors):

Stress and emotional distress
Low self-esteem and image dissatisfaction
Food addiction or binge eating disorder

Anya Nidana (Other factors):

Genetic and family history
Medical conditions and medications

Clinical Features and Symptoms (Rupa) of Obesity

Body Measurements

Skin fold thickness above 20 mm in men and above 28 mm in women
Waist-hip ratio above 1.0 in males and above 0.8 in females
Excess body fat, particularly around the waist, with a protuberant abdomen
Development of skinfold around the axilla below the breast, peritoneal region

Respiratory and Functional

Breathlessness on mild exertion
Fatigue and sluggishness
Excessive sweating, sleep, hunger, and thirst
Difficulty performing heavy work

Musculoskeletal

Decreased bone strength and joint pain
Varicose veins and swelling of the ankles

Psychological and Emotional Impact

Negative self-esteem, depression, shame, and social isolation

Comorbid Conditions and Diseases

Diseases like hernia, bronchitis, and dyspnoea are more frequently seen
Menstrual disturbances
Skin problems, such as fungal infections, can occur from moisture accumulated in the folds

Samprapti (Pathogenesis) of Obesity

The pathogenesis involves the following key stages:

Medo Ati Vrdhi (Excess accumulation of adipose/fat tissue)
Nidanas (Causes) precipitating Obesity are Medovardhaka (Increases fat) and Tridosha prakopa in nature. As a result, there is an accumulation of Medas, resulting in obstruction to the normal gati [pathway] of Vata.
Strotorodha (Obstruction of body channels)
Due to the Srotorodha [obstruction] of Vayu, especially Samana vayu at Koshta (Alimentary canal) gets aggravated, which in turn causes an excessive increase of Jataragni (Digestive fire).
This leads to rapid digestion of consumed food and excess hunger, hence the person tends to eat more. This creates a vicious cycle, where more food intake leads to further accumulation of Medas or fat, which ultimately results in obesity. If the person doesn’t receive enough food, the increased Agni causes Dhatu Pachana (Tissue damage), which may eventually lead to various complications.
Medo dhatwagni mandya (Impaired fat tissue metabolism and transformation) and selective nourishment (Uttarottara dhatu malnourishment)
When the channels of transportation of nutrition are blocked by the Medo avarana (Adipose or fat) along with Medo dhatwagni mandya, the consecutive dhatus / tissues (Asthi, Majja, Sukra, etc.) get deprived of sufficient essential components and will remain undernourished. Only the Meda Dhatu continues to receive nourishment. This leads to disproportionate growth, which is characteristic of Sthaulya.

AyurVAID’s 4-Step Approach to Determine Root Cause and Create Individualised Treatment Plan

1. Whole-Person Health Assessment
Carried out by our uniquely trained and qualified doctors, this assessment includes an in-depth evaluation of the present and past presentations, Nidana Panchaka (causative factors), and disease pathways through clinical methods such as Ashta Sthana Pariksha (8-fold examination), Dasha Vidha Pariksha (10 factors), and Srota Pariksha.

Diagnosis of obesity for clinical assessment may be confirmed with either measurement of body fat directly through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), Bioimpedance, using Skin fold calliper, or with Anthropometric measurements (waist circumference or waist-to-hip/height ratio) along with BMI.

2. Disease Tree
A comprehensive disease tree, from root cause to all signs and symptoms, is derived from causative factors, imbalances in doshas, involved sub-systems, and progression.

3. Personalised Protocol-Based Care Plan
Based on the disease tree and assessments, we create a personalised protocol-based treatment strategy for improving the overall metabolism, reducing excess fat, arresting the upcoming secondary complications, and effectively reversing disease pathogenesis. The treatment plan involves classical Ayurveda medicines and therapies with an Ayurveda diet for weight loss and lifestyle modifications.

4. Disease Monitoring and Outcomes Tracking
We track various health parameters, focusing on enhanced physical and emotional well-being, better quality of life, and optimal body weight. The goal is to assess interventions’ efficacy, identify potential complications, and support sustained weight management and improved health.

The primary parameters tracked are anthropometric parameters, including waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio, BMI, and weight. Monitoring blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profile, etc., is also practised wherever applicable to minimise health risks. Additionally, standardised tools on quality of life and patient-reported outcomes are incorporated to provide a better understanding of physical and psychological status.

AyurVAID’s Protocol-Driven Treatment for Obesity (Precision Ayurveda)

Poorvakarma (Pre-Operative phase):
Objective:

To address inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction while improving digestion
To reduce subcutaneous fat accumulation
To prepare the body for the detoxification/ tissue cleansing phase
Duration: Approximately 7-8 days
Treatment Approach:
Internal Medications: Medications such as Ama pachana and Agni Deepana (Digestive stimulant, appetiser, and carminative) may be prescribed. Takrapana (Administration of processed and medicated butter milk) may also be done in this phase.
External Therapies: Udwartana (Dry powder massage), Kashaya or Dhanyamla Dhara (pouring warm decoction over the whole body), Churna Pinda Sweda (application of medicated powder in potli form), Bashpa Sweda (Steam procedure) are among the primary Ayurveda weight loss treatments considered during this phase.

Pradhana Karma (Panchakarma therapies):
Objective:

Bio-purification or detoxification of the body
Improving the flow of nutrients to the tissues
Restore Dosha balance
Enhance the growth of good bacteria in the gut, resulting in better absorption of vitamins and micronutrients.
Duration: Approximately 12-15 days (or according to the stage of the disease)Treatment Approach:
External Therapies: Panchkarma therapies such as Vamana (Induced Vomiting), Virechana (Induced Purgation), and Vasti (Medicated Enemas), especially Lekhana Vasti, may be done. Additionally, treatments like Shirodhara (Pouring of medicated oil), Nasyam (Nasal administration of medicines), Shiro Vasti, Takradhara (Use of medicated buttermilk), etc., may be administered in cases of stress/anxiety-related weight gain.
In addition to reversing the pathogenesis, Panchakarma also enables the prevention of obesity and its associated complications

Outcomes Delivered

AyurVAID follows a structured, protocol-driven approach to ensure effective treatment and sustainable recovery.
To ensure effective treatment and track progress, baseline values are taken using:

Anthropometric measurements: Waist circumference, Waist-hip ratio, Waist-height ratio, BMI, Weight
Biomarkers: To assess progress and improvements.
Patient-Reported Outcomes and standardised scales on
Quality of Life: To track improvement while maintaining transparency and avoiding bias.

Patients highly rate our Clinical Care, Outcomes, and Service

Patients expressed high satisfaction with their Psoriasis treatment, highlighting significant improvements in their conditions.

Case Studies

Case 1:
Mrs. A, a 35-year-old female with metabolic syndrome, obesity (91.1 kg), hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus, underwent evidence-based Ayurveda treatment at AyurVAID Hospital, including planned Panchakarma therapies and classical medications. Treatment was tailored per Ayurvedic diagnosis (Kapha-Vata Vruddhi, Sthoulya) and monitored with objective clinical and lab outcomes. After 39 days, she showed significant improvements: weight reduced to 79.9 kg, HbA1c to 6.2%, TSH to 6.31 mcIU/ml, with major symptom relief and no adverse events, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of evidence-based Ayurveda for metabolic health.

Case 1:
Mrs. M, a 58-year-old therapist from Ireland, presented with chronic obesity (104.4 kg), bilateral knee osteoarthritis, low backache, and loss of energy. She underwent a 15-day evidence-based Classical Ayurveda treatment at AyurVAID Hospital, including Panchakarma therapies and internal medications. Post-treatment, she achieved a 9 kg weight loss, improved sleep, digestion, vitality, and moderate reduction in knee pain. Her vitals stabilised, and she was discharged with follow-up dietary, lifestyle, and medication advice.

Scientific Evidence For Ayurvedic Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation

An integrated therapy approach for the management of obesity-associated disorders: A case report
Verma A, et al, 2019: This case study suggests that integrated Ayurveda panchakarma and yoga therapy may offer a promising, holistic approach for improving functional capacity, pulmonary health, and quality of life in patients with obesity-related disorders.
Outcomes from a Whole-Systems Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Therapy Treatment for Obesity Pilot Study
Rioux J, et al, 2019: An integrated Ayurveda–yoga lifestyle modification programme demonstrates promising, sustainable weight loss and holistic health benefits, with feasible implementation and potential to mitigate obesity-related comorbidities.
Screening of six Ayurvedic medicinal plants for anti-obesity potential: An investigation on bioactive constituents from Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz bark
Mangal P, et al, 2017: This study highlights the anti-obesity potential of Oroxylum indicum bark and its flavonoids — oroxylin A, chrysin, and baicalein — which significantly inhibit adipogenesis and pancreatic lipase activity, supporting its traditional Ayurveda use.
Efficacy of tryushnadya churna in metabolic syndrome with obesity – A randomized double blind controlled clinical trial
Chandake S, et al, 2024: Integrative Ayurveda management with Tryushnadi Churna, Ayurveda diet, and yoga demonstrated significant benefits in improving metabolic parameters and quality of life in patients with Metabolic Syndrome and obesity.
Ayurvedic treatment of obesity: a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Paranjpe P, et al, 1990: A randomised trial of Ayurvedic drug treatments for obesity showed significant weight loss, reductions in skin fold thickness, waist/hip circumferences, and improvements in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, with no observed side effects.

Hear from our patients!

“I had been suffering from severe shoulder pain since my stroke in 2019, with pain levels reaching up to 100%. After just 20 days of Ayurveda treatment at AyurVAID, the pain came down to 20%. I never knew about this treatment before, but now I’ve truly experienced its benefits. I would definitely recommend Ayurveda to anyone in a similar situation.”
Mr. JCZ

“After my aneurysm, I was completely dependent — I couldn’t walk or move my right side. In the US, therapy was limited. But at AyurVAID, with their integrated approach and intensive therapy — twice-daily physio, Ayurveda sessions, and speech therapy — I can now walk alone, move my right hand almost fully, and live independently. This place gave me back my life.”
Mr. N

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the reasons for obesity?

Obesity manifests when calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure. It is often linked to improper diet, lifestyle, genetic predisposition, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.

What are the effects of obesity?

People with obesity are at higher risk of many serious health complications like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiac disorders, joint disorders like osteoarthritis, PCOD, infertility, sleep apnea, etc.

What weight is considered obese?

A BMI of 25 or more signifies overweight, while a BMI of 30 or more indicates Obesity.

Why is obesity considered a health risk?

Obesity is a multifactorial condition with several contributing risk factors, mainly lifestyle choices, genetics, and environmental factors.

What is the best cure for obesity?

Effective and sustainable management of obesity involves a combination of approaches tailored to individual needs. It includes comprehensive lifestyle changes, increased physical activity, and behavioural modifications.

Can Ayurveda help in reducing weight?

Yes. Ayurveda can effectively help in sustained weight reduction through Pathya ahara viharas, Medohara aushadhas, and Panchakarma treatments.

What are some Ayurveda treatments for obesity?

Besides diet and lifestyle modifications, Ayurveda Panchakarma treatments like Udwartana, Vamana, Virechana, Lekhana Vasti, etc., have proven effective against obesity.

Does Ayurveda weight loss mean crash dieting?

No. Ayurveda never recommends a crash diet for weight loss. Instead, it recommends gradual and consistent weight reduction.

Can Panchakarma help with obesity?

Yes. Panchakarma treatments done by qualified practitioners help manage obesity.

References

Verma A, Shete SU, Doddoli G. (2019). An integrated therapy approach for managing obesity-associated disorders: A case report. J Family Med Prim Care, 8(4):1491–1494.

Rioux J, Howerter A. (2019). Outcomes from a Whole-Systems Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Therapy Treatment for Obesity Pilot Study. J Altern Complement Med, 25(S1):S124–S137.

Mangal P, Khare P, Jagtap S, Bishnoi M, Kondepudi KK, Bhutani KK. (2017). Screening of six Ayurvedic medicinal plants for anti-obesity potential. J Ethnopharmacol, 197:138–146.

Chandake S, Tubaki BR, Gonugade V, Sharma O. (2024). Efficacy of tryushnadya churna in metabolic syndrome with obesity – A randomized double blind controlled clinical trial. J Ayurveda Integr Med, 15(4):100973.

Paranjpe P, Patki P, Patwardhan B. (1990). Ayurvedic treatment of obesity: a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol, 29(1):1–11.

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The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, Ayurvedic practitioner, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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Content Details

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Anagha J

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Last updated on:

July 18, 2025
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Ayurveda Treatment for Obesity

Overview

What is Obesity?

How is Obesity Measured?

Obesity in India: A Growing Crisis

Why is Weight Loss So Difficult?

Obesity Treatments: Current Modalities and Approaches

Apollo AyurVAID’s Integrative Obesity Management

Who Can Benefit and Who May Not: Ayurveda Treatment Scope in Obesity

Who Benefits from AyurVAID’s Treatment? Obesity

Who May Not Benefit from AyurVAID’s Treatment?

What Obesity Patients Can Expect from AyurVAID’s Approach

Nidanas (Causative factors) for Obesity

Clinical Features and Symptoms (Rupa) of Obesity

Samprapti (Pathogenesis) of Obesity

AyurVAID’s 4-Step Approach to Determine Root Cause and Create Individualised Treatment Plan

AyurVAID’s Protocol-Driven Treatment for Obesity (Precision Ayurveda)

Outcomes Delivered

Patients highly rate our Clinical Care, Outcomes, and Service

Case Studies

Scientific Evidence For Ayurvedic Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation

Hear from our patients!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

Did the information meet your needs?

Disclaimer

Stay Connected to Health and Wellness

Content Details

Share this article on

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Anagha J

Physician

BAMS, MD (Panchakarma)

Last updated on:

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Ayurveda Doctors for Obesity

Dr. Arundhathy KS

Dr. Anagha J

Dr. Rakesh Kumar N

Dr. Ajithkumar Vivekanandan

Dr. Bheema Bhatta

Dr. Zankhana M Buch

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