Short and Long term effects of Overeating (Atimatrashan) on health and well-being: A Conceptual Study

Abstract

Overeating is the excess food consumed in relation to the energy that an organism expends. Out of various eating disorders overeating from supersize meal portions is termed as Atimatrashan in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda great emphasis has been given on the ideal quantity i.e., ‘matra’ of Aahara which is customized according to individual appetite. While occasional overeating predisposes to various disorders manifested through impaired digestive function, Habitual overeating eventually leads to obesity. Obesity being a state of chronic inflammation predisposes to wide range of diseases including Metabolic syndrome and Cancer. In this context, this paper discusses the Ayurvedic concept of Tridosha Prakop (vitiation of all the three Doshas) with the resulting ailments and Aamvish which is said to be formed as a result of habitual overeating and is thought to be Vishsadrushya (highly toxic) and param asaadhyam (incurable).