Obesity is a common nutritional disorder that can affect people of all age groups. It is characterised by an excess accumulation of fat in the body. High intake of high-fat, fried foods and a sedentary lifestyle result in excessive fat getting blocked in various body channels. Obesity, in turn, causes several metabolic disturbances such as hypertension, diabetes, irregular digestion, etc. It can also affect social life. Excess body weight, if not brought down, can lead to obesity.
According to Ayurveda, weight gain occurs due to excess accumulation in the body's three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, with Kapha being the most significant. An increase in Kapha results in excess accumulation of Ama, toxins, and Medha Dhatu, or fat, within the body. This, combined with the Kapha Dhatu imbalance, leads to metabolic function disruption, resulting in weight gain.
Several reasons, including lack of physical activity, an unhealthy lifestyle, and poor eating habits, cause weight gain. Some of the significant causes of obesity include:
Overeating: Eating more calories than the body's physical requirements can lead to fat accumulation.
Unhealthy Foods: Sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods can disturb metabolism and increase Kapha dosha.
Irregular meals: Going for long periods without eating for more extended periods can compromise the body’s metabolism.
Lack of Physical Activity: This is one of the biggest reasons for weight gain in many people. Even simple weight lifting or walking can activate Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Kapha, promoting weight loss or management.
Stress Eating: Sustained stress affects cortisol levels in the body. High cortisol levels can stimulate excess fat deposition, especially in the belly region. Emotional eating often results in consuming calorie-dense comfort foods.
Hormonal Imbalances: Imbalances in the proper hormonal levels, as observed from diseases like PCOS, Hypothyroid or Insulin Resistance, can go a long way in hindering an individual from losing weight.
Genetics: If obesity runs in your family, you may be at a high risk, too. However, you can maintain a healthy weight by following a balanced diet.
Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can disrupt the hormones that lead to excessive food intake.
Weight gain doesn't always occur immediately but can lead to noticeable symptoms, including:
Feeling tired or less energetic than usual and needing more motivation to carry out daily tasks.
Having a feeling of breathlessness after slight physical activity.
Puffiness or swelling, with a focus on the face and abdomen.
Pain in the joints, especially the neck and lower back.
Increased appetite and frequent cravings for unhealthy and sugary foods.
Constantly feeling heavy or bloated after eating.
At Jiva Ayurveda, we provide evidence-based measures for weight loss and restoring balance in the body and mind. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP Certified Ayurvedic Medicines: Unique scientific formulations aim to enhance metabolism, decrease fat deposition, and detoxify the body without adverse effects.
Diet and Nutrition: Jiva Ayurvedic specialists provide a more detailed Ayurvedic Weight Loss Diet containing beneficial foods that balance doshas and burn fat.
Yoga and Meditation: Yoga and other mindfulness practices help increase physical activity and manage stress.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Panchakarma therapy (detoxification) and Udvartana therapy (herbal powder massage) increase fat metabolism, detoxify the body, and boost overall health.
Lifestyle Change: Ayurvedic treatment for weight loss can bring about many changes, such as adjustments to daily schedules, sleeping patterns, and other activities that aid in weight loss.
Ayurveda harnesses the power of herbs to assist with weight loss naturally without the risk of other health issues. Some of the most effective Ayurvedic medicines for weight loss without side effects are:
Triphala: Known as a unique blend of three fruits (Amla, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), Triphala is helpful in digestion and detoxification. It removes toxins from the body, boosting metabolism and promoting weight loss.
Guggul (Commiphora Mukul): Guggul effectively burns fat and specialises in lowering cholesterol levels while keeping lipid metabolism balanced.
Garcinia Cambogia (Vrikshamla): This fruit contains hydroxy citric acid (HCA), which helps control appetite and prevent fat deposition.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Stress induces weight gain in many individuals, and Ashwagandha is a good remedy for decreasing cortisol while improving emotional health.
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): Water retention and bloating can be easily treated by this herb, acting as a natural diuretic.
Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum): Fenugreek seeds contain high amounts of soluble fibre, which promotes fullness and helps control the urge to eat.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is known to have fat-burning and anti-inflammatory effects that assist the body in healthy metabolism.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum): Cinnamon can help with blood sugar levels, reduce cravings, and allow for fat burning.
In Ayurveda, treatments like Panchakarma, Udvartana (herbal powder massage), and the use of other herbs, including Triphala, Guggul, and Garcinia Cambogia, are said to be very helpful for weight loss as they remove toxins from the body, improve metabolism, and naturally cut down fats.
Those who practice Ayurveda aim to balance the doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha by using herbs, following a diet, practising yoga, and making lifestyle changes that target the hormonal imbalance causing weight gain, enhance digestion, and eliminate toxins from the body.
Herbal medicines like Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, and Turmeric also help with weight loss. These herbs increase metabolism, help reduce body fat, and decrease hunger.
Indeed, Ayurveda takes a whole-body approach to losing weight through tailored dietary plans, natural herbs, and therapies like Panchakarma, which cleans the body and enhances health without side effects.
Ayurvedic practitioners can safely and efficiently treat people using natural, HACCP-certified herbal medicines and tailor Ayurvedic treatment for weight loss to provide long-lasting health benefits without adverse side effects.
Results vary depending on body type, lifestyle, and compliance with treatment. In most instances, noticeable changes are seen after 4-6 weeks of using Ayurvedic medicines, diet, and therapy.
Ayurvedic weight loss diets combine foods that help balance the three doshas. These may include warm light meals, digestion-enhancing spices, herbal teas, and foods that help reduce the Kapha dosha.
Most also do not have side effects, provided the individual is under the care of a trained Ayurvedic professional who understands how to manage weight and take these medicines.
Yes, obesity can be tackled effectively as Ayurveda works on hormonal imbalance with herbs such as Ashwagandha Guggul, lifestyle changes, and therapies to bring about harmony in the body’s system.
Udvartana, Triphala, and turmeric are some of the best herbal medicines for reducing belly fat. The effectiveness of these methods in reducing abdominal obesity further improves through yoga and a balanced lifestyle.
You do not have to stop eating and exercising, as an integration approach is the most effective in Ayurveda.
If obesity is not carefully handled, it can worsen the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart issues, joint pain, etc.
