Correlation of Serum Interleukin-6 Levels with Atisthoulya (Obesity): An Integrative Approach between Ayurveda and Modern Biomedicine

Background: Obesity (Atisthoulya) is both a biomedical and Ayurvedic concern, linked with metabolic disorders and chronic low-grade inflammation (metaflammation). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key biomarker in this process. Objective: To assess serum IL-6 levels in individuals with varying BMI and correlate findings with Ayurvedic descriptions of Atisthoulya. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 174 adults (20–60 years) was conducted. Participants were categorized by BMI, and serum IL-6 was measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and regression models. Results: IL-6 levels increased significantly with BMI (p < 0.001), from 26.35 pg/mL in normal weight to 167.32 pg/mL in Obese III. Higher age also correlated with elevated IL-6, whereas gender differences were non-significant. Conclusion: Elevated IL-6 supports the Ayurvedic view of Atisthoulya as a systemic disorder with inflammatory and degenerative consequences. IL-6 may serve as a biomarker linking traditional concepts of Ama with modern inflammation biology, emphasizing the need for integrative management.

Atisthoulya, Obesity, Ayurveda, IL-6, Metaflammation

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