ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity and insulin resistance represent global metabolic challenges. Ayurveda, through Charaka Saṃhitā[1], recognized obesity (Sthaulya/Atisthūlya) as a serious pathological state and listed eight defects (Ashta Doṣas) associated with it: Āyuṣo hrāsaḥ, Jāvo’parodhaḥ, Kṛcchra-vyavāyatā, Daurbalyaṃ, Daurgandhyaṃ, Svedābādhaḥ, Ati-ślathatā, Ati-pipāsā ca [2]. This study explores the conceptual parallels between these eight classical features and the biomedical pathophysiology of insulin resistance (IR) [3]. Each of the eight defects is correlated with contemporary medical understanding of metabolic dysfunction and energy imbalance. [4] Objectives: To analyze Charaka’s Ashta Doṣas of Atisthūlya from an Ayurvedic and biomedical perspective. To correlate these with modern clinical manifestations of insulin resistance and obesity-related metabolic syndrome. Methods:A narrative comparative review was performed using Ayurvedic classical texts (Charaka Saṃhitā, Sushruta Saṃhitā, Ashtāṅga Hṛdaya) and modern biomedical literature (PubMed, Google Scholar). The eight classical defects were interpreted through Ayurvedic commentaries and mapped against established pathophysiologic features and complications of insulin resistance. Results: Each of the eight classical defects of Atisthūlya described by Āchārya Charaka closely corresponds to biomedical manifestations of insulin resistance, such as reduced longevity, decreased physical capacity, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, body odour, excessive sweating, tissue laxity, and excessive thirst—all common in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Charaka’s description of Atisthūlya remarkably parallels the systemic complications of insulin resistance. This highlights Ayurveda’s sophisticated understanding of metabolic imbalance and provides a conceptual bridge for integrative preventive and therapeutic research.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Sthaulya, Atisthūlya, Insulin resistance, Medoroga, Metabolic syndrome, Ashta Doṣa