Role of diet and lifestyle modification in Hypertension: A complication of Childhood Obesity

Abstract

The incidence of Childhood Obesity has increased rapidly in the last decade. National survey from 1960-1990 the prevalence has grown from 5%-11%. Physical inactivity, change in dietary habits are the most important cause for obesity.  This leads to the various other complications such as dyslipidaemia, hypertension, abnormal glucose tolerance and reduced health-related quality of life in paediatric age group. Among the varied complications of obesity, hypertension stands first with the proportion of 24.1%. Ayurveda describes Stoulya as a disease which resembles the symptoms like obesity. Both obesity and hypertension can be considered under the broad spectrum of Rasavahasroto Dusti. The first line of antihypertensive management is weight loss in case of hypertension related with obesity among children. Chikitsa in Ayurveda is broadly categorized as Nidana Parivarjana, Shodhana and Shamana among the three, Nidan Parivarjana plays a very important role in managing obesity and it’s complication right from the beginning. Nidanaparivarjana includes avoidance of Apathya related to Ahara-Vihara-Manansika Bhavas and following Pathyas among these factors. The detailed view regarding this is elaborated in this research paper.