Let’s Talk about obesity, which makes both your mind and body sick?
Obesity has become one of the fastest-growing health problems worldwide. It is not only a cosmetic concern but also a serious medical condition that increases the risk of many chronic diseases. Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, provides a holistic approach to understanding and managing obesity.
🤔 What is Obesity?
Obesity is a condition in which excessive body fat accumulates, leading to health problems. It is generally measured using Body Mass Index (BMI).
⚖️ BMI Calculation
BMI Calculation:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m²)
- Below 18.5 → Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9 → Normal weight
- 25 – 29.9 → Overweight
- 30 and above → Obese
🔍 Reasons for Obesity
There are multiple factors that contribute to obesity:
- Unhealthy diet: Excess intake of fried, oily, sugary, and fast foods.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting.
- Hormonal imbalance: Thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, insulin resistance.
- Genetic factors: Family history of obesity.
- Psychological factors: Stress eating, depression, or poor sleep.
- Overeating habits: Eating without hunger or frequent snacking.
⚠️ Complications of Obesity
Obesity can lead to several health issues:
- Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, hypertension, stroke)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- Joint and back pain (osteoarthritis)
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Increased risk of cancers
- Hormonal imbalance & infertility
- Reduced quality of life and self-esteem issues
🌿 Ayurveda’s View on Obesity
In Ayurveda, obesity is called “Sthaulya” or “Medoroga”. It occurs due to an imbalance in Kapha dosha and Medo dhatu (fat tissue). Excessive intake of heavy, oily, sweet foods, combined with lack of exercise, leads to accumulation of Ama (toxins) and fat. Ayurveda explains obesity as a condition where fat increases disproportionately while other tissues become weak.
🌱 Ayurvedic Treatments for Obesity
Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to managing obesity through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies.
1. Dietary Recommendations (Ahara):
- Include light, easily digestible foods (green gram, barley, millet).
- Drink warm water with lemon and honey in the morning.
- Use spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric to improve digestion.
- Avoid deep-fried, fast foods, excess sweets, and dairy products.
- Eat only when hungry and avoid overeating.
2. Lifestyle Changes (Vihara):
- Daily physical activity like yoga, brisk walking, Surya Namaskar.
- Maintain regular sleep patterns.
- Reduce stress through meditation and pranayama.
3. Herbal Remedies (Aushadhi):
- Triphala – Helps detoxify and improve metabolism.
- Guggulu – Burns excess fat and improves lipid metabolism.
- Heen Bovitiya (Osbeckia octandra) – Beneficial for liver health and fat metabolism.
- Moringa leaves – Supports digestion and weight management.
- Curry leaves – Help in fat reduction and cholesterol balance.
4. Ayurvedic Therapies (Panchakarma):
- Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) – Eliminates excess Kapha.
- Virechana (purgation therapy) – Clears toxins from the digestive system.
- Udvarthana (herbal powder massage) – Reduces subcutaneous fat and improves circulation.
- Swedana (herbal steam therapy) – Helps in sweating and toxin removal.
Obesity is not just about appearance; it is a serious health condition that affects overall wellbeing. While modern medicine often focuses on weight reduction through calorie control and medication, Ayurveda emphasizes balance—of diet, lifestyle, and mind. By adopting Ayurvedic principles, one can achieve sustainable weight management and improved health naturally.
