In today’s world, body weight is often reduced to numbers—kilograms, calories, BMI, and diet charts. People who are underweight are told to “eat more,” while those who are overweight are advised to “eat less.” Despite following these instructions, many individuals continue to struggle with unhealthy weight patterns.
Why?
Because underweight and overweight are not merely physical conditions. They are often manifestations of deeper psychological and emotional imbalances, which Ayurveda has recognized for thousands of years.
Modern View vs Ayurvedic Wisdom:
Modern medicine focuses primarily on metabolism, hormones, and calorie intake. Ayurveda, however, views the human being as a union of body (Sharira), mind (Manas), and consciousness (Atma).
According to Ayurveda:
When the mind is disturbed, digestion weakens. When digestion weakens, nourishment suffers. When nourishment suffers, body weight becomes imbalanced.
Thus, weight disorders are mind–body disorders, not just dietary problems.
Ayurvedic Therapies for Mental Stability:
Along with understanding the psychological importance behind being underweight or overweight, Ayurvedic therapies such as Takradhara, Shiroabhyanga, Nasya, and Sarvanga Abhyanga are extremely beneficial. These therapies help maintain a positive mindset, promote a healthy outlook, and strengthen one’s ability to stay firm on lifestyle resolutions.
Often, people feel motivated to make changes due to occasions like New Year, birthdays, or inspiration from something they read or hear. However, remaining consistent with these resolutions requires a stable mental state. Absence of anxiety and depression is crucial. Hence, therapies like Takradhara and Shirodhara become very useful in supporting long-term commitment and mental balance.
Psychological Factors Behind Weight Imbalance:
- Stress and Emotional Turmoil: Chronic stress disrupts digestion, alters hunger signals, and affects hormonal balance. Some individuals lose appetite under stress, while others crave heavy, sweet, or oily foods for comfort.
- Emotional Eating and Suppression: Unexpressed emotions such as grief, anger, loneliness, and fear often get stored in the body. Food becomes a coping mechanism, leading to overeating or irregular eating habits.
- Anxiety, Fear, and Restlessness: An anxious mind constantly stimulates the nervous system, impairing digestion and absorption, commonly leading to weight loss.
- Depression and Low Self-Worth: Depression may reduce appetite or, conversely, cause compulsive eating as a form of self-soothing.
Ayurvedic Understanding of Body Weight:
Ayurveda defines healthy weight through proper nourishment of the seven tissues (Sapta Dhatus):
- Rasa (plasma)
- Rakta (blood)
- Mamsa (muscle)
- Meda (fat)
- Asthi (bone)
- Majja (marrow)
- Shukra/Artava (reproductive tissue)
Any imbalance in digestion (Agni) or mental state (Manas) affects these tissues, leading to Karshya (underweight) or Sthaulya (overweight).
Ayurvedic Perspective on Underweight (Karshya):
Dosha Involvement:
- Primarily aggravated Vata Dosha
- Associated mental qualities: fear, anxiety, overthinking, restlessness
Psychological Roots:
- Excessive worry or stress
- Irregular lifestyle
- Suppressed emotions
- Fear of illness or weight gain
Pathophysiology:
Aggravated Vata weakens digestive fire (Vishama Agni), resulting in poor digestion and inadequate nourishment of tissues.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Overweight (Sthaulya):
Dosha Involvement:
- Predominantly aggravated Kapha Dosha
- Associated mental qualities: attachment, lethargy, emotional dependence
Psychological Roots:
- Emotional eating
- Comfort-seeking behavior
- Depression or lack of motivation
- Excess sleep and a sedentary lifestyle
Pathophysiology:
Excess Kapha leads to Mandagni (slow digestion) and accumulation of fat tissue (Meda Dhatu), resulting in weight gain.
Role of Mental Gunas (Rajas and Tamas):
Ayurveda identifies three mental qualities:
- Sattva – balance, clarity, calmness
- Rajas – restlessness, anxiety, desire
- Tamas – inertia, dullness, ignorance
Weight disorders arise when:
- Rajas dominates → anxiety → underweight
- Tamas dominates → lethargy → overweight
Restoring Sattva is key to healthy weight management.
Why Diets Alone Do Not Work?
Ayurveda emphasizes that:
- Eating the right food in a disturbed mental state still causes an imbalance.
- Suppressing hunger or overeating weakens digestion
- Emotional disturbances cannot be cured by food restriction alone
Without addressing mental health, weight loss or gain remains temporary.
Ayurvedic Medicine Selection: A Mind–Body Approach:
While selecting Ayurvedic medicines, herbs with multidirectional action are preferred. For obesity management, medicines should reduce excess fat while also improving mental health. Herbs such as Survari Haritaki and Gorakhmundi are useful in addressing both aspects.
Similarly, for underweight individuals, herbs selected for weight gain should also support mental well-being. Shatavari and Ashwagandha help nourish tissues while stabilizing the mind. Such treatments are most effective when taken under proper Ayurvedic guidance.
Ayurvedic Holistic Approach to Weight Balance:
Strengthening Digestive Fire (Agni):
A balanced Agni ensures proper digestion and nourishment.
Mental Detoxification:
- Meditation
- Pranayama
- Mindful eating
- Adequate sleep
Dinacharya (Daily Routine):
Regular sleep, meals, and activity stabilize both mind and body.
Yoga and Pranayama:
- For underweight: grounding and nourishing practices
- For overweight: stimulating and energizing practices
Emotional Awareness:
Recognizing emotional triggers related to food and body image is crucial.
Environment & Temptation Control:
The principle of “Out of sight, out of mind” is extremely important. Temptation-creating foods should not be kept visible. Even strong resolutions can collapse if unhealthy foods are frequently seen at home, on the dining table, in the refrigerator, or through social media and recipe videos.
Healthy Creativity in Diet:
Strict calorie restriction can make people feel deprived of joy and taste. However, many healthy, tasty, and low-calorie options exist. With creativity, nutritious dishes that support weight management can be easily included.
Importance of Eating Slowly:
Eating slowly is extremely important. People with anxiety, hyperactivity, or stress tend to eat fast, leading to excess calorie intake and lack of satiety, ultimately contributing to weight gain.
Ayurveda's Goal: Balance, Not Extremes:
Ayurveda does not promote extreme thinness or weight loss. Instead, it aims for:
- Balanced digestion
- Stable mind
- Nourished tissues
- Sustainable lifestyle
True health is when the body feels light, the mind feels calm, and digestion feels effortless.
Conclusion: Heal the Mind, Balance the Body
Underweight and overweight are signals, not failures. They indicate an imbalance in digestion, lifestyle, and most importantly, mental health.
Ayurveda teaches us that lasting weight balance begins with mental equilibrium. When the mind is calm and digestion is strong, the body naturally finds its ideal weight—without force, guilt, or struggle.
Treat the mind, kindle the digestion, and the body will heal itself.