OBESITY ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

WHAT IS OBESITY?

Obesity is a complex disease involving excess body fat. Obesity is not a cosmetic problem, it also increases the risk for diseases and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Obesity is determined when the body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher and the BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters (m) squared.

CONCEPT OF OBESITY ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

The cause of weight gain is a cyclical process. According to Ayurveda, like any other disease, obesity can be started by eating the wrong food or by developing improper eating habits and lifestyle, which can lead to digestive problems, which can increase ama (bio-toxins). Increased Ama inhibits metabolic processes and builds more fatty tissue (Fat Mine Agni) and inhibits the formation of furthermost tissues such as asthi dhatu.

CAUSES OF OBESITY

Hereditary
Dhatwagni mandya
Over eating
Too much sleeping or less activity
Unhealthy diet
Inactivity
Certain medications
pregnancy
Daytime sleep

MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF OBESITY

Shortness of breath
Excessive sweating
Trouble sleeping
Joint pain
Fatigue
Psychological isuues sucha as depression, shame etc.
Low self esteem

DO I HAVE OBESITY ?

Being overweight means you have a lot of body fat.The best way to determine if your body is fat or not is the body mass index [BMI]. Body mass index (BMI) is a ratio of weight to height, calculated as weight (kg) / height (m2).

COMPLICATIONS OF OBESITY CAN INCLUDE

Obesity can also lead to metabolic diseases. In addition, it adversely affects the quality of life and self-esteem. People who are overweight feel lethargic because their body tissues are not formed properly. If the symptoms are not treated adequately, various complications can occur;

Heart diseases
Diabetes
Digestive problems
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Osteoarthritis
Reduced physical mobility
Fatty liver disease
Respriratory problems
Importance of yoga in obesity
Yogasanas for weight loss

WHAT IS OBESITY IN AYURVEDA ?

In Ayurveda, obesity called sthoulya comes under the heading of medo roga, which is considered to be a metabolic disorder due to the dysfunction of meda dhatwagni (the factor responsible for the nourishment or metabolism of the fat tissue).kapha is essential for strength, stability, protection and immunity, however it is important to avoid excess kapha dosha as it can cause rapid weight gain.

KERALA AYURVEDA TREATMENT FOR OBESITY

In Ayurveda, therapies used not only to lose weight, but also to regulate metabolic processes by reducing ama or toxins and excess fat and to regulate the activity of kapha dosha without destroying the normal functions or vitiating vata. In addition to reducing cellulite and subcutaneous fat, panchakarma treatments nourish the skin and removes body odor.

Udwartana: Udwartana therapy is the most common ayurvedic treatment recommended for the treatment of obesity using herbal powders to remove blockages and stiffness in the body. Herbal powder massage reduces fat tissue, removes blockages, increases tissue heat and stimulates fat metabolism.

Basti- medicated enema: The main treatment for obesity is to get rid of kapha and meda without increasing the vata dosha. Basti is a treatment to support vata dosha; The medicated enema, which is prepared with oil and fat with the sharp properties of vata, helps to reduce kapha, eliminate ama or toxins and correct fat metabolism without vitiating the vata dosha.

PANCHAKARMA FOR OBESITY

Panchakarma treatment in Ayurveda is a five step treatment which works very well in removing toxins from your body. Here are some recommended Panchakarma treatments for weight loss in Ayurveda are; virechana[ purgative therapy], basti[ medicated enema], mardana or udvartana[ deep tissue massage]. Herbal powders are used for the mardana or udvartana procedure.

DIET FOR OBESITY AND LIFE STYLE ADVICE

Healthy eating is important for good health and maintaining a healthy weight. Not only what we eat and how much we eat but also how we eat is important. To eliminate excess body fat, we recommend a diet and lifestyle that reduces the amount of kapha dosha in body. Include salads in your diet as they are the opposite to kapha dosha.

Vegetarian diet:

Whole grains such as wheat, brown rice, barley, quinoa, oats etc
Colourful variety of vegetables, whole fruits, nuts, seeds and beans
Use plant oils and other vegetable oils for cooking.

FOOD TO AVOID WITH OBESITY

Avoid sugar- sweetened beverages
Refined grains such as white bread, white rice, white pasta and sweets
Potatoes, junk foods
Red and processed meet
Avoid all types of cold beverages, as they can quickly ruin digestion. Warm herbal tea and lukewarm filtered water are the best drinks to drink.
Avoid all processed foods from your diet. They often contain high levels of sugar and salt, which is not good for weight loss.

LIFE STYLE ADAPTATION IN OBESITY

Lifestyle modification therapy for overweight and obese patients incorporates specific recommendations regarding diet and exercise. Studies have shown that the prevalence of obesity, average BMI, or weight decreases with increasing amount of exercise and some reports have supported the direct effect of stress on the development of obesity. Regular physical activity encourages you to lose weight by burning calories and increasing your metabolic rate.

Practice regular exercises
Follow healthy eating habits
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
Limit or avoid high calorie and low nutrient foods.
Include vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and other sources of protein and whole grains to the diet.
Monitoring the weight regulerly
When trying to lose weight, drinking plenty of water can help you feel fuller and avoids overeating

EFFECTIVE AYURVEDIC HERBS TO TREAT OBESITY

Vidanga- embelia ribes
Triphala- hareetaki, bibhitaki, amalaki
Haridra- turmeric
Nagara- ginger
Mareecha- piper nigrum
Jeeraka- cuminum cyminum

NATURAL AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR OBESITY

Give up the sedentary life style.
Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Add lemon, pepper, cumin, fenugreek etc in diet.
Drinking a cup of cinnamon tea in morning will help to cut belly fat.
Regular practice yoga will help ti reduce the weight.

YOGA ASANAS FOR OBESITY

Yoga has many health benefits. Yoga can not only improve your physical well-being, but also through exercises such as meditation, which can seriously enhance a person’s mental well-being. Yoga is the best option for all your health problems and here are some asanas that can help you lose weight-

Surya namaskara- sun salutation
Sarvangasana- shoulder stand pose
Dhanurasana- bow pose
Trikonasana- triangle pose
Bhujangasana- cobra pose
Sethu bandha sarvangasana- bridge pose