Obesity as a Contributing Factor to Female Infertility an Ayurvedic Perspective
Keywords:
Artava Dushti, Ayurveda, Female infertility, Obesity, Sthoulya, VandhyatvaAbstract
Background: Obesity is a growing global health concern with profound endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive
consequences. The increasing prevalence of obesity among women of reproductive age is associated with menstrual
irregularities, anovulation, impaired endometrial receptivity, and infertility. In Ayurveda, Sthoulya (obesity) is a
Santarpanajanya Vyadhi (disease caused by overnutrition) characterized by excessive Meda Dhatu (adipose tissue)
and Kapha Dosha predominance. At the same time, Vandhyatva (female infertility) results from disturbances in Ritu
(fertile period), Kshetra (uterus), Ambu (nourishment), and Beeja (ovum).
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to review the impact of lifestyle-induced obesity on female infertility and
its management from contemporary and Ayurvedic perspectives.
Materials and Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts, modern gynecology textbooks, and recent scientific literature
on obesity and infertility were critically reviewed to analyze etiopathogenesis, reproductive consequences, and
therapeutic approaches.
Results: Obesity adversely affects female fertility through insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperestrogenism,
leptin resistance, chronic inflammation, and hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis dysfunction, resulting in ovulatory
disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, poor endometrial receptivity, and infertility. Ayurveda attributes these changes
to Kapha-Meda Vriddhi (increase of Kapha and adipose tissue), Agnimandya (impaired digestive and metabolic fire),
Srotorodha (obstruction of body channels), and Artava Dushti (vitiation of menstrual tissue). Management includes
Nidana Parivarjana (avoidance of causative factors), dietary and lifestyle modification, Shodhana (bio-purificatory
therapies), and Shamana (pacifying therapies).
Conclusion: Lifestyle-induced obesity is a reversible risk factor for female infertility. Integrating Ayurvedic
principles with lifestyle modification may improve reproductive health and fertility outcomes.
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