Obesity

Obesity is a condition marked by excessive body fat accumulation, increasing the risk of various health issues

What is Obesity ?​

Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat in the body, which can negatively impact health, reduce life expectancy, and/or increase health problems. A large portion of diseases such as diabetes, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, ischemic stroke, osteoarthritis, and cancer are caused by being overweight and obese.

In Ayurveda, Atisthoulya (obesity) is described as the excessive accumulation of Meda (fat/adipose tissue) and Mamsa (muscle/muscle tissue), which leads to looseness in the hips, abdomen, and breasts. In Ayurveda, it is considered one of the Santarpanottha Vikaras (diseases caused by excessive calorie intake). Medodushti (disorders of fat metabolism) can be one of the risk factors for Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD).

Causes of Obesity

  • Consumption of energy-dense foods rich in fats and carbohydrates
  • Overeating and irregular eating habits
  • Lack of physical activity due to a sedentary lifestyle
  • Consumption of energy-dense foods rich in fats and carbohydrates
  • Overeating and irregular eating habits
  • Lack of physical activity due to a sedentary lifestyle
  • Genetics, endocrine disorders, medical conditions, or mental illness
  • Sleeping during the day

What to Do​

  • Eat low-fat and low-calorie foods
  • Consume more protein to stay full longer without eating
  • Eat steamed/boiled or baked vegetables instead of fried ones
  • Eat small meals frequently to avoid food cravings
  • Drink skimmed milk instead of whole milk
  • Consume a healthy diet like oatmeal, walnuts, salad, bitter gourd, drumstick, barley, wheat, green gram, honey, gooseberry (amla), pomegranate, charoli (chironji), and buttermilk
  • Include cabbage in your daily meals as it prevents the conversion of sugar into fat
  • Use warm water for drinking
  • Incorporate lemon into your diet and drinks

What Not to Do

  • Avoid high-carbohydrate vegetables like potatoes, rice, etc.
  • Avoid excessive sugar or sweet products, too many dairy products, fried and oily foods, fast food, and too much salt
  • Avoid salty foods or meals with excessive salt

Ayurvedic Treatment for Obesity

Ayurveda treats obesity by addressing the root cause, balancing doshas, improving digestion, and eliminating excess fat. Obesity is primarily caused by an imbalance in Kapha dosha, leading to slow metabolism and fat accumulation. Ayurveda focuses on herbal medicines, detox therapies, and lifestyle changes to promote healthy weight loss.

1. Herbal Remedies – Herbs like Triphala, Guggul, Punarnava, and Trikatu boost metabolism, aid digestion, and reduce fat accumulation.

2. Panchakarma Therapy – Detox treatments like Udvartana (herbal powder massage) and Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) help remove toxins and excess fat.

3. Diet Modifications – Consuming light, warm, and fiber-rich foods, avoiding sugary and oily foods, and drinking hot water help balance digestion and promote weight loss.

4. Exercise and Yoga – Regular physical activity along with yoga poses like Surya Namaskar, Kapalbhati, and Bhujangasana help burn fat and improve metabolism.

5. Lifestyle Changes – Maintaining a balanced routine, reducing stress through meditation, and following mindful eating habits prevent obesity.


Dr. Manish Yadav (Neuro Specialist)

B.A.M.S. from Barkatullah Vishwa Vidyalaya, Bhopal, P.G.D.E.M.S form England University