What is Obesity and their Causes

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.

People are considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of the person's height in meters, exceeds 30 kg/m²

Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases, particularly heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.

Causes of Obesity:

·         Faulty dietary habits and lack of exercise

·         Stress and Emotional eating - Many people respond to emotional stress or depression by excessive eating.

·         Endocrine diseases like Hypothyroidism, Cushing Syndrome - Hypothyroidism may decrease metabolism of food and result in weight gain, fluid retention in the body.

·         Organ enlargement - such as ovarian cyst and obstruction of lymph fluid.

·         Age - As age increases the metabolism slows down and may result in weight gain

·         Hormonal imbalance

Tips for Weight Management:

·         Find out how many calories you need by calculating the BMR (Basic Metabolic Rate)

·         Healthy diet - Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Cut down on sugar and oil.

·         Control diet - Control the portion size.  Do not skip meals

·         Have 5-6 smaller meals rather than having 3 big meals.

·         Exercise - Regular exercise will help to burn off unwanted fat

·         For medical problems get treatment from qualified doctors.

Herbal Ayurveda Remedies:

Methi seeds: Methi is useful for dissolving fat in the liver

Guggul: In addition to aiding weight loss. Guggul also lowers cholesterol.

Vrikshamla: It contains Hydroxycitric acid which is a powerful lipogenic inhibitor.

Triphala: Triphala has detoxifying properties.  It aids digestion & reduces the water retention in the body which is one of the main causes of obesity.

Trikatu: Trikatu consists of Sunthee, Miri, and Pippali.  It improves the digestive fire and helps burn fat.

Gurmar (Meshashringi): It helps reduce the craving for sugar and sweets and neutralizes the excess sugar present in the body, thus preventing it from turning into fat.

Guduchi (Giloy): Helps in weight loss.

Dudhi (Bottle gourd): It balances liver & removes toxins from the body. Low in calories & reduces the urge of eating.