The AYUSH centre at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) has emerged as a key hub for obesity management, treating 3,600 patients up to September this year. This marks a significant rise in public participation, highlighting growing interest in traditional medicine systems for lifestyle disorders.
The centre primarily uses Siddha and Naturopathy treatments, including herbal formulations, yoga, dietary modifications, and lifestyle counseling. Patients report improvements in weight management, energy levels, and overall well-being. Women and elderly patients, in particular, have benefited from personalized treatment plans combining therapy sessions with routine follow-ups.
“Obesity management is a gradual process. Patients need to commit to at least six months to a year of consistent treatment, including yoga, diet discipline, and herbal medications,” said Dr. M. Vatsala, District Siddha Medical Officer at MGMGH.
The centre also incorporates traditional therapies like oil massages, steam baths, and herbal diets to enhance metabolic activity. Many patients, like Uma Rani from Woraiyur, have shared success stories of weight loss and improved mobility after following the prescribed regimen.
From around 200 cases per month in 2023 to 350 per month in 2025, the rise in patient numbers reflects both the effectiveness of AYUSH treatments and a shift in public attitude towards holistic and non-invasive solutions for chronic conditions like obesity.
The MGMGH AYUSH centre’s growing popularity underscores the potential of traditional healthcare systems in addressing modern lifestyle challenges, and it continues to serve as a model for combining ancient wisdom with contemporary health management.