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Original Article

Role of Pradhana Sharira and Manas Prakriti (Bodily and

Mental Constitution) in the Manifestation of Sthaulya (Obesity):
A Cross‑Sectional Survey Study
Hetalben Amin, Hitesh Vyas1, Mahesh Vyas2

Regional Ayurveda Research Background and Aim: Lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and

Abstract
Institute for Skin Disorders,
CCRAS, Ministry of
diabetes mellitus are the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular
AYUSH, Government disease. Concept of Prakriti (human constitution) can be applied for manifestation
of India, Ahmedabad, and prognosis of diseases. Therefore, in this study, we intend to study Pradhana
1
Department of Basic Sharira and Manas Prakriti  (dominant bodily and mental constitution) in
Principles, I.P.G.T. and R.A., Sthaulya  (obesity) participants. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 Sthaulya
Gujarat Ayurved University, participants who had no confirmed mental illness to participate were selected
Jamnagar, Gujarat,
2
Department of Basic
without any bar of age, sex, caste, and religion.   The diagnosis was mainly
Principles, All India Institute based on the sign and symptoms of Sthaulya as mentioned in Ayurvedic and
of Ayurved, New Delhi, India Allopathic literature. Participants aged between 20 and 60  years and with body
mass index  (BMI) >25  (BMI  =  weight in kg/height in m2) considered as obese
were included in the study. Participants of Sthaulya were assessed as per Prakriti
assessment pro forma. Vata‑, Pitta‑, and Kapha Dosha  (bodily humors)‑dominant
Prakriti were analyzed according to the characteristics found in participants.
Same protocol was done in assessing the Manas Prakriti, i.e., Sattva Pradhana
Prakriti, Rajas Pradhana Prakriti, and Tamas Pradhana Prakriti. Results: 56.60%
Kapha‑dominant Prakriti participants and 47.17% Tamas Pradhana Prakriti
were found in Sthaulya. Conclusion: Dominant Kapha and Tamas Prakriti have
influence on manifestation of that Dosha‑dominant disease obesity.
Keywords: Manas, obesity, Prakriti, Sharira, Sthaulya
Submission: 14-05-2019, Revision: 22-07-2019,
Acceptance: 21-08-2019, Publication: 17-10-2019

Introduction of noncommunicable diseases[1] and promotion of

S thaulya  (~obesity) is one of the most profound
public health problems today. Significance of
Sthaulya as a pathological condition has changed over
years from the time of Charaka Samhita  (ancient
Ayurvedic treatise) to the later authors. Understanding
this disease from Ayurvedic perspective is the most
important need of the present era as it has reached the
pandemic levels and has a great influence on morbidity
and mortality. Chronic diet‑related diseases are on rise
around the world due to new lifestyles and eating habits.
Therefore, studies about health promotion and its related
factors certainly need to be conducted. Change in the
lifestyle is becoming major strategy for the prevention
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health. Most of these noncommunicable diseases share
common preventable risk factors, such as tobacco use,
high alcohol consumption, anxiety, raised cholesterol
level, and sedentary lifestyle. Lifestyle diseases such
as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity are the
major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular
diseases  (CVDs).[2] Obesity is psychosomatic and much
Address for correspondence: Dr. Hetalben Amin, Regional
Ayurveda Research Institute for Skin Disorders, CCRAS, Ministry
of AYUSH, Government of India, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
E‑mail: dr.hetal1985@gmail.com
This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial‑ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows
others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non‑commercially, as long as
appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical
terms.
For reprints contact: reprints@medknow.com

How to cite this article: Amin H, Vyas H, Vyas M. Role of Pradhana

Sharira and Manas Prakriti (bodily and mental constitution) in the
DOI: 10.4103/ijny.ijoyppp_8_19 manifestation of sthaulya (obesity): A cross-sectional survey study. Int
J Yoga - Philosop Psychol Parapsychol 2019;7:39-47.

© 2019 International Journal of Yoga - Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 39
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Amin, et al.: Role of prakriti in manifestation of sthaulya
common in Jamnagar city; therefore, they are selected.
Medovriddhi is Kapha and Tamas Pradhana. Therefore,
this disease is selected to assess the Pradhana Sharira
and Manas Prakriti of patients of Sthaulya.
Sharira and Manas Prakriti have an important role in Hetu
Skandha (causative factors), Linga Skandha (symptomatic
factors), and Aushadha Skandha  (treatment factor).
Many works have been done on Sharira Prakriti, but
researches on Manas and Sharira prakriti with relation to
Vyadhi Utpatti are very few or not available. For Sharira
Prakriti, it is said that “Vataladya Sadatura.”[3] Keeping
this particular view in the mindan attempt was made to
assess the role of Prakriti in Sthaulya manifestation.  On
the basis of manifestation of sign and symptoms and
current evidence, obesity can be equated to Sthaulya and
is of Kapha and Tamas Pradhana.[4]
Materials and Methods
Selection of participants
A cross‑sectional survey study was conducted on
106 Sthaulya participants, attending outpatient
department  (OPD) and inpatient department of
Institute for Postgraduate Teaching and Research in
Ayurveda  (IPGT and RA), Gujarat Ayurved University,
Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, from December 1, 2013, to
February 28, 2014, after obtaining approval from the
institutional ethics committee. The participants were
selected using simple random sampling and written
informed consent was taken as per the Declaration of
Helsinki after offering sufficient explanations about the
study and its aims. All participants were interviewed in
the local language by a single person.
Inclusion criteria
Obese participants who had no confirmed mental illness
to participate were selected without any bar of age, sex,
caste, and religion. The diagnosis was mainly based
on the signs and symptoms of Sthaulya as mentioned
in Ayurvedic and Allopathic literature. Participants
aged between 20 and 60  years and with body mass
index  (BMI) >25  (BMI  =  weight in kg/height in m2)
considered as Sthaulya were included in the study.
Exclusion criteria
Participants aged  <20 and  >60  years, obesity associated
with CVD, hemiplegic, diabetes, and severe hypertension
were excluded from the study. Females with a history of
pregnancy and lactation were also excluded.
Assessment of Prakriti
Prakriti determination pro forma was prepared having
Vatika, Paitika, and Kaphaja characters with reference
to anatomical, physiological, and sociological characters,
by following Briha Trayi  (Charaka, Sushruta, and
40 International Journal of Yoga ‑ Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology  ¦  Volume 7  ¦  Issue 2  ¦  July‑December 2019
Ashtanga Hridaya). Assessment was made by analyzing
obtained data from filled questionnaire and physical
examination of the participants. All anatomical
characteristics were assessed by visual and tactile
examination. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Pradhana Prakriti
were analyzed with pro forma according to character
found in individuals. Maximum characteristic of any
Dosha indicates Pradhana Dosha Prakriti of that
individual. All calculations and statistics were done
with   The statistical analysis of data was performed
using (IBM SPSS) statistics software version 22.0.
India. After assessing Prakriti, participants were further
divided into three categories, i.e., Vata Pradhana, Pitta
Pradhana, and Kapha Pradhana Prakriti. The same
protocol was done in assessing the Manas Prakriti, i.e.,
Sattva Pradhana Prakriti, Rajas Pradhana Prakriti, and
Tamas Pradhana Prakriti.
Procedures
A volume of 5  ml fasting blood of participants
were taken from for the estimation of biochemical
investigations, such as hemoglobin, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride,
serum high‑density lipoprotein  (HDL), low‑density
lipoprotein  (LDL), very LDL  (VLDL), serum urea,
serum creatinine, alkaline phosphate, serum glutamic
pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic
transaminase, serum protein, serum albumin, and serum
globulin. Anthropometric parameters such as height,
weight, BMI, circumference of neck, mid arm, fore
arm, chest, abdomen, hip, mid‑thigh, and mid‑calf were
recorded. The body fat was assessed by measuring the
skin fold thickness by vernier caliper  (Lange’s skinfold
vernier caliper  [Lange 85300, Texas, USA]). Skinfold
thickness of the middle portion of the biceps muscle and
triceps muscle, inferior portion of the scapula, thickness
of the abdomen, and middle portion of the supra iliac
region was also recorded. The skinfold measurement was
carried out bilaterally after exposing the skin properly in
the above‑mentioned region. Skinfold was measured by
placing two points of vernier calipers at Superficial skin
along with subcutaneous fat (except muscles). For all
the regions, the mean values of both sides of the body
have been recorded.
For survey study
A cross‑sectional survey study was conducted on 106
Sthaulya participants, attending OPD and inpatient
department of IPGT and RA, Gujarat Ayurved
University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, from December
1, 2013, to February 28, 2014, after obtaining approval
from the institutional ethics committee. The participants
were selected using simple random sampling and written
informed consent was taken as per the Declaration of
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Amin, et al.: Role of prakriti in manifestation of sthaulya

Helsinki after offering sufficient explanations about the Table 1: Demographic distribution of 106 patients of
study and its aims. All participants were interviewed Sthaulya
in the local language by a single person. A  short Parameters Divisions Number of patients (%)
clinical pro forma was prepared which included the Age (years) 20-35 67 (63.21)
present and medical history of first‑degree relatives, 36-55 38 (35.85)
medications, diet pattern, and lifestyle of patients in Above 56 1 (0.94)
the light of etiological factors explained for Sthaulya Sex Female 17 (16.04)
in Ayurvedic classics. Ethical clearance was obtained Male 89 (83.96)
from the institutional ethics committee of the IPGT and Religion Hindu 90 (84.96)
RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar; vide Ref. Muslim 15 (14.15)
PGT/7‑A/Ethics/2012–2032/3552 dated 25/02/2013. Christian 1 (0.94)
Marital status Married 89 (83.96)
This study is registered in Clinical Trial Registry of
Unmarried 17 (16.04)
India (CTRI) vide CTRI/2013/06/003775.  The study
Occupation Sitting 33 (31.13)
period was May 2013–June 2014.
Standing 70 (66.04)
Walking 3 (2.83)
Results Education Educated 100 (94.34)
Demographic distribution of 106  patients of Sthaulya Uneducated 6 (5.66)
is mentioned in Table  1. Sharira–Manas prakriti‑wise Socioeconomic status Upper 0
distribution of Sthaulya patients is summarized in Middle 97 (91.51)
Table  2 and factors related to Sharira prakriti of Lower 9 (8.49)
Sthaulya patients are depicted in Table  3. Manasika
Prakriti‑wise distribution of 106  patients of Sthaulya is
Table 2: Sharira Manas Prakriti‑wise distribution of
presented in Table  4. Biochemical, anthropometric, and
Sthaulya patients
skinfold thickness profile of patients are mentioned in
Prakriti
Table 5. Prakriti Number of patients (%)
Kapha Pradhana Prakriti 55 (51.89)
Discussion Pitta Pradhana Prakriti 43 (40.57)
A total of 106 participants  (female: 57, male: 49) Vata Pradhana Prakriti 8 (7.54)
of Sthaulya were studied. Kapha‑dominant Prakriti Sattva Pradhana Prakriti 30 (28.30)
participants were found to be more prevalent (56.60%) Rajas Pradhana Prakriti 26 (24.52)
whereas Vata‑dominant and Pitta‑dominant Prakriti Tamas Pradhana Prakriti 50 (47.17)
participants were 18.87% and 24.53% respectively.
Prakriti plays an important role to predict the More prevalence was found in female gender, which
susceptibility of the manifestation of disease, and it is shows their more susceptibility; this might be due
also possible to predict the probable clinical features of to faulty dietary and lifestyle habits, hormonal
each Prakriti type. This would give us an opportunity variations  (postpartal or menopausal), and more
to predict clinical features and will be helpful in taking vulnerability to diseases in female gender.[7‑9]
preventive measures on how they should be avoided and
cured.[5] Maximum patients of this study are married. A  study
reported that the spousal concordance of poor
Majority of the patients were in the age group of health  (including obesity) among married couples is
20–35 years. Young group occurrence was most common, primarily a phenomenon occurring among households
which signifies the increasing trend of sedentary of low socioeconomic status  (SES), whereas high SES
lifestyle and changing food habits in Indian youth. couples are relatively untouched. Even as increases
Recent reports also support the increasing prevalence in life expectancy can be thought of as a leveling of
of obesity in adolescent age,[6] which is an alarming
lifetime health, marital sorting undermines those leveling
signal for modern society. According to Ayurveda,
trends.[10]
in the middle age, all body tissues  (~Dhatu) reach to
completeness  (~Paripurnata). In the current lifestyle, in In the present study, maximum patients had sitting
the middle age, the professional and social stress is being type of occupation. Sitting type of work is related
common occurrence, resulting in increment in mental with light nature of work with advancement of new
worries, and the people could not concentrate on what techniques; tools are the causative factors for reduced
and how much they eat and follow disorderly eating activity. Low physical activity at work is a significant
habits, which ultimately lead to the Sthaulya. risk factor for total and central obesity in middle‑aged

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Amin, et al.: Role of prakriti in manifestation of sthaulya

Table 3: Factors related to Sharira Prakriti of Sthaulya Table 3: Contd...

patients Prakriti Aharamatra (food quantity) Number of
Prakriti Anga Number of patients (%)
patients (%) Kapha Prakriti Alpa (low) 44 (41.51)
Kapha Prakriti Snigdha (unctuous) 65 (61.32) Pitta Prakriti Prabhuta (maximum) 52 (49.06)
Upachita (well nourished) 40 (37.74) Vata Prakriti Aniyamita (irregular) 10 (9.43)
Sthira (stable) 42 (39.62) Prakriti Kshudha (hunger) Number of
Alpa Santapa (not so much 31 (29.25) patients (%)
hot) Kapha Prakriti Alpa (low) 47 (44.34)
Pitta Prakriti Shithila (loose) 18 (16.98) Pitta Prakriti Dandashuka 52 (49.06)
Gaura (fair) 10 (9.43) (frequent hunger)
Tanu (thin) 8 (7.55) Vata Prakriti Aniyamita (irregular) 7 (6.60)
Ushnanga (hot estimates) 10 (9.43) Prakriti Trishna (thirst) Number of
Vata Prakriti Ruksha (dry) 22 (20.75) patients (%)
Apachita (not nourished) 13 (12.26) Kapha Prakriti Alpa (low) 57 (53.77)
Anavasthita 10 (9.43) Pitta Prakriti Prabhuta (maximum) 35 (33.02)
(not properly maintained) Vata Prakriti Aniyamita (irregular) 14 (13.21)
Shitanga (hot extremities) 10 (9.43) Prakriti Sweda (perspiration) Number of
Prakriti Gatra (extremities) Number of patients (%)
patients (%) Kapha Prakriti Alpa (low) 44 (40.57)
Kapha Prakriti Sundara (beautiful) 16 (15.09) Pitta Prakriti Prabhuta (maximum) 45 (41.51)
Suvibhakta (well structured) 18 (16.98) Vata Prakriti Aniyamita (irregular) 17 (15.09)
Pitta Prakriti Sukumara (elegant) 71 (66.98) Prakriti Sharira Gandha Number of
Avadata (white) 53 (50) patients (%)
Vata Prakriti Krisha (thin) 7 (6.60) Kapha Prakriti Alpa (low) 36 (33.02)
Prakriti Varna (color) Number of Pitta Prakriti Prabhuta (maximum) 47 (44.34)
patients (%) Vata Prakriti Aniyamita (irregular) 23 (20.75)
Kapha Prakriti Avadata (white) 44 (40.57) Prakriti Drishti (eye sight) Number of
Pitta Prakriti Gaura/Pitta (~fair) 20 (18.87) patients (%)
Vata Prakriti Aruna/Shyama (black) 42 (38.68) Kapha Prakriti Prasanna (~clear) 26 (24.53)
Prakriti Sharira Sandhi Mansa Number of Shukla (white) 21 (19.81)
(joint muscles) patients (%) Raktanta (reddish at corner) 10 (9.43)
Kapha Prakriti Sthira (stable) 46 (42.45) Pitta Prakriti Tamra (yellowish) 50 (47.17)
Pitta Prakriti Shithila (loose) 40 (36.79) Vata Prakriti Chapala (frequent movement) 23 (21.70)
Vata Prakriti Chapala (active) 20 (17.92) Prakriti Mukha (face) Number of
Prakriti Sandhi Bandhana (joint) Number of patients (%)
patients (%) Kapha Prakriti Prasanna (~healthy) 45 (42.45)
Kapha Prakriti Sushlishta (firm) 46 (42.45) Priya Darshana (beautiful) 21 (19.81)
Pitta Prakriti Shithila (loose) 43 (39.62) Pitta Prakriti Ushna (hot) 35 (33.02)
Vata Prakriti Shabdagamina (crapitus) 17 (16.04) Tamra (yellowish) 29 (27.36)
Prakriti Cheshta Number of Vata Prakriti Chapala 22 (20.75)
patients (%) (frequent movement)
Prakriti Cheshta (body movement) 66 (62.26) Krisha (thin) 10 (9.43)
Kapha Prakriti Manda (slow) ‑ Prakriti Swara (voice) Number of
Pitta Prakriti ‑ 30 (28.30) patients (%)
Vata Prakriti Chapala (active) 24 (22.64) Kapha Prakriti Prasanna/Snigdha (~healthy) 43 (40.57)
Shigra (fast) 14 (13.21) Pitta Prakriti Vyathita Asya 37 (36.79)
Prakriti Karya (activity) (unhealthy oral cavity)
Kapha Prakriti Ashigra (slow) 53 (48.11) Vata Prakriti Pratata/Ruksha/Krisha 26 (24.53)
Pitta Prakriti Madhyama (medium) 37 (34.91) (dry/thin)
Vata Prakriti Shigra (fast) 16 (15.09) Bahupralapa 0
(excessive talking)
Prakriti Gati (gait) Number of
patients (%) Prakriti Darshana (look) Number of
Kapha Prakriti Sara Adhisthita (stable) 59 (53.77) patients (%)
Kapha Prakriti Prasanna/Snigdha 50 (47.17)
Pitta Prakriti ‑ 0
(~healthy)
Vata Prakriti Laghu/Chapala (active) 47 (43.39)
Contd... Contd...

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Amin, et al.: Role of prakriti in manifestation of sthaulya

Table 3: Contd... Table 3: Contd...

Prakriti Darshana (look) Number of Prakriti Trasa/Raga/Viraga Number of
patients (%) (anger/irritation) patients (%)
Pitta Prakriti Prabhuta Piplu Vyanga 38 (34.91) Kapha Prakriti Alpa (low) 18 (16.98)
(maximum mole etc.) Chirat (after long time) 13 (12.26)
Vata Prakriti Bahukandara 18 (16.04) Alpa Krodha (low anger) 7 (6.60)
(visible tendons) Pitta Prakriti Kshipra Prakopa Prasada 37 (34.91)
Prakriti Bala (strength) Number of (immediately anger and
patients (%) immediately normalize)
Kapha Prakriti Adhika (more) 26 (23.58) Bhuri Krodha 18 (16.98)
Pitta Prakriti Madhyama (medium) 57 (53.77) (excessive anger)
Vata Prakriti Alpa (low) 23 (20.75) Vata Prakriti Anishchita (irregular) 28 (26.42)
Prakriti Sahishnuta (tolerance) Number of Prakriti Smriti (memory) Number of
patients (%) patients (%)
Kapha Prakriti Klesha Sahishnu (distress) 20 (18.87) Kapha Prakriti Dhritimana (determinant) 10 (9.43)
Pitta Prakriti Ushna Asahishnu 38 (36.79) Chiragrahi (slow grasper) 12 (11.32)
(can’t tolerate hot) Dirgha Drishti 12 (11.32)
Vata Prakriti Shita Asahishnu 48 (46.22) (understanding power)
(can’t tolerate cold) Pitta Prakriti Medhavi (intellectual) 14 (13.21)
Prakriti Kesha/Shmashru/Loma Number of Nipuna Mati 11 (10.38)
(hair/beard/small hairs) patients (%) (good intellectual power)
Kapha Prakriti Sthira (stable) 32 (30.19) Tejasvi (intelligent) 6 (5.66)
Kutila (curl) 25 (23.58) Vata Prakriti Shruta Grahinyo 23 (21.70)
Nila/Shyama (grayish) 19 (17.92) (immediate grasper)
Ghana (thick) 15 (14.15) Alpa Smriti (low memory) 42 (39.62)
Pitta Prakriti Mridu/Alpa 21 (19.81) Prakriti Avayavavisesha Number of
(soft/low density) (extremities) patients (%)
Tanu (thin) 16 (15.09) Kapha Prakriti Pralambabaahu 27 (25.47)
Kapila/Pingala 14 (13.21) (excessive long hand)
(brown) Prithupinavaksha 20 (18.87)
Palitya/Khalitya 10 (9.43) (width)
(grayish/hair fall) Mahalalata (long forehead) 16 (15.09)
Vata Prakriti Parusha (hard) 37 (34.91) Pitta Prakriti Ushna Mukha 18 (16.98)
Atyalpa (very low quantity) 29 (27.36) (hot oral cavity)
Ruksha (dry) 30 (28.30) Kshipra vali (wrinkles) 16 (15.09)
Sphutita (two‑ended hairs) 18 (16.98) Vata Prakriti Supte Unmilitani 29 (27.36)
Dhusara (rough) 11 (10.38) (opened eyes when sleep)
Prakriti Nakha (nail) Number of Prabaddhapindika 3 (2.83)
patients (%) (calf muscles)
Kapha Prakriti Shukla (white) 41 (38.68) Prakriti Satmya Rasa Number of
Snigdha (unctuous) 38 (35.85) (wholesome taste) patients (%)
Pitta Prakriti Tamra (yellowish) 34 (32.08) Kapha Prakriti Tikta (bitter) 22 (20.75)
Tikshhna (sharp) 19 (17.92) Kashaya (pungent) 20 (18.87)
Vata Prakriti Dhusara (greyish) 20 (18.87) Katu (spicy) 28 (26.42)
Sphutita (broken) 12 (11.32) Pitta Prakriti Madhura (sweet) 48 (45.28)
Ruksha (dry) 05 (4.72) Tikta (bitter) 20 (18.87)
Prakriti Agni (digestive power) Number of Kashaya (astringent) 7 (6.60)
patients (%) Vata Prakriti Madhura (sweet) 49 (46.23)
Kapha Prakriti Manda (slow) 23 (21.70) Amla (sour) 50 (47.17)
Pitta Prakriti Madhyama (medium) 62 (58.49) Patu (astringent) 20 (18.87)
Vata Prakriti Vishama (irregular) 21 (19.81) Prakriti Aharaguna Number of
Prakriti Nidra (sleep) Number of patients (%)
patients (%) Kapha Prakriti Ushna/Ruksha 37 (34.91)
Kapha Prakriti Adhika (maximum) 49 (45.28) (hot/dry)
Pitta Prakriti Madhyama (medium) 38 (34.91) Pitta Prakriti Shita (cold) 55 (50)
Vata Prakriti Jagruka (insomnia) 19 (16.98) Vata Prakriti Ushna (hot) 14 (13.21)

Contd... Contd...

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Amin, et al.: Role of prakriti in manifestation of sthaulya

Table 3: Contd... Table 4: Manasika Prakriti‑wise distribution of

Prakriti Akshi (eye) Number of 106 patients of Sthaulya
patients (%) Prakriti Lakshana Number of
Kapha Prakriti Shukla/Pakshmala 27 (25.47) patients (%)
(white eye lashes) Sattva Pradhana Bhakti (conscious in work) 87 (82.07)
Vishala/Dirgh (big/rounded) 14 (13.21) Prakriti Buddhi (intelligent) 72 (67.92)
Pitta Prakriti Pingala/Tamra (yellowish) 38 (35.85) Satya (truth) 65 (61.32)
Tanu (thin) 10 (9.43) Anrushanshya (polite) 56 (52.83)
Vata Prakriti Dhusara/Alpa Pakshmala 29 (27.36) Samvibhagaruchita 66 (62.26)
(grayish/low density eyebrow) (balance nature)
Vritta (round) 8 (7.54) Medha (determination) 63 (59.43)
Prakriti Swapna (dream) Number of Dhriti (concentration) 86 (81.13)
patients (%) Kritagyata (~emotional) 67 (63.21)
Kapha Prakriti Toyada (water) 33 (31.13) Vyavasaya (~active) 76 (71.70)
Pitta Prakriti Jyoti (flame) 13 (12.26) Shaucha (clean) 71 (66.98)
Vata Prakriti Viyati Gacchati (airy) 5 (4.72) Abhishanga Bhava (~detached) 60 (56.60)
Shalidruma Gacchati 6 (5.66) Dharma (~faith) 58 (54.72)
Titiksha (endurance) 58 (54.72)
workers.[11] Their energy expenditure is less than Smriti (memory) 58 (54.72)
Dakshinya (~helpful) 69 (65.09)
energy intake, which may lead to Sthaulya. Maximum
Rajas Pradhana Amitbhashitva (good speaker) 72 (67.92)
patients were primary level educated. Low educational
Prakriti Dukhabahulata (sorrow) 58 (54.72)
status may be associated with ignorance toward healthy
Akarunya (~rigid) 70 (66.04)
food as well as daily requirement of body which may Kama (~desire) 74 (69.81)
trigger the manifestation of disease. There is at least Atanshilata (~traveler) 64 (60.38)
some evidence that over longer periods of time, more Harsha (excitement) 68 (64.15)
educated individuals have been less likely to be become Adhriti (not determinant) 66 (62.26)
obese than their less educated counterparts, suggesting Krodha (anger) 59 (55.66)
that education produces its influence on obesity only in Anarya (~lazy) 59 (55.66)
the long term.[12] Maan (proud) 72 (67.92)
Matsarya (~jealousy) 56 (52.86)
The study shows that maximum numbers of patients Anrutikatva (false speaker) 72 (67.92)
were from lower‑middle class. There is a clear inverse Ahankara (ego) 65 (61.32)
relationship between SES and obesity. Within some Dambha (arrogance) 83 (78.30)
affluent countries, however, obesity has been found to Lolupatva (desire) 76 (71.70)
be more common in the lower socioeconomic groups. In Tamas Pradhana Pramada (mishit) 58 (54.72)
developing countries, it can occur only in the prosperous Prakriti Matsarya (greed) 77 (72.64)
elite. After so many surveys, it is observed that the Vishada (depression) 61 (57.55)
increased prevalence of obesity is seen in middle and Paratisandhana (acoustic) 71 (66.98)
lower and upper socioeconomic classes, respectively.[13] Shoka (tense) 70 (66.04)
Vipratipatti (confused) 76 (71.70)
Maximum patients of Sthaulya have Kapha Pradhana Agyana (dull) 77 (72.64)
Prakriti which indicates that Kapha is the predominant Alasya (lazy) 59 (55.66)
factor for Sthaulya and it is also included by Charaka in Durmedha (indeterminate) 61 (57.55)
Nanatmaja Vyadhi of Kapha Dosha.[14] More prevalence Nastikya (atheist) 61 (57.55)
of Sthaulya in patients having Kapha‑predominant Kshu‑Trishna 77 (72.64)
Prakriti pointed toward involvement of Kapha Dosha (more hunger‑thirst)
in the pathophysiology of Sthaulya. Properties attributed Nidra (sleepy) 67 (63.21)
to Kapha and Meda are almost similar. People having Buddhi Nirodha (~baffled) 85 (80.19)
Kapha‑predominant Prakriti have stout physique, so
they are more prone to obesity. treatment for Sthaulya.[15] In practice, it is also observed
that Rajas–Tamas Prakriti peoples are more inclined
Tamas Pradhana Prakriti was found in maximum
toward enjoyment of eating and worldly pleasures.
number in patients of Sthaulya. Bhavaprakasha has
considered increased Tamo Guna and declined Sattva In patients of Sthaulya, Kapha Prakriti Lakshana,
Guna for occurrence of Sthaulya. Bhavaprakasha has viz., Snigdha Anga  (unctuous body), Sukumara
advocated Sattva, Audraya, and Tamo Jaya as a line of Gatra  (soft body), Avadata Varna  (fair skin), Snigdha

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Amin, et al.: Role of prakriti in manifestation of sthaulya

Table 5: Bio‑chemical, anthropometric and skin fold thickness profile of patients

Parameters Mean±SD
Vata‑dominant Prakriti Pitta‑dominant Prakriti
Kapha‑dominant Prakriti
Biochemical investigations (in pathological limits)
(mg/dl)
Serum cholesterol 167.54±0.87 169.11±1.45* 171.98±1.29***,#
Serum triglyceride 112.04±0.78 116.09±1.88* 118.11±1.98**,#
HDL 34.67±0.08 37.77±0.09* 42.86±1.09***,##
LDL 108.31±1.04 109.10±1.99* 110.49±2.32*,#
VLDL 17.43±0.02 20.38±0.07** 24.33±0.09**,##
Bio‑chemical investigations (in physiological limits)
Hb (%) 11.62±2.13 12.55±1.19* 12.55±1.42*,#
ESR (mm/h) 27.67±21.80 27.56±26.62* 25.62±21.25*,#
Blood urea (mg %) 26.25±8.68 25.71±7.52* 23.22±4.94*,#
Serum creatinine (mg/dl) 0.93±0.16 0.84±0.17* 0.90±0.18*,##
ALP (U/L) 61.01±19.42 64.31±20.22** 62.04±21.57*,#
SGPT (U/L) 19.85±17.07 26.50±29.53** 19.31±14.66*,#
SGOT (U/L) 22.05±10.20 25.04±8.70** 21.46±19.05*,#
Serum protein (g/dl) 7.48±0.52 7.15±0.52* 7.25±0.37*,#
Serum albumin (g/dl) 4.08±0.22 4.04±0.15* 4.01±0.14*,#
Serum globulin (g/dl) 3.33±0.32 3.01±0.36* 3.14±0.29*,#
Systolic blood pressure 122.38±11.6 122±5.03* 115.5±3.01*,#
Diastolic blood pressure 85.00±16.26 80.72±3.02* 79.25±5.00**,#
Anthropometric parameters
Height (m) 1.59±0.08 1.57±0.06* 1.58±0.08*,#
Weight (kg) 76.6±9.48 80.37±10.38** 83.40±10.97**,#
BMI (kg/m2) 31.96±3.54 32.08±3.93* 33.87±4.26*,#
Neck circumference (cm) 35.33±2.24 35.12±2.64* 37.29±2.83*,#
Mid‑arm circumference (cm) 30.11±1.97 30.88±3.02* 33.52±2.82*,#
Fore arm circumference (cm) 23.88±1.28 24.44±1.01* 27.25±1.34**,#
Chest circumference (cm) 99.17±6.82 99.04±5.04* 105.29±5.04***,##
Abdomen circumference (cm) 105.18±11.67 106.53±9.86* 108.43±6.87**,#
Hip circumference (cm) 112.61±8.09 115.14±9.95** 115.54±7.49*,#
Mid‑thigh circumference (cm) 49.89±4.78 49.95±5.58* 57.72±4.57**,###
Mid‑calf circumference (cm) 36.49±4.91 37.69±5.35* 39.19±4.58**,#
Skinfold thickness
Biceps 0.96±0.01 0.98±0.02** 1.91±0.01*,#
Triceps 2.23±0.07 2.37±0.03* 2.56±0.03*,#
Scapular 2.67±0.05 2.77±0.01* 2.79±0.02*,#
Abdomen 3.77±0.04 3.79±0.03* 3.84±0.21*,#
Supra iliac 3.71±0.03 3.73±0.05* 3.74±0.12*,#
The (*) depicts comparison with Group A; *(P<0.05), **(P<0.01), ***(P<0.001). (P<0.05), (P<0.01), (P<0.001). Statistical analysis was
# ## ###

done by one‑way ANOVA test followed by post hoc Tukey test among 3 Prakriti. Group A: Vata‑dominant Prakriti patients (n=20), in Group
B: Pitta‑dominant Prakriti patients (n=26), and in Group C: Kapha‑dominant Prakriti patients (n=60). FBS: Fasting Blood sugar, PP2BS:
Postprandial blood sugar after 2 hours of meal, Hb: Hemoglobin, ESR: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, HDL: High‑density lipoprotein, LDL:
Low‑density lipoprotein, VLDL: Very low‑density lipoprotein, ALP: Alkaline phosphate, SGPT: Serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase,
SGOT: Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, BMI: Basal metabolic index, SD: Standard deviation

Nakha  (unctuous nails), Sthira Sharira Sandhi
Mansa  (stable joint and muscles), Sushlishta Sandhi
Bandhana  (normal joints), Prasanna Mukha  (happy
face), Swara  (voice), Darshana  (face), and Alpa
Trishna  (low thirst), was found in maximum number of
patients because of Snigdha  (unctuous), Mridu  (soft),
Accha  (clear), and Shita Guna  (cold quality) of Kapha
Dosha.[16]
In patients of Sthaulya, Kapha Prakriti Lakshana, viz.,
Manda Cheshta  (slow activity), Ashighra Karya  (slow
work), Sara Adhisthita Gati  (stable gait), Adhika
Nidra (more sleep), Toyada Swapna (water dreams), and
Alpa Trasa/Raga/Viraga  (low tension/anger/depression),
was found maximum. It is because of Manda  (slow),
Sthira  (stable), and Guru Guna  (heaviness quality) of
Kapha.

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Amin, et al.: Role of prakriti in manifestation of sthaulya
It shows that excessive sleep plays an important role in
developing obesity.[17] Acharya Charaka has quoted that
Harsha Nityatva  (jolly nature) is one of the important
causative factors for Sthaulya.[18] Emotional disturbances
are deeply involved in the etiology of obesity. Kapha
Prakriti people take excessive quantity of Snigdha,
Guru, Shita, etc. Kapha Guna‑dominant diet and
lifestyle increase Kapha and further leads to Sthaulya.
Excessive consumption of similar substance  (Dravya
Samanya), viz., Meda Pradhana Ahara, similar
quality  (Guna Samanya), viz., Guru and Snigdha,
or similar in action  (Karma Samanya), viz., sitting
occupation, Diwaswapna results in the over production
of Dhatu. This may be the reason for Sthaulya. All the
Nidana ultimately decreased physical activity, which
aggravates Kapha and leads to Medovriddhi  (excessive
fat). Viharatmaka Nidana  (lifestyle‑related causative
factors) such as Diwaswapna  (day sleep) having
Abhishyandi  (crate blockage of channels) property leads
to blockage of the microchannels of the body, specifically
in Medovaha Srotas.[19] Due to obstruction of Srotas by
Meda, the Vata moving mainly into stomach, whips
up the Agni, and absorbs the food. The corpulent man
digests food speedily and craves for food exceedingly.
Excessive eating produces more production of Rasa
which causes over growth of Meda Dhatu, leading to
Sthaulya.[20] Therefore, it is rightly said by Sushruta.[21]
In obesity, there is excessive water content in the body
which in turn leads to the increase in weight because
of Udakavaha Srotas Dushti. In maximum number of
patients, Kapha Prakriti Lakshana, viz., Madhura‑Amla
Rasa and Shita Aharaguna Sevana, was found.[22]
Excessive Madhura‑Amla Rasa is Kapha aggravating
factors and Kapha vitiation plays a key role in the
Samprapti of Sthaulya. According to modern point of
view, Madhura, Amla Rasa dominant diet is always
high calorie value and excessive indulgence in high
calorie diet is a well‑established cause of obesity.[23]
Shita Ahara Guna Sevana leads to Medovriddhi, and
if it continuously taken by people, then it leads to
vitiation of Kapha and Meda and became cause of
Sthaulya. Significant numbers of patients were found to
have affliction to Shita Guna  ‑ominant diet, i.e., cold
drinks, ice creams, packed food, freeze food. Starchy
foods that providing bulk of the cheap meals and fast
food, oily foods, alcohol, junk foods in the form of
pizza, burgers, hot dogs, noodles, drinking soda, and
sweets are causes of obesity.[24] Moreover, the findings
of biochemical and anthropometric variables of patients
suggest a strong association of noninsulin‑dependent
diabetes mellitus with the dominant Prakriti.[25] Serum
cholesterol, serum triglyceride, HDL, LDL, and VLDL
were in the normal upper limit of in Kapha‑dominant
46 International Journal of Yoga ‑ Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology  ¦  Volume 7  ¦  Issue 2  ¦  July‑December 2019
Prakriti participants of Sthaulya.[26] Kapha‑dominant
Prakriti subjects were found to be more
prevalent  (56.60%) to Sthaulya as compared to
Vata‑  and Pitta‑dominant Prakriti. Serum cholesterol,
serum triglyceride, HDL, LDL, and VLDL were in
the upper limit of normal in Kapha‑dominant Prakriti
subjects. Hence, it is evident that the prevalence of
obesity is not related with quantum of money, but it
depends upon faulty eating habits and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Kapha and Tamas Pradhana participants were found
to be more prevalent to Sthaulya as compared to
other Prakriti. Prakriti plays an imperative role in
manifestation of disease, and adopting personalized
approach as per Prakriti can help in assessing the
susceptible clinical features of each Prakriti type and
may prove supportive to take preventive measure in
arresting the far‑reaching ominous clinical impacts of
disease. To sum up, the present study is preliminary,
but it accentuates the knowledge of Prakriti to explore
a new dimension of scientific research in diagnosis,
selection of the drug or therapy, and prognosis of the
disease.
Financial support and sponsorship
IPGT and RA, Jamnagar, supported the study.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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