Determination of Total Daily Energy Expenditure in Different Doshaja Prakriti with Special Reference to Exercise Levels

Introduction: Prakriti is formed at the time of the union of sperm and ovum inside the womb. Prakriti is a constant Doshika predominance from conception to death influencing one's anatomy, physiology, and psychology. The classification of individuals according to Ayurveda is of three types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha with their subtypes. Body physiology depends on the three doshas, whereas as per modern medicine, energy (calories) is needed to perform the body function. According to modern science, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) is the number of calories burned by an individual per day according to the exercise activity. The formula for calculating TDEE is the product of basal metabolic rate (BMR) and exercise activity. People are becoming more and more conscious about health. The calculation of TDEE and providing guidance to the common people regarding their exercise needs are quite essential nowadays. Methods: The research was planned to determine TDEE in different Doshaja Prakriti. A total of 200 healthy individuals were selected from undergraduate and postgraduate programs with their ages between 18 and 30 years in this open cross-sectional observational study. A questionnaire was prepared for Prakriti Parikshana, and the participants were divided into six groups based on their Prakriti. The TDEE was calculated in each group. Results: The maximum number of volunteers was found to be females having Kapha pradhana prakriti, alpa bala, poor physical efficiency index, BMR ranging from 1100 to 1300, TDEE ranging from 1400 to 1800, and did perform light exercise. The student's Z-test was used for statistical analysis of the observed data to determine the association of TDEE with Prakriti. The "P value" and "F value" were 0.001 and 5.527, respectively. Hence, we conclude that there is a statistically significant difference in the mean TDEE in the individuals having different Doshaja Prakriti. Conclusion: From the analyzed data, the maximum TDEE was observed in Kapha Pitta Prakriti persons, while the minimum TDEE was observed in Vata Pitta Prakriti persons. Keywords: Basal metabolic rate, exercise, Prakriti, total daily energy expenditure