Diets based on Ayurvedic Constitution: potential for weight management

Context: Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, is receiving increasing attention worldwide.

Objective: A retrospective study was planned to determine the effectiveness of Ayurvedic constitution (Dosha) based diets on weight loss pattern of obese adults. Design, setting, subjects, and intervention: Records of 200 obese adults, both male and female, who had completed 3 months of the diet therapy at Ayurvedic clinics, were examined and data collected. Techniques used included a check list of personality traits, physical signs, food likes and dislikes to determine the dosha. Based on the predominant doshas diets were prescribed and closely monitored for a period of three months.

Outcome measures: Records of height, weight, chest, abdominal, waist, arm and thigh circumferences noted initially and after every one month for the period of three months were obtained.

Results: Among the 200 subjects 55(27.5 %) were vatta, 83(41.5 %) were pitta and 62(31.0%) were kapha predominant. At the beginning, kapha and pitta persons were heavier as compared to vatta persons. After the three months of therapy, the pitta group lost the maximum weight (9.84 %). The decrease in all the anthropometric measurements was higher in pitta and kapha people as compared to vatta individuals. Hence diets based on Ayurvedic constitution may prove useful in promoting weight loss. Though these promising findings support traditional Indian Ayurvedic scriptures, more closely controlled trials will be needed to further substantiate these findings.

 

Dr. Shikha Sharma Gets Felicitated by FICCI 

Industry body FICCI (federation of Indian chambers of Commerce and Industry) recognizing women's contribution in various fields felicitated 12 women ,on 22nd April, 2006, who have achieved excellence in their respective arenas.

The achievers, who hailed from various disciplines like arts,Health, media, sports, fashion, banking, hospitality among others, were felicitated by Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO) at a function held in New Delhi.

The felicitation ceremony was presided over by Nicholas Piramal India Ltd director strategic alliances and communications Swati Piramal and the winners included Dr. Shikha Sharma for her contribution in the field of nutrition, ace shooter Sushma Singh, famous model - Fleur Xavier and actor Karisma Kapur to name a few.