Understanding Obesity – The Ayurvedic Perspective
- Sthoulya = Abnormal accumulation of Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) & excessive Kapha dosha
- Described in Charaka Samhita & Sushruta Samhita as a Santarpanottha Vyadhi (disease due to over-nourishment)
- Obesity is preventable & reversible with Ayurveda and discipline, an insight about Weight loss in UK Ayurvedic Way
Pathology in Ayurveda
- Weak Jatharagni (digestive fire) → Improper digestion
- Formation of Ama (toxins) → Blocks Srotas (channels)
- Excess Kapha + impaired Vata → Accumulation of Meda (fat)
- Progressive buildup of fat leading to obesity.
Causes of Obesity in Ayurveda
- Overeating, frequent snacking (especially sweets, fried food)
- Excessive sleep, especially daytime sleep (Divaswapna)
- Sedentary lifestyle, minimal movement
- Genetic/Constitutional Kapha dominance
- Mental stress → emotional eating
- Low metabolism, high-carb diet
Additional Causes in UK
- High intake of fizzy drinks, chocolates, processed foods
- Less physical activity due to weather, indoor jobs
- Indian expats tend to stick to heavy carbs, sweets
- Easy availability of high-calorie snacks
- Irregular eating habits & late dinners
- Increased screen time & mental stress
Signs & Symptoms
- Abdominal fat, large hips & thighs
- Heaviness in the body, breathlessness on minimal exertion
- Sluggishness, slow movement
- Hormonal imbalance (PCOS, infertility)
- Hypercholesterolemia, fatty liver, insulin resistance
- Cardiovascular diseases, also affects kidney, gallbladder
- Metabolic syndrome
- Asthma
- Back pain
- Chronic illness
Ayurvedic Line of Treatment for Sthoulya (Weightloss)
Classical Herbal Formulations (with doctor supervision)
- Triphala Churna – detoxifies and improves bowel movement
- Trikatu Churna – enhances metabolism
- Guggulu-based preparations – Medohara (fat-reducing)
- Vrikshamla (Garcinia), Loha Bhasma – fat regulation
- Takra (Buttermilk) – ideal daily gut drink
Ayurvedic Therapies for weight loss
Langhana (lightening therapy) – Includes fasting, herbal decoctions
Panchakarma Detox:
Studies show Panchakarma enhances metabolism, lowers lipid levels, and corrects gut health in obesity. When visiting India try Panchakarma from Ayurveda Centers very effective method for weight loss.
- Udvartana (dry powder massage) – UK supermarkets Bath salts with turmeric powder, gram flour or Oats.
- Swedana (steam therapy) – UK Jacuzzi or sauna bath as substitute
- Virechana (purgation) – mild home-based detoxification using Castor oil, Triphala, Isabgol (under guidance)
Research Insights & Clinical Evidence
- Udvartana has shown significant fat reduction
- Panchakarma therapies effective in improving lipid profiles, reducing body fat
- Detox + diet combination improves metabolic rate, curbs cravings
UK-Friendly Ayurvedic Weight Loss Tips
- Start mornings with hot water + lemon + honey to stimulate metabolism
- Fruit fasting or water fasting once a week (after gut correction)
- Practice early dinner (by 7 PM) – avoid night meals
- Avoid snacking on crisps/sweets – opt for nuts, seeds, soaked almonds
- Choose UK-local fruits and vegetables apples, carrots, kale, berries, cucumber
- Replace white rice with millets/quinoa/brown rice
- Reduce wheat, refined flour for chappathi or Dosa– switch to oats, multi-grain flours
- Use kitchen detox drinks:
- Black Jeera (cumin), Ajwain (carom), Methi (fenugreek) boiled water
- Ginger-coriander-fennel Chia seeds herbal tea
- Lemon Tea with Mint and Corriander infused
- Masala spices chai
Lifestyle Corrections
- Daily physical activity: brisk walk at least 20 minutes , Cycling, yoga, Surya Namaskar
- Practice deep breathing, meditation to reduce emotional eating
- Establish routine meal times and sleep cycles
- Increase digestive fire (Agni) using warming spices
Consultation & Caution
- Always consult an Ayurvedic physician for personalised treatment
- Avoid sudden crash diets – correct digestion and appetite first
- Gradual fat reduction is more sustainable and healthier
- Ayurvedic therapy should complement lifestyle changes
- Panchakarma is best when done under expert guidance (India or qualified UK clinic)
Weight loss in UK Ayurvedic Way is sustainable when done by aligning mind, body, diet, and routine. Ayurveda doesn’t focus on rapid results but root cause correction, detox, and balancing lifestyle.
AI Ayurveda Imma – Your Guide to Ayurvedic Living in the UK | Zen Wellness
Be slow in choosing, sure in living – Choose Ayurveda.
