Obesity and Guidelines for Weight Loss

Obesity is defined as "the condition of an excessively high amount of body fat or adipose tissue in relation to lean body mass." 1 A more commonly-known definition of obesity is that of an individual's weight being 30% or more above what is considered normal as defined by a standardly-accepted height/weight chart (e.g. The National Center for Health Statistics or Metropolitan Life Insurance Company). Overweight and obesity are also commonly determined by calculating an individual's body mass index.

Causes of Obesity  

•    The genes you inherited from your parents

•    How well your body turns food into energy

•    Your eating and exercising habits

•    Your surroundings

•    Psychological factors

Home Remedies for Obesity

Honey is an excellent natural remedy for obesity. 10 grams of honey should be taken with hot water in the initial and the doze can be increased with the time. This is excellent home remedy for obesity.

Diet for Obesity - One teaspoon of fresh honey mixed with a juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water can be taken at normal intervals.

Cabbage is considered to be an effective home remedy for obesity.

Mint is also beneficial in dealing with the problem of obesity. Mint chutney taken along with meals is highly beneficial. This is one of good obesity remedy.

Obesity cure - Regular intake of inducement juice also helps in the reduction of weight.

Exercises are must for burning fat. Do some breathing exercises and yogic asana for maintaining good shape and healthy mind. Go for morning walk everyday.

Do sit ups and push ups as they makes your body flexible and tones the abdomen muscles, buttocks, thighs, and other body parts.

Do not eat sweet and candy. These must be avoided at any cost.

Do not eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates, such as rice and potatoes.

Include food grains such as wheat, barley, sorghum and maize in your diet.

Dietary Treatments for Obesity

There is a direct relation between the diet one eats and obesity. Controlling the diet is a sure method of controlling obesity. The following guidelines must be observed:-

1.    Foods that are excessively rich in carbohydrates must be avoided. These include rice and potatoes. Wheat must be used instead of rice. Barley and maize can also be used effectively.

2.    Fatty substances must be avoided. In obese people, the chances of cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis are high. Hence, people who consume lots of hydrogenated fats have greater risk of cholesterol buildup in their arteries.

3.    Obesity increases the chances of diabetes mellitus. Hence, people who are overweight must reduce their intake of sugars and other sweet foods.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Obesity

Guggulu is prescribed by most Ayurvedic physicians as the drug of choice in the control of obesity. It may be prescribed in its pure form (in the dosage of one gram four times a day), or it can be given in a mixture form as Navaka Guggulu or Triphala Guggulu. These are given in tablet form, followed by some hot drink.

Mineral supplements such as Tapyaadi Lauha and Shilajitawadi Lauha are given in conjunction with the Guggulu tablets.

Certain yogic asana like sarvangasana, halasana, bhujangasana, shalabhasnaa, dhanurasana, chakrasana, naukasana, ardhmatsyendrasana, paschimottasana, vajrasana, yogamudra and trikonasa are highly helpful as these asanas improves the blood circulation and strengthens the weak areas which helps to melt the excess fat. This is one of the best obesity treatments.