Agni as a predictor of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in young adults using the Harris-Benedict Equation: Evidence from a cross-sectional analytical study

Authors

  • Shraddha Bawane Assistant Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Smt. Shalinitai Meghe Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Center, Bhilewada, Bhandara. Maharashtra. India.
  • Kiran Tawalare Associate Professor & HOD, Department of Kriya Sharir, Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur. Maharashtra. India.
  • Aparna Karnad Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur. Maharashtra. India.
  • Mandarkumar Madankar Associate Professor, Department of Swasthavritta, Dr.Rajendra Gode Ayurved College, Hospital & Research Center, Amravati. Maharashtra. India.
  • Gunjan Bhusari Consultant Ayurvedic Physician in Chronic Diseases. Maharashtra. India.
  • Pranay Bidwaik Assistant Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Smt. Vimaladevi Ayurved Medical College and Hospital, Wandhari, Chandrapur. Maharashtra. India.
  • Mahendra Chakravarti Ayurveda Consultant, Department of Kriya Sharir, Shri Vishwaganesh Ayurvedic Clinic, Parseoni, Nagpur. Maharashtra. India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47552/ijam.v17i3.6990

Keywords:

Agni, Basal Metabolic Rate, Harris–Benedict Equation, Metabolic Health

Abstract

Background: India faces a severe rise in metabolic disorders, underscoring the need for reliable metabolic indicators. Although Ayurveda describes Agni as central to metabolism, scientific correlation of Agnibala with contemporary measures like BMR is insufficient. Objective: To evaluate whether Agnibala can predict Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in young adults by assessing the association between Agni levels and BMR estimated using the Harris–Benedict equation. Materials & Methods:  A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 160 healthy adults (19–25 years) selected through quota sampling and classified into four Agnibala groups using a validated assessment tool. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) was estimated using the Harris–Benedict equation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and t-test with p < 0.05 considered significant. Result: BMR showed significant variation across Agnibala groups in both sexes, with Tikshna exhibiting the highest and Manda the lowest mean BMR values (p = 0.0001). BMR/kg and BMR category distributions further demonstrated strong associations with Agnibala, as Tikshna predominantly showed above-normal BMR while Manda and Sama were mainly below-normal (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Agnibala showed a strong and consistent association with both absolute and weight-adjusted BMR, indicating its validity as an indicator of intrinsic metabolic efficiency. These findings scientifically support the Ayurvedic concept of Agni and highlight its relevance in assessing metabolic health in young adults.

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Published

2026-09-30

How to Cite

Bawane, S., Tawalare, K., Karnad, A., Madankar, M., Bhusari, G., Bidwaik, P., & Chakravarti, M. (2026). Agni as a predictor of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in young adults using the Harris-Benedict Equation: Evidence from a cross-sectional analytical study. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 17(3), 734–737. https://doi.org/10.47552/ijam.v17i3.6990

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 3 (2026): July - September 2026

Section

Research Articles

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