Incidence of Chronic Illnesses among Ahithoola Noi (Obese) Patients- A Case Series Study

Abstract

One of the most recent health disorders of recent years includes Athithoola Noi [1](Obesity), i.e. the health condition characterized by the presence of a BMI above 30 and the improper or irregular deposition of weight in various parts of the body. Broadly classified [2] into either android or gynoid types, these patients are also prone to several other health problems such as Diabetes, Hypertension etc. Though Athithoola Noi is a diagnosis that is seen only in classic Siddha Texts, it is now a problem of deeper concern in the modern world. Once considered a problem only in high income countries, overweight and obesity are now dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. According to World Health Organisation, the Worldwide Obesity incidence has nearly tripled since 1975. Also, a census stated that there were as many as 41 million obese children and 340 million adolescents who were obese in the year 2016. Even though it is a preventable disease, the problem of obesity is on the increase. After obtaining informed consent, a study was conducted among 56 adult obese patients, with age between 18 and 55, who were either of the Class I or Class II Obesity Groups, to determine the rate of occurrence and the severity of other illnesses among them. An attempt has been made through this paper to document the same.