On World Health Day, the pioneer of Poly Scientific Ayurveda (PSA) says that the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and modern medical advancements can be combined to address obesity
Cardiovascular disorders continue to be the major cause of mortality, representing about 30 per cent of all deaths worldwide. The National Library of Medicine reports that in India, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity as well as cardiovascular diseases are on the rise due to unwholesome food habits and unhealthy lifestyle patterns.
Of these, obesity is one of the key concerns among lifestyle-related diseases globally. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled in 2024. The situation also calls for holistic solutions to prevent and manage obesity. In this context, a lot of attention is now being paid to Poly Scientific Ayurveda (PSA), which blends traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and modern science to tackle lifestyle maladies.
“The concept of obesity in Poly Scientific Ayurveda (PSA), underscores the intricate interplay between Ayurvedic doshas and metabolic processes. Individual metabolic characteristics influenced by Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas dictate responses to diets and regimens.
For instance, Vata-dominant individuals may accumulate fat due to mobility and excitability, while Kapha-dominant individuals tend to gain weight easily and benefit from light, low-glycemic foods. Pitta individuals with a hypermetabolic state may accumulate fat to balance their increased metabolic rate. This necessitates personalized obesity management strategies, diverging from generic approaches.” says Dr Ravishankar Polisetty, the pioneer of Poly Scientific Ayurveda (PSA).
He says that Ayurveda has already proven its ability to manage lifestyle diseases through well-calibrated diet plans, detoxification, bio-purification procedures like Panchakarma and various rejuvenation therapies, for the mind and body.
“With the growing acceptance of PSA all over the world, we must consider blending the holistic approach of Ayurveda, which focuses on the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of the patient, with modern science and technological advancements. This can help in developing healthier and more accurate solutions for preventing excess fat in the human body, which is a major cause of obesity,” adds Dr Polisetty
