Assessment of Medovaha Srotas Dushti in a case of Obesity with reference to Leptin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, posing a major risk for various non-communicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic syndrome. One of the key hormonal disruptions in obesity is leptin resistance, where despite elevated serum leptin levels, the physiological satiety signals are blunted, leading to increased food intake and fat storage. From an Ayurvedic perspective, obesity correlates with Medoroga, which results from the vitiation of Kapha Dosha and Medovaha Srotas Dushti. Impaired Agni, accumulation of Ama, and sedentary lifestyle further aggravate this condition, creating a vicious cycle of Dosha, Dushya, and Srotas dysfunction. This case study presents a comprehensive assessment of Medovaha Srotas Dushti in an individual with clinically diagnosed obesity, supported by modern diagnostic parameters including Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), lipid profile, fasting insulin, and serum leptin levels. The Ayurvedic examination was conducted using Dashavidha Pariksha, Srotodushti Lakshanas, and Agni-Vyavastha analysis. The patient also exhibited hallmark features of Metabolic Syndrome such as hypertriglyceridemia, central obesity, and insulin resistance, correlating with classical descriptions of Medodhatvagnimandya and Srotorodha. By establishing a link between Medovaha Srotas Dushti and leptin resistance, this study highlights the potential for a more integrated diagnostic and management approach in obesity and metabolic disorders. This case demonstrates that incorporating Ayurvedic concepts into modern frameworks can deepen our understanding of chronic metabolic diseases and guide personalized, holistic treatment strategies.