Obesity is a condition characterised by excessive fat accumulation in the body. This condition is not just about being overweight but is a major health problem that may increase the risk of other medical issues such as diabetes, heart diseases and joint problems.
Medically, Obesity is measured by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI), which measures the weight-height connection. There are three classes of Obesity based on BMI:
In Ayurvedic terms, Obesity is regarded as 'Sthaulya' or 'Medoroga', a disorder of 'Meda Dhatu' (fat tissue and fat metabolism). This is one of the seven 'Dhatus' (body tissues) described in the ancient Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita. Meda Dhatu imbalance/dysfunction leads to excessive fat accumulation, a serious health problem.
By understanding and managing Obesity through Ayurveda, these risks can be mitigated through holistic wellness and proper fat metabolism. If you're considering Ayurvedic treatments, a specialised practitioner can prescribe customised approaches specific to your health concerns.
Obesity occurs when the balance between calorie consumption and energy expenditure is disturbed. These factors are important to understand as they demonstrate how lifestyle and biology can influence weight gain.
Excessive Calorie Intake: Eating more calories than your body can use, particularly from sugary and high-fat food, can lead to weight gain.
Absence of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle with very little exercise means fewer calories are burned, which could result in weight gain.
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to gain weight faster compared to others. These factors can affect appetite, metabolism, and fat storage.
Medications: Several medicines (like antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs and diabetes drugs) can result in weight gain as a side effect.
Medical Conditions: Health issues like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance might reduce metabolic rate or enhance appetite, leading to Obesity.
Poor Sleep: Sleep deprivation could disrupt hormones that control appetite and hunger, leading to increased eating and weight gain.
Stress: Constant stress could result in the release of cortisol, a hormone which stimulates fat retention and raises appetite for high calorie foods.
Environmental Factors: Access to fast food, lack of safe places to exercise and even marketing of unhealthy foods may contribute to Obesity. Cultural and community factors also influence dietary habits and lifestyle choice.
Age: The metabolism slows down and muscle mass decreases with age, making it much easier to gain weight if calorie consumption isn't modified.
Obesity often has no apparent symptoms at first and isn't easily detected until it gets worse. But a number of signs and physical changes may indicate whether someone is gaining weight or has already developed Obesity.
Here are the most noticeable Obesity symptoms:
The most obvious symptom is increased body fat around the waist.
If regular clothes feel tighter or no longer fit, it may mean that body fat may be increasing.
Having difficulty performing previously easy tasks such as going up stairs or walking for long distances may indicate excess weight affecting physical function.
Increased body weight could cause fatigue, since the body works harder to do daily tasks.
With weight gain comes shortness of breath or difficulty breathing during activities or even while resting.
Obesity increases the likelihood of sleep problems including sleep apnea, characterised by increased snoring.
Excessive weight could put more stress on the joints, causing discomfort and pain in the knees, hips and back.
Carrying extra weight can make the body sweat more than usual, even with minimal exertion.
Feelings of low self-esteem, depression or sadness could be both a symptom and result of Obesity.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Obesity treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. 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: These are scientifically created blends that support rebalancing your body’s energy system and emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These calming practices support mental health and complete wellness.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Panchakarma and various types of massages cleanse the body and promote emotional equilibrium.
Dietary & Lifestyle Changes: Expert advice on changing your eating and lifestyle to achieve health goals.
Ayurveda offers natural management of Obesity by focusing on the root causes, such as imbalances in the body's energy and metabolism. These remedies include herbs and formulations that have been used for centuries to help lose weight and improve health.
Triphala: Triphala combines Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki to form a detoxifying agent that facilitates digestion and elimination of toxins from the body. Soak Triphala powder in warm water and consume it daily for better digestive health and weight loss.
Guggul: Guggul is extracted from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree and is believed to improve thyroid function, metabolism and fat breakdown.
Trikatu: Trikatu (a blend of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger) is known to stimulate digestion and increase metabolic rate for efficient fat burning.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi moderates blood sugar and reduces stress, two factors that can help manage weight.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric contains curcumin which is anti-inflammatory and promotes fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Use turmeric in your everyday meals or as a dietary supplement to support weight loss and better health.
Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graecum): Fenugreek helps digest food, control blood sugar and promote satiety, which can help control appetite and assist in weight loss. Soak Fenugreek seeds overnight and eat on an empty stomach or use them in meals.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha is believed to reduce stress and increase energy levels, making it helpful for weight management.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is known to increase insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar, which is an essential requirement for weight control.
Kalonji (Nigella Sativa or Black Cumin): Kalonji has been used for centuries to aid weight loss in obese patients. Incorporate Nigella sativa seeds or oil into your diet to explore its health benefits.
Vijaysar (Kino Tree): Extracts of Vijaysar tree may help reduce fat. Its efficacy needs to be further studied but using its extracts may help in Obesity management.
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): Punarnava exhibits strong diuretic properties that can help eliminate toxins and support kidney and urinary bladder functions, aiding in detoxification and weight control.
Obesity is often caused by consuming excessive calories, not being physically fit, genetics, certain health conditions and some medications.
Based on BMI, Obesity is divided into three types: Class I (BMI 30-34.9), Class II (BMI 35-39.9) and Class III (BMI 40 or higher) - also known as severe or morbid Obesity.
Childhood Obesity occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his/her age and height. It could trigger conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes early in life.
A diet for Obesity management must include fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins that can help weight control. Avoid processed foods, excess sugars and fats.
Yes, yoga for Obesity management helps relieve stress, improve mobility and improve metabolism, which is good for weight management.
Long term effects of Obesity may include diabetes, stroke, heart disease, arthritis and certain other conditions.
Ayurveda diagnoses Obesity by assessing the balance of body’s energies and presence of excess Meda Dhatu (fat tissue).
Yes, Ayurveda prescribes a balanced diet, regular exercise and herbal remedies to manage body weight and prevent Obesity.
Herbs like Guggul, Triphala and Punarnava help in reducing body weight by improving metabolism.
With the proper dietary changes, increased physical activity and consistent management, Obesity can be managed and possibly reversed.
Ayurveda provides a holistic approach, including diet modifications, herbal supplements and lifestyle changes to balance the body’s energy system and help lose weight.
Many individuals think that Obesity is only caused by overeating. In reality, genes, hormonal imbalances and metabolism play an important role too.
