IMPACT OF ASB?B SITTA ?AR?RIYYA ON SIMAN MUFRI? (OBESITY): A COMPREHENSIVE COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF UNANI AND MODERN PERSPECTIVES

Dr. Mohd. Rehman Khan*, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Dr. Md. Rizwanullah, Dr. Mohammed Ikram, Dr. Fazal Ahamad, Dr. Danish Ali

ABSTRACT

Background- Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide, with increasing prevalence and associated metabolic disorders. Conventional medicine views obesity as an energy imbalance but traditional systems like Unani medicine provide a more holistic view in understanding the etiology and prevention of obesity. The central theme of this framework is the Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya (Six Essential Determinants of Health) emphasizing lifestyle regulation in the protection of health. Objective- To review the Unani concept of Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya in context of obesity and exploring its relevance by comparing classical Unani concepts with contemporary biomedical evidence. Methods- A narrative review was performed with primary data from classical Unani literature and current biomedical research on obesity and metabolic syndrome. The six determinants of health (Air (Hawā), Foods and Drinks (Ma’kūlāt-o-Mashrūbāt), Bodily Movement and Repose (Al-Ḥaraka wa’l Sukūn al-Badanī), Psychic Movement and Repose (Al-Ḥaraka wa’l Sukūn al-Nafsānī), Sleep and Wakefulness (Al-Nawm wa’l Yaqẓa), and Retention and Evacuation (Al-Iḥtibās wa’l-Istifrāgh) were analyzed for conceptual similarities with the current scientific understanding of obesity. Results- The review reveals a significant convergence between the classical Unani principles and the modern biomedical evidence. The Unani explanations for fat accumulation such as impure air, cold-moist dietary patterns, physical inactivity, emotional imbalance, disturbed sleep, and impaired elimination closely align with current evidence linking environmental, dietary, behavioral, psychological, circadian and metabolic factors to obesity and metabolic syndrome. These findings highlight the significance of holistic lifestyle modification in the prevention and management of obesity. Conclusion- Though Unani medicine and modern biomedicine have different terminologies and theoretical basis, the principles of moderation, individualization and lifestyle regulation are similar. A holistic model of evidence-based biomedical recommendations and culturally sensitive Unani lifestyle interventions can offer a comprehensive framework for prevention and management of obesity.

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