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Background: Lifestyle disorders — Sthoulya (obesity), Prameha/Madhumeha (type 2 diabetes mellitus) and Raktachapa Vriddhi (hypertension) — constitute the leading non-communicable disease burden of contemporary India. Ayurveda attributes such Santarpanajanya Vyadhis to the Trividha Hetu: Asatmendriyartha Samyoga, Pragyaparadha and Kaal Parinam, of which improper engagement of the sense of taste (Rasanendriya Asatmendriyartha Samyoga) is the most proximate dietary cause. No validated quantitative instrument for these classical constructs has previously existed.

Objectives: To evaluate the pattern and severity of Rasanendriya Asatmendriyartha Samyoga and its three sub-types (Atiyoga, Ayoga, Mithyayoga) in lifestyle-disorder patients; to determine the dominant sub-type; to correlate the Trividha Hetu constructs with anthropometric and biochemical parameters; and to develop and validate a measurement tool.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study enrolled 100 adults (18–60 years) with one or more lifestyle disorders attending a Kayachikitsa OPD. A purpose-built 36-item questionnaire assessed Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatna adherence (Section C), Rasanendriya Asatmendriyartha Samyoga (D), Pragyaparadha (E) and Kaal Parinam (F). Anthropometry, blood pressure and Prakriti were recorded. Data were analysed using Spearman correlation, chi-square/Fisher tests, the Friedman test, multiple linear regression and Cronbach’s alpha (p < 0.05).

Results: Mean age was 44.7 ± 9.0 years; 44% were Kapha Pradhana. The mean Rasanendriya (D) score was 35.8 ± 6.3 (70.2% of maximum), with 87% classified Severe/Very Severe and none Mild. Mithyayoga was the dominant sub-type (17.49) over Atiyoga (13.66) and Ayoga (4.65) (Friedman χ² = 185.7, p < 0.001). The D score correlated with BMI (ρ = 0.482) and HbA1c (ρ = 0.438); Atiyoga–BMI ρ = 0.615 (all p < 0.001). Inter-scale correlations ranged ρ = 0.656–0.838. The D score was an independent predictor of BMI (β = 0.258, p = 0.006; model R² = 0.346). Kapha Pradhana individuals showed the poorest Ahara Vidhi adherence (χ² = 17.17, p = 0.028). The full instrument showed excellent reliability (α = 0.932).

Conclusion: The Trividha Hetu operates as an empirically valid, integrated model of disease causation. Rasanendriya Asatmendriyartha Samyoga — predominantly Mithyayoga — is a fundamental and measurable driver of lifestyle disorders. The findings recast dietary management from a quantitative problem (eating too much) to a qualitative-behavioural one (eating wrongly), supporting Nidana Parivarjana, Prakriti-specific dietary guidance and Ritucharya as primary strategies.

Keywords: Ayurveda; Trividha Hetu; Asatmendriyartha Samyoga; Rasanendriya; Mithyayoga; Lifestyle disorders; Prakriti; Nidana Parivarjana.