Most individuals experience weight loss at some point in their life, sometimes without realising why. Weight loss might indicate various other health issues ranging from stomach disorders to chronic conditions. In Ayurveda, the focus is on these underlying causes rather than just addressing the symptoms. This approach identifies the factors that disrupt body equilibrium and cause weight loss. By addressing these root causes, Ayurveda seeks to restore wellness and equilibrium for optimal performance of the body and keeping a healthy weight.
As per Ayurveda, weight loss is linked to imbalances of the body's doshas, Vata, Kapha and Pitta. Each dosha plays a particular role in our health and their disturbance might result in different health issues including weight changes. This is how these imbalances cause weight loss:
Vata Imbalance: Over-stimulated Vata can lead to rapid weight loss. Vata characteristics are lightness and dryness, which can cause reduced tissue density and loss of weight.
Pitta Imbalance: Aggravated Pitta might increase metabolism and heat production. This could lead to an overactive metabolism rate and thereby decrease body fat.
Kapha Imbalance: While Kapha generally contributes to weight gain, an imbalance could also disrupt digestive processes and nutrient absorption.
Diet: Eating too light, dry or harsh foods can upset Vata & Pitta doshas and decrease Kapha, which often results in weight loss.
Lifestyle: Excessive physical activity, stress and irregular eating could disrupt dosha balance.
Environmental Factors: Changes in seasons or living in a cold and dry climate might increase Vata and influence body weight.
It is important to understand these factors for addressing weight loss. Identifying the dosha imbalances and contributing factors help to build a customised diet and way of life to restore balance and a healthy weight.
Weight loss may occur for a number of reasons we can't control. Knowing such factors might help to identify lifestyle or medical interventions needed to manage weight loss:
Some people are susceptible to having a higher metabolism, meaning their bodies burn fat quicker compared to others and lose weight faster.
Diet: Eating a diet which is insufficient or low in nutrients could cause weight loss.
Exercise: Overtraining or not getting sufficient nutrients might also result in loss of weight.
Stress: Too much stress could also cause weight loss.
Thyroid Problems: Conditions like hyperthyroidism increase the metabolism and cause weight loss.
Diabetes: Unmanaged diabetes might cause increased muscle and fat burning for energy and lead to weight loss.
Digestive Disorders: Diseases like Crohn's disease and celiac disease stop the body from absorption of nutrients correctly.
It is important to understand these modern causes of weight loss to manage & prevent the condition.
Both Ayurvedic & contemporary medical perspectives help to understand the causes of weight loss. While today's medicine highlights genetics, lifestyle and health conditions, Ayurveda focuses on the balance of doshas within the body. Ayurveda deals with the root causes of weight loss & not just the symptoms. It therefore offers a holistic approach to restoring balance and health.
The first step to natural healing is understanding exactly why weight loss happens at the source. Consult an Ayurvedic specialist today for customised treatment options based on your body constitution.
