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=== Introduction ===
=== Introduction ===
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Charak has laid down the foundation of genetic/hereditary and endocrinal disorders in relation to four pairs of opposing (and undesirable) physical characteristics- height (too tall, too short), body hair (too hairy, hairless), complexion (too dark, too light), and body mass (too obese, too lean). Among these, ''atisthula'' (morbid obesity) is the most undesirable characteristic because it is associated with several life-threatening complications including diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery diseases, joint disorders, skin disorders, anorectal problems, etc. This chapter focuses on the features of a healthy physical constitution of a person, definitions of sleep, as well as key concepts associated with disease management such as etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, prognosis, and management of ''atisthula''. Some key etiological factors of ''atisthula'' include dietary and lifestyle indicators (e.g., sedentary habit and high-calorie diet), and genetic and hereditary factors. This chapter also describes the pathogenesis of ''atisthula'' in detail, involving ''rasa'' (plasma) and ''meda'' (adipose tissue) as important ''dushyas'' (affected tissues). Modern medicine has acknowledged the role of ''meda'' (adipose tissue) as a principal ''dushya'', with obesity and dyslipidemia regarded as the main components of the basic matrix of this disease and its related disorders<ref name=ref1>Pandey A. K and Singh R. H.: “A Study of the Immune status in patients of diabetes mellitus and their Management with certain NaimittikaRasayana drugs”, JRAS. Vol. XXIV. No. 3-4, 2003; 48-61. </ref> <ref name=ref2>Pandey A.K and Singh R.H. (2012): A Clinical Study on Certain Diabetic Complications under the Influence of Naimittika Rasāyana Therapy w.s.r. to Niśāmalakī and Śilājatu), PhD. Thesis, Department of Kayachikitsa,, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. </ref> <ref name=ref3>Jaspreet Singh & A. K. Pandey: Clinical Evaluation of Puskaramula (Inula racemosa) Capsule in the patients of Metabolic syndrome”, International Journal of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences (IJMPS), ISSN(P): 2250-0049; ISSN(E): 2321-0095, Vol. 4, Issue 2, Apr 2014, 9-20. </ref>. The recent concept of “metabolic syndrome” was already recognized in Ayurveda. Biomedical science points that overweight individuals experience greatly elevated morbidity and mortality from various ailments including cardiovascular diseases<ref>National Institutes of Health. Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults: the evidence report. Bethesda, Md: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 1998. </ref> <ref>Alpert MA. Obesity cardiomyopathy: pathophysiology and evolution of the clinical syndrome. Am J Med Sci. 2001;321: 225–236. </ref>
Obesity research is focused on preventive measures and management of complications like prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia/sudden death<ref>Singh Jaspreet & Pandey A.K. (2012): Clinical Evaluation of Pushkarmula churna in the patients of metabolic syndrome w.s.r, to Ojas and Agni MD (Ay) Department of Kayachikitsa, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. </ref>. In the modern world, obesity has emerged as a serious health issue in both developed and developing nations and is recognized as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. In 2008 the WHO estimated that globally, at least 500 million adults (or approximately 1 in 10 adults) are obese, with higher rates among women than men. Obesity is the reason for about 80% of type 2 diabetes, about 70% of cardiovascular diseases, and 42% of breast and colon cancers today. In the past two decades, the number of overweight children and adolescents has doubled<ref>Lau D.C. et al (April 2007). "2006 Canadian clinical practice guidelines on the management and prevention of obesity in adults and children [summary]", CMAJ , 176 (8): S1–13. </ref>. The rate of obesity also increases with age at least up to 50 or 60 years old. Once considered a problem specific to only high-income countries, obesity has acquired pandemic proportions and is affecting people globally<ref>World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic. Report on a WHO Consultation. Geneva. (WHO technical report series 894). </ref> <ref>P.J.English, M.A.Ghatei, I.A.Malik, S. R. Bloom and J. P. H. Wilding ( June-1, 2002): Food fails to suppress ghrelin levels in obese humans, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 87(6):2984–2987. </ref>.
Obesity research is focused on preventive measures and management of complications like prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia/sudden death<ref>Singh Jaspreet & Pandey A.K. (2012): Clinical Evaluation of Pushkarmula churna in the patients of metabolic syndrome w.s.r, to Ojas and Agni MD (Ay) Department of Kayachikitsa, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. </ref>. In the modern world, obesity has emerged as a serious health issue in both developed and developing nations and is recognized as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. In 2008 the WHO estimated that globally, at least 500 million adults (or approximately 1 in 10 adults) are obese, with higher rates among women than men. Obesity is the reason for about 80% of type 2 diabetes, about 70% of cardiovascular diseases, and 42% of breast and colon cancers today. In the past two decades, the number of overweight children and adolescents has doubled<ref>Lau D.C. et al (April 2007). "2006 Canadian clinical practice guidelines on the management and prevention of obesity in adults and children [summary]", CMAJ , 176 (8): S1–13. </ref>. The rate of obesity also increases with age at least up to 50 or 60 years old. Once considered a problem specific to only high-income countries, obesity has acquired pandemic proportions and is affecting people globally<ref>World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic. Report on a WHO Consultation. Geneva. (WHO technical report series 894). </ref> <ref>P.J.English, M.A.Ghatei, I.A.Malik, S. R. Bloom and J. P. H. Wilding ( June-1, 2002): Food fails to suppress ghrelin levels in obese humans, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 87(6):2984–2987. </ref>.
<ref>Pandey, A. K. (2015): </ref>Any course of treatment for obesity suggested by modern medical practitioners primarily includes dietary changes and physical exercise followed by anti-obesity drugs that help reduce appetite or inhibit fat absorption. In severe cases, various invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures could be prescribed - such as partial gastrectomy, gastric bypass, banding, gastric balloons, etc<ref>Puhl R, Brownell KD (December 2001): "Bias, discrimination, and obesity". Obes. Res.9 (12): 788–805. doi:10.1038/oby.2001.108. PMID 11743063. </ref>. However, Ayurveda’s approach to weight management is very different in that it does not recommend pills or surgeries for inducing drastic weight-loss. Instead, Ayurveda advocates dietary restrictions according to the ''prakriti'' (predisposition or temperament of the patient), moderate exercise, practice of ''yogasanas'' and ''pranayama'', besides certain ayurvedic medications and bio-purificatory measures for its management<ref>Pandey A.K. (2013-2014): Conceptual background on obesity (sthaulya/medoroga) & an approach for its management through ayurveda, chapter published in a book ‘Integrative approach to metabolic syndrome’ published by Mahima research foundation and social welfare, Varanasi, UP, India, 2013-2014, p.no.-47-59. </ref>.
<ref>Pandey, A. K. (2015): </ref>Any course of treatment for obesity suggested by modern medical practitioners primarily includes dietary changes and physical exercise followed by anti-obesity drugs that help reduce appetite or inhibit fat absorption. In severe cases, various invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures could be prescribed - such as partial gastrectomy, gastric bypass, banding, gastric balloons, etc<ref>Puhl R, Brownell KD (December 2001): "Bias, discrimination, and obesity". Obes. Res.9 (12): 788–805. doi:10.1038/oby.2001.108. PMID 11743063. </ref>. However, Ayurveda’s approach to weight management is very different in that it does not recommend pills or surgeries for inducing drastic weight-loss. Instead, Ayurveda advocates dietary restrictions according to the ''prakriti'' (predisposition or temperament of the patient), moderate exercise, practice of ''yogasanas'' and ''pranayama'', besides certain ayurvedic medications and bio-purificatory measures for its management<ref>Pandey A.K. (2013-2014): Conceptual background on obesity (sthaulya/medoroga) & an approach for its management through ayurveda, chapter published in a book ‘Integrative approach to metabolic syndrome’ published by Mahima research foundation and social welfare, Varanasi, UP, India, 2013-2014, p.no.-47-59. </ref>.
The etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and consequences of extreme leanness (''atikrisha''), as an outcome of ''rasakshaya'' (decrease of ''rasa''), ''medokshaya'' (decrease of ''meda'') and ''mamsakshaya'' (decrease of ''mamsa'') have also been described in this chapter. The two basic approaches for management of ''atikrisha'' and ''atisthula'' are augmentation (''brimhana'') and depletion (''karshana'') of body tissues respectively. Various drug and non-drug modalities have been suggested for the replenishment of ''dhatus'' and their nourishment to attain good health. In this regard, ''Rasayana'' drugs of Ayurveda help balance hormones, promote essential nutrition and enhance immunity to ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'' respectively. As mentioned earlier, this chapter also emphasizes the role of good ''nidra'' (sleep) in maintaining a healthy life. In fact, as per Ayurveda, after ''ahara'' (diet), ''nidra'' is one of the three sub-pillars of life (''trayopastambha'') and has a significant place in preventive medicine because normal sleep helps prevent diseases and unwholesome sleep may lead to fatal diseases. In Ayurveda, ''nidra'' is considered a ''brimhana'' (nourishing) agent that promotes physical and mental health and enhances immunity<ref>Vd. H.S.KHushvaha (2009). Agniveshakrita Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana-11, Varanasi, Chaukhambha Orientalia, 2009. </ref>.
The etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and consequences of extreme leanness (''atikrisha''), as an outcome of ''rasakshaya'' (decrease of ''rasa''), ''medokshaya'' (decrease of ''meda'') and ''mamsakshaya'' (decrease of ''mamsa'') have also been described in this chapter. The two basic approaches for management of ''atikrisha'' and ''atisthula'' are augmentation (''brimhana'') and depletion (''karshana'') of body tissues respectively. Various drug and non-drug modalities have been suggested for the replenishment of ''dhatus'' and their nourishment to attain good health. In this regard, ''Rasayana'' drugs of Ayurveda help balance hormones, promote essential nutrition and enhance immunity to ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'' respectively. As mentioned earlier, this chapter also emphasizes the role of good ''nidra'' (sleep) in maintaining a healthy life. In fact, as per Ayurveda, after ''ahara'' (diet), ''nidra'' is one of the three sub-pillars of life (''trayopastambha'') and has a significant place in preventive medicine because normal sleep helps prevent diseases and unwholesome sleep may lead to fatal diseases. In Ayurveda, ''nidra'' is considered a ''brimhana'' (nourishing) agent that promotes physical and mental health and enhances immunity<ref>Vd. H.S.KHushvaha (2009). Agniveshakrita Charak Samhita, Sutrasthana-11, Varanasi, Chaukhambha Orientalia, 2009. </ref>.
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==== Too Obese ====
==== Too Obese ====
In the context of ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'', Charaka has explored these conditions from the standpoint of their diathesis, clinical presentation, and management, which is comparable to approaches taken today to the study of obesity and leanness. Suśruta has considered ''rasa dhatu'' as the main culprit for both obesity and emaciation (''rasa nimittameva sthaulyam karshyam ca'')<ref>Acharya, J.T. (translator) (1915). Sushrut Sanhita of Sushrut, Nirnay Sagar Press, Mumbai, India, p. 65, Su.Su-15/39. </ref>.
In the context of ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'', Charak has explored these conditions from the standpoint of their diathesis, clinical presentation, and management, which is comparable to approaches taken today to the study of obesity and leanness. Suśruta has considered ''rasa dhatu'' as the main culprit for both obesity and emaciation (''rasa nimittameva sthaulyam karshyam ca'')<ref>Acharya, J.T. (translator) (1915). Sushrut Sanhita of Sushrut, Nirnay Sagar Press, Mumbai, India, p. 65, Su.Su-15/39. </ref>.
Lipid precursors are acted upon by fat-specific energy (''medhodhatvagni'') for their conversion into adipose tissue (''medodhatu'')<ref>Mishra, L.C. (2003). Scientific Basis of Ayurvedic therapy, Chapter 9 Obesity (Medoroga) in Ayurveda; eBook, published by CRC press, Taylor & Francis Group. </ref>. Vitiation of ''kapha dosha'' and excessive accumulation of fat-specific energy and waste products of adipose tissues (''kleda'') lead to dysfunction of adipose tissues. Adipose channels have two origins - kidney, adrenal and fat around them and other are visceral and omental fat (''vapavahana'')<ref>Shastri, P.K (1983), (translater), Caraka samhita, Part I, 2nd ed., Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, India, p. 595. </ref>. These channels draw nutrition, including lipid from the antecedent flesh and transient lipid and then convert them into a stored form of lipid. As per biomedical science, obesity is associated with increased adipose stores in the subcutaneous tissues, skeletal muscles and internal organs such as kidney, heart, liver and omentum. Adipose tissues (''medodhatu'') form a crucial link to the concept of tissue metabolism. Low levels of fat-specific energy (''medodhatvagni''), despite a normal food intake, can lead to a steady accumulation of fat and the outcome is obesity<ref>Bleich S, Cutler D, Murray C, Adams A (2008). "Why is the developed world obese?". Annu Rev Public Health29: 273–95. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.29.020907.090954. PMID 18173389. </ref> <ref>Drewnowski A, Specter SE (January 2004). "Poverty and obesity: the role of energy density and energy costs". Am. J. Clin. Nutr.79 (1): 6–16. </ref>. The conventional system of medicine has given due consideration to certain factors such as insufficient sleep, genetic predisposition, later age pregnancy, certain medications and other epigenetic factors in the etiopathogenesis of obesity and its related disorders<ref>Keith SW, Redden DT, Katzmarzyk PT et al. (2006). "Putative contributors to the secular increase in obesity: Exploring the roads less traveled". Int J Obes (Lond)30 (11): 1585–94. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803326. PMID 16801930. </ref>.(Verse 3-4)
Lipid precursors are acted upon by fat-specific energy (''medhodhatvagni'') for their conversion into adipose tissue (''medodhatu'')<ref>Mishra, L.C. (2003). Scientific Basis of Ayurvedic therapy, Chapter 9 Obesity (Medoroga) in Ayurveda; eBook, published by CRC press, Taylor & Francis Group. </ref>. Vitiation of ''kapha dosha'' and excessive accumulation of fat-specific energy and waste products of adipose tissues (''kleda'') lead to dysfunction of adipose tissues. Adipose channels have two origins - kidney, adrenal and fat around them and other are visceral and omental fat (''vapavahana'')<ref>Shastri, P.K (1983), (translater), Caraka samhita, Part I, 2nd ed., Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, India, p. 595. </ref>. These channels draw nutrition, including lipid from the antecedent flesh and transient lipid and then convert them into a stored form of lipid. As per biomedical science, obesity is associated with increased adipose stores in the subcutaneous tissues, skeletal muscles and internal organs such as kidney, heart, liver and omentum. Adipose tissues (''medodhatu'') form a crucial link to the concept of tissue metabolism. Low levels of fat-specific energy (''medodhatvagni''), despite a normal food intake, can lead to a steady accumulation of fat and the outcome is obesity<ref>Bleich S, Cutler D, Murray C, Adams A (2008). "Why is the developed world obese?". Annu Rev Public Health29: 273–95. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.29.020907.090954. PMID 18173389. </ref> <ref>Drewnowski A, Specter SE (January 2004). "Poverty and obesity: the role of energy density and energy costs". Am. J. Clin. Nutr.79 (1): 6–16. </ref>. The conventional system of medicine has given due consideration to certain factors such as insufficient sleep, genetic predisposition, later age pregnancy, certain medications and other epigenetic factors in the etiopathogenesis of obesity and its related disorders<ref>Keith SW, Redden DT, Katzmarzyk PT et al. (2006). "Putative contributors to the secular increase in obesity: Exploring the roads less traveled". Int J Obes (Lond)30 (11): 1585–94. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803326. PMID 16801930. </ref>.(Verse 3-4)
==== Increased desire to eat among the obese ====
==== Increased desire to eat among the obese ====
Charak correlated an increased desire to eat with increased ''agni'' in the morbidly obese. Recent evidence suggests that leptin and ghrelin had shown their influence on appetite. In this context, ghrelin is produced from the stomach, and leptin is produced by the adipose tissue of fat storage reserves in the body, which is responsible for short-term and long-term appetite control respectively in the body<ref>Hamann A, Matthaei S (1996). "Regulation of energy balance by leptin". Exp. Clin. Endocrinol. Diabetes104 (4): 293–300. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1211457. PMID 8886745. </ref>. In the brain melanocortin pathway has drawn the attention of research scholars that this pathway has a specific role in stimulating appetite, which is located in the area of the lateral and ventromedial hypothalamus and arcuate nucleus. These areas are directly related to the feeding and satiety centers<ref name=ref30>Rao CR, Sen PK, Flier JS (2012). Handbook of Statistics: Bioinformatics in Human Health and Heredity; Published by North Holland; 1 edition, Kindle Edition, 1 edition. </ref> .
There are two distinct groups of neurons in the arcuate nucleus viz- The first group contains neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and the second group contains Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART). The first group of neuron i.e. NPY/AgRP exerts stimulatory inputs to the LH while inhibitory inputs to the VMH, which stimulate feeding and inhibit satiety respectively. Both groups of arcuate nucleus neurons are the under the regulation of leptin, which inhibits the NPY/AgRP group of neurons and stimulating the POMC/CART group of neurons. Hence, the leptin deficiency or leptin resistance leads to develop overfeeding tendency, which is caused by some genetic and acquired forms of obesity<ref name=ref30/>Rao CR, Sen PK, Flier JS (2012). Handbook of Statistics: Bioinformatics in Human Health and Heredity; Published by North Holland; 1 edition, Kindle Edition, 1 edition. </ref> <ref>Raina GS (2011). Obesity being the major health burden needed to be chased: A systemic review. J Appl Pharm Sci. 2011;1:238–45. </ref>. These findings suggest the genetic inputs in overweight and obesity, which is quite comparable to the Ayurvedic lexicons.(verse 4)
There are two distinct groups of neurons in the arcuate nucleus viz- The first group contains neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and the second group contains Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART). The first group of neuron i.e. NPY/AgRP exerts stimulatory inputs to the LH while inhibitory inputs to the VMH, which stimulate feeding and inhibit satiety respectively. Both groups of arcuate nucleus neurons are the under the regulation of leptin, which inhibits the NPY/AgRP group of neurons and stimulating the POMC/CART group of neurons. Hence, the leptin deficiency or leptin resistance leads to develop overfeeding tendency, which is caused by some genetic and acquired forms of obesity<ref name=ref30/>Rao CR, Sen PK, Flier JS (2012). Handbook of Statistics: Bioinformatics in Human Health and Heredity; Published by North Holland; 1 edition, Kindle Edition, 1 edition. </ref> <ref>Raina GS (2011). Obesity being the major health burden needed to be chased: A systemic review. J Appl Pharm Sci. 2011;1:238–45. </ref>. These findings suggest the genetic inputs in overweight and obesity, which is quite comparable to the Ayurvedic lexicons.(verse 4)
==== Etiology, features, and consequences of ''atikrisha'' (emaciation) ====
==== Etiology, features, and consequences of ''atikrisha'' (emaciation) ====
The etiological factors for ''atikrisha'' may be divided into two groups - excessive expenditure of calories and fewer intakes of calories. Either of these conditions leads to under-nutrition which ultimately results in ''atikrisha''. In the pathogenesis of ''krishata'', ''vayu'' plays an important role. Most of the etiological factors observed in the case of ''krisha'' and ''atikrisha'' provoke ''vata'' vitiation. Thus, vitiated ''vata'' may be considered the most important factor in the pathogenesis of ''krisha''. In ''sthaulya'' there is excessive formation and under-utilization (due to sedentary habit) of the ''rasa dhatu''. On the other hand, in ''krishata'' there is less formation of ''rasa'' due to diseases or due to undernourishment. Further, Charaka and Suśruta both have categorized ''krishata'' as a ''rasa pradoshaja vyadhi'' (C.Su.28:10, Su.Su.15:37,24:8). In this way, ''rasa dhatu dushti'' mainly in the form of ''kshaya'' is found in extremely lean or emaciated people. The other ''dhatu'' involved in the pathogenesis of obesity as well as ''atikrisha'' is ''meda'' since it is mentioned that ''medokshaya'' (or the deficiency of ''meda'') cause ''krisanga'' (A.H.Su.11:18)<ref>Munshi, V.D. (translator) (1952). Ashtang Hridaya,Sastum Sahityavardhak Mudranalaya, Ahmedabad, India, p. 135, Sutrasthana-24/5, 11/18. </ref>.
The etiological factors for ''atikrisha'' may be divided into two groups - excessive expenditure of calories and fewer intakes of calories. Either of these conditions leads to under-nutrition which ultimately results in ''atikrisha''. In the pathogenesis of ''krishata'', ''vayu'' plays an important role. Most of the etiological factors observed in the case of ''krisha'' and ''atikrisha'' provoke ''vata'' vitiation. Thus, vitiated ''vata'' may be considered the most important factor in the pathogenesis of ''krisha''. In ''sthaulya'' there is excessive formation and under-utilization (due to sedentary habit) of the ''rasa dhatu''. On the other hand, in ''krishata'' there is less formation of ''rasa'' due to diseases or due to undernourishment. Further, Charak and Sushruta both have categorized ''krishata'' as a ''rasa pradoshaja vyadhi'' (C.Su.28:10, Su.Su.15:37,24:8). In this way, ''rasa dhatu dushti'' mainly in the form of ''kshaya'' is found in extremely lean or emaciated people. The other ''dhatu'' involved in the pathogenesis of obesity as well as ''atikrisha'' is ''meda'' since it is mentioned that ''medokshaya'' (or the deficiency of ''meda'') cause ''krisanga'' (A.H.Su.11:18)<ref>Munshi, V.D. (translator) (1952). Ashtang Hridaya,Sastum Sahityavardhak Mudranalaya, Ahmedabad, India, p. 135, Sutrasthana-24/5, 11/18. </ref>.
In biomedical terms, emaciation is the outcome of loss of the fatty contents or loss of adipose tissue component of subcutaneous fat, which is lying beneath the outer covering of the body<ref>Gray D.S., Fujioka K. (1991). "Use of relative weight and Body Mass Index for the determination of adiposity". J Clin Epidemiol, 44 (6): 545–50. </ref>. It is also known as extreme weight loss, leanness, or thinness. In general term, it is also known as wasting, which is caused by hampered nutritional requirement at the tissue level and excessive starvation. Wasting or leanness is an important symptom of improper nourishment, which is commonly seen in various clinical conditions such as poverty, a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, various eating disorders, prolonged fever, malignant diseases, endocrine disorders, chronic infections, autoimmune disorders as well as parasitic infections. The malnourished person faced a lot of problems related to cardiovascular, integumentary and urogenital systems. Disturbances in blood circulation, serum electrolyte, and serum protein are commonly observed in emaciated person. Such type individuals are more to suffer from infections due to deranged immune power and swelling in general<ref>"Emaciation". Medical-Dictionary.TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved February 19, 2014. </ref>.
In biomedical terms, emaciation is the outcome of loss of the fatty contents or loss of adipose tissue component of subcutaneous fat, which is lying beneath the outer covering of the body<ref>Gray D.S., Fujioka K. (1991). "Use of relative weight and Body Mass Index for the determination of adiposity". J Clin Epidemiol, 44 (6): 545–50. </ref>. It is also known as extreme weight loss, leanness, or thinness. In general term, it is also known as wasting, which is caused by hampered nutritional requirement at the tissue level and excessive starvation. Wasting or leanness is an important symptom of improper nourishment, which is commonly seen in various clinical conditions such as poverty, a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, various eating disorders, prolonged fever, malignant diseases, endocrine disorders, chronic infections, autoimmune disorders as well as parasitic infections. The malnourished person faced a lot of problems related to cardiovascular, integumentary and urogenital systems. Disturbances in blood circulation, serum electrolyte, and serum protein are commonly observed in emaciated person. Such type individuals are more to suffer from infections due to deranged immune power and swelling in general<ref>"Emaciation". Medical-Dictionary.TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved February 19, 2014. </ref>.
Obesity and leanness can manifest themselves in very severe and excessive forms than discussed here and those cases could make the management of such disorders - and any disease it could lead to – very challenging. While the principles of treatment remain unchanged, the therapeutic measures should be suitably intensified to counter the numerous disorders that arise because of excessive obesity and leanness (C.Su. 23/3-34). The patients of ''atikrisha'' and ''sthaulya'' perpetually suffer from diseases but the standpoint of treatment, the former is significantly more manageable because ''sthula'' (or the obese) suffers more in comparison to ''atikrisha'' (the emaciated) (Su.Su. 15:42). Further, it is mentioned that ''atikṛisha'' is a grave disease, but is considered better than ''atisthula'' from treatment aspect because there is no treatment for ''sthaulya''. For proper treatment of ''sthulya'' the drugs must have ''medohara, agnihara'' and ''vatahara'' action at the same time, which is neither possible from ''karshaṇa'' nor ''brimhana''. Recent evidence also suggests that Charaka had associated extreme weight-loss/undernourishment with high rates of morbidity and mortality, although to a lesser extent than obesity<ref>Bose, Bholanoth (1877, 2009). A new system of medicine, entitled recognizant medicine; or, The state of the sick. London: J. & A. Churchill. pp. 192–199. Retrieved February 19, 2014. </ref> <ref>Lusky A, Barell V, Lubin F, Kaplan G, Layani V, Shohat Z, et al. Relationship between morbidity and extreme values of body mass index in adolescents. Int J Epidemiol 1996;25(4):829-834. </ref> <ref> </ref> <ref>Lake JK, Power C, Cole TJ. Women's reproductive health: the role of body mass index in early and adult life. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1997;21(6):432-438. </ref> <ref> Kopp W, Blum WF, von Prittwitz S, Ziegler A, Lubbert H, Emons G, et al. Low leptin levels predict amenorrhea in underweight and eating disordered females. Mol Psychiatry 1997;2(4):335-340. </ref> <ref> He Q, Karlberg J. BMI in childhood and its association with height gain, timing of puberty, and final height. Pediatr Res 2001;49(2):244-251. </ref>.
Obesity and leanness can manifest themselves in very severe and excessive forms than discussed here and those cases could make the management of such disorders - and any disease it could lead to – very challenging. While the principles of treatment remain unchanged, the therapeutic measures should be suitably intensified to counter the numerous disorders that arise because of excessive obesity and leanness (C.Su. 23/3-34). The patients of ''atikrisha'' and ''sthaulya'' perpetually suffer from diseases but the standpoint of treatment, the former is significantly more manageable because ''sthula'' (or the obese) suffers more in comparison to ''atikrisha'' (the emaciated) (Su.Su. 15:42). Further, it is mentioned that ''atikṛisha'' is a grave disease, but is considered better than ''atisthula'' from treatment aspect because there is no treatment for ''sthaulya''. For proper treatment of ''sthulya'' the drugs must have ''medohara, agnihara'' and ''vatahara'' action at the same time, which is neither possible from ''karshaṇa'' nor ''brimhana''. Recent evidence also suggests that Charak had associated extreme weight-loss/undernourishment with high rates of morbidity and mortality, although to a lesser extent than obesity<ref>Bose, Bholanoth (1877, 2009). A new system of medicine, entitled recognizant medicine; or, The state of the sick. London: J. & A. Churchill. pp. 192–199. Retrieved February 19, 2014. </ref> <ref>Lusky A, Barell V, Lubin F, Kaplan G, Layani V, Shohat Z, et al. Relationship between morbidity and extreme values of body mass index in adolescents. Int J Epidemiol 1996;25(4):829-834. </ref> <ref> </ref> <ref>Lake JK, Power C, Cole TJ. Women's reproductive health: the role of body mass index in early and adult life. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1997;21(6):432-438. </ref> <ref> Kopp W, Blum WF, von Prittwitz S, Ziegler A, Lubbert H, Emons G, et al. Low leptin levels predict amenorrhea in underweight and eating disordered females. Mol Psychiatry 1997;2(4):335-340. </ref> <ref> He Q, Karlberg J. BMI in childhood and its association with height gain, timing of puberty, and final height. Pediatr Res 2001;49(2):244-251. </ref>.
==== Management of the Morbidly Obese (20-28) ====
==== Management of the Morbidly Obese (20-28) ====
==== Sleep about ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'' (verse 51) ====
==== Sleep about ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'' (verse 51) ====
Recent evidence suggests that a good sleep plays an important role in the regulation of neuroendocrine, hormonal and metabolic function in the body. Since last few decades, the timing and quality of sleep is gradually hampered due to the affliction of modernization in many ways. At present, the adult and children progressively reduce bedtimes and increases times for other activities, which affect the metabolic functions in many ways. The ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'' are also the outcome of excessive sleep and lack of sleep and vice-versa. Evidence shows that sleep loss for prolong period may provoke the risk of weight gain and morbid obesity. Further, sleep reduction in young adults affects metabolic and endocrine functions in various ways such as- insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, elevated sympathovagal activity, an elevated level of serum glucocorticoid hormone, increased levels of ghrelin, and decreased the level of leptin. Due to improper and lack of good quality of sleep in adolescents may be important factors to consider in the prevention of childhood obesity.<ref>Neeraj K. Gupta,William H. Mueller,Wenyaw Chan, Janet C. Meininger (2002).: Is obesity associated with poor sleep quality in adolescents?. Am. J. Hum. Biol.; 14:762–768, 2002. </ref> Probably this is the reason that sleep is mentioned in ''ashṭoninditiya'' chapter by Charaka about ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'' like other dietary and lifestyle intervention.
Recent evidence suggests that a good sleep plays an important role in the regulation of neuroendocrine, hormonal and metabolic function in the body. Since last few decades, the timing and quality of sleep is gradually hampered due to the affliction of modernization in many ways. At present, the adult and children progressively reduce bedtimes and increases times for other activities, which affect the metabolic functions in many ways. The ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'' are also the outcome of excessive sleep and lack of sleep and vice-versa. Evidence shows that sleep loss for prolong period may provoke the risk of weight gain and morbid obesity. Further, sleep reduction in young adults affects metabolic and endocrine functions in various ways such as- insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, elevated sympathovagal activity, an elevated level of serum glucocorticoid hormone, increased levels of ghrelin, and decreased the level of leptin. Due to improper and lack of good quality of sleep in adolescents may be important factors to consider in the prevention of childhood obesity.<ref>Neeraj K. Gupta,William H. Mueller,Wenyaw Chan, Janet C. Meininger (2002).: Is obesity associated with poor sleep quality in adolescents?. Am. J. Hum. Biol.; 14:762–768, 2002. </ref> Probably this is the reason that sleep is mentioned in ''ashṭoninditiya'' chapter by Charak about ''atisthula'' and ''atikrisha'' like other dietary and lifestyle intervention.
==== Insomnia or sleeplessness (verse 52-54) ====
==== Insomnia or sleeplessness (verse 52-54) ====