Introduction:
Today, almost everyone is obese with losing weight. Obesity is the disease of this century. Obesity is defined as a condition where one is at least 20% more than ideal body weight.
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2).
The weight loss process should be a gradual one or else, it could lead to ill Health. Crash diets or crash fitness programs may see to vary dramatically after weight but in the long run, this produce adverse effect. The weight management should be a gradual, well-engineered process involving diet, a tailor-made fitness regime counseling and effective Ayurvedic intervention and medication.
Obesity can be compared with STHAULYA or MEDOROGA in Ayurveda. The overweight/obese problem can either be due to an actual increase in fat component or due to malfunctioning. Body is made of seven dhatu (fatty tissue) and other remaining tissues get malnourished because of malfunctioning of meda dhatu, kapha get accumulated in between when kapha increases, fat metabolism is hampered and persons become obese.
Acharya Charak has thrown light on the eight varieties of impediments which are designated as Nindita Purusha (inferior person). Atisthaulya (Obesity) comprises one of them. - Ch.Su.21
Definition:
The WHO definition:
- a BMI greater than or equal to 25 is overweight
- a BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity
BMI provides the most useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity as it is the same for both sexes and for all ages of adults. However, it should be considered a rough guide because it may not correspond to the same degree of fatness in different individuals.
Ayurveda definition:
A person having pendulous appearance of Nitamb (Hip), Udara (Abdomen) and Stana (Chest) due to excess deposition of Meda along with Mamsa Dhatu and also having unequal or abnormal distribution of Meda with reduced zeal towards life is called "Atisthula"
- Cha.Su.Ch.21/9
(Atisthula = Obese)What is Body Mass Index (BMI)...?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of a person's weight with respect to his or her height. It is more of an indicator than a direct measurement of a person's total body fat.
BMI calculation
BMI = (Weight in kilograms) divided by (Height in metres squared)
BMI = (Weight in pounds) divided by (Height in inches squared)
Below is the simple BMI calculator to answer the question in your mind
Enter your weight:
Body Mass Index Calculator
Enter your height:Enter your weight:
Your BMI is : ?
Result : ?
A normal BMI score is one that falls between 18.5 and 24.9. This indicates that a person is within the normal weight range for his or her height. A BMI chart is used to categorize a person as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Weight Status |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 plus | Obese |
Is BMI applicable for all...?
For most people, BMI can be used to provide a good measure of obesity. But BMI fails to provide actual information on body composition like amount of muscle, bone, fat, and other tissues.
In some persons BMI is a more accurate measure of body fat than others. For example, persons who are very muscular may fall into the "overweight" category when they are actually healthy and very fit. These persons with a very low body fat percentage could have the same BMI score as someone who is overweight.
Distribution of fat...
The distribution of fat is one of the major contributors to disease. For example upper body fat distribution is termed Android and has been associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes as well as hormone and menstrual dysfunction. It is determined by measurement of waist-hip ratio.
In ayurveda the distribution of fat is described as follows:
Medastu sarvabhutaanamudarenvasthi thishtathi |
Ata evodare vriddhihi prayo medaswino bhavet ||
Fat gets deposited in and around belly in all living beings. It is also present in bone. Hence when a person becomes obese his stomach bulges out.
Is fat necessary to our body...?
Certain amount of body fat does the following function...
- Heat insulation.
- Absorption of shock.
- Storage of energy. Etc.
- Absorption of shock.
- Storage of energy. Etc.
According to Ayurveda the functions of body fat are described as follows:
"Medaha sneha swedaudhrudatwam pushtim asthyancha"
This means in normal conditions the body fat keeps the body moisturized , causes sweating , gives energy to body by storing energy and nourishes bones By protecting them from shock.
Causative factors:
The causes of obesity are distributed in main three groups:
1. Exogenous: Where the chief cause is excessive appetite or over feeding.
2. Endogenous: Where endocrine factors are important.
3. Miscellaneous: A number of factors are known to be associated with its development, which are taken under this heading.
1. Exogenous: Where the chief cause is excessive appetite or over feeding.
2. Endogenous: Where endocrine factors are important.
3. Miscellaneous: A number of factors are known to be associated with its development, which are taken under this heading.
Obesity usually results from a combination of causes and contributing factors.
Below mention some of them...
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Lack of Energy Balance | |
| An Inactive Lifestyle |
People who are inactive are more likely to gain weight because they don't burn the calories that they take in from food and drinks.
|
| Genes and Family History | Heredity |
| Health Conditions |
Some hormone problems may cause overweight and obesity, such as underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
|
| Medicines |
Certain medicines may cause you to gain weight. These medicines include some corticosteroids, antidepressants, and seizure medicines.
|
| Emotional Factors |
Some people eat more than usual when they're bored, angry, or stressed.
|
| Smoking |
Some people gain weight when they stop smoking.
|
| Age |
If you don't reduce your calorie intake as you get older, you may gain weight. Many women gain about 5 pounds during menopause and have more fat around the waist than they did before.
|
| Social and economic issues |
Research has linked social and economic factors to obesity. Avoiding obesity is difficult if you don't have safe areas to exercise. Similarly, you may not have been taught healthy ways of cooking, or you may not have money to buy healthier foods. In addition, the people you spend time with may influence your weight - you're more likely to become obese if you have obese friends or relatives.
|
In ayurveda all the causative factors of obesity classified into four groups :
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Aharatmaka ( Dietary) |
Atibhojana (Overeating), Guru Aharasevana (excessive consumption of heavy food), Madhur Aharasevana (Sweet food), Sheeta Aharasevana (Excessive consumption of cold diet), Sheeta Aharasevana (Excessive consumption of cold diet), Snigdha Aharasevana (Excessive consumption of unctuous food), Navanna Sevana (Usage of fresh rice), Nava Madyasevena (Usage of fresh alcoholic preparation), Gramya Rasa sevana (Usage of Domestic animal’s meat and soups), Paya Vikara Sevana (Excessive usages of milk and its preparations), Dadhi Sevana (Excessive use of curd), Sarpi Sevana (Excessive use of ghee), Sleshmala Aharasevana (Kapha increasing food), Ikshu Sevana (Usage of sugarcane), Guda Vikara Sevana (Usage of Jaggery’s preparation), Mamsa Sevana (Excessive use of meat), Shalisevana (Excessive use of rice), Masha Sevana (Excessive use of Phaseolus mungo), Godhuma Sevana(Excessive wheat)
|
| Viharatmaka (Regimens) |
Avyayam (Lack of physical exercise), Avyavaya (Lack of sexual life), Divaswap (Day's sleep), Asana Sukha (Luxurious sitting ), Swapnaprasangat (Excessive sleep), Gandhamalyanu Sevana (Using of perfumes garlands), Bhojanotar snana (Bathing after taking the meals), Bhojanotar Nidra (Sleeping soon after meal), Bhojanotar Aushadha sevana (Drugs after meal).
|
| Manas (Psychological) |
Harshnityatvat (Uninterupted cheerfulness), Achintanat (Lack of anxiety), Manasonivritti (Relaxation from tension), Priyadarshana (Observations of beloved things), Saukhyena.
|
| Anya (Others) |
Amarasa, Snigdha Madhura Basti Sevana (Administration of unctuous & Sweet enema), Tailabhyanga (Massaging of oil), Snigdha Udvartana (Unctuous unction), Bijadoshasvabhavat (Heridity)
|
Samprapti (Pathogenesis):
Obesity results from a greater consumption of energy than is used by the body. As this energy is stored, fat cells enlarge, producing the characteristic pathology of obesity. The pathologic enlargement of fat cells, in turn, produces altered levels of many peptide and nutrient signals that are responsible for the disease we call "obesity."
In ayurvedic texts sampaprati is as follow...
In pathogenesis of Sthaulya, all the three Doshas are vitiated; especially Kledaka Kapha, Pachaka Pitta, Samana and Vyana Vayu. They are the responsible factors for proper digestion and metabolism of food at the level of alimentary tract and body tissue. In physiological conditions jathragni nourishes subsequent Dhatwaagni & Bhutagni. Sthualya result from derangement of Dhatwagni.
According to Sushrut, it is Rasanittajavyadhi. Due to intake of kapha predominant aahara. Diwaswapna and avyama vitiated Rasadhatu circulates whole body, produces medas and causes Sthoulya.
Samprapti Ghataka (Factors of Pathogenesis):
The following factors play an important role in Samprapti of Sthaulya (Medoroga).
Signs and Symptoms:
Obesity is determined based on an individual's body mass index; appearance is sufficient.
Symptoms may include:-
Large body frame, Difficulty in doing daily activities, Lethargy, Breathlessness, Disproportionate facial features, Breast region adiposity - (sagging fat cells) in boys, Big belly (abdomen), sometimes marked with white or purple blemishes, Male external genitalia may appear disproportionately small, Flabby fat in the upper arms and thighs, Knock-knees (Genu valgum) is common
Reduction of longevity, premature ageing, low sex drive, poor sexual performance, unpleasant body odour, excessive sweating, excessive hunger, excessive thirst, difficulty in walking, tiredness, general debility, loss of vitality and mental confusion.
Complications:
| Obesity is not merely a cosmetic problem. This is a medical condition involving complex mechanisms. | ||
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Prevention:
Prevention is better than cure. Following a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent overweight and obesity. Many lifestyle habits begin during childhood. Thus, parents and families should encourage their children to make healthy choices, such as following a healthy diet and being physically active.
Weight Gain/Loss = Calories Consumed - Calories Burned
Preventing obesity is important. Once fat cells form, they remain in your body forever. Although you can reduce the size of fat cells, you cannot get rid of them
Below few tips to prevent obesity...
- Follow a healthy eating plan.
- Exercise regularly
- Know and avoid the food traps that cause to eat
- Monitor weight regularly
- Be consistent
- Avoid day sleeping, sleep in night after one hour of your dinner
- Limiting television time, screen time, and other "sit time"
- Reducing stress
Management:
The goal of obesity treatment is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. All weight-loss programs require changes in eating habits and increased physical activity.
The followings are include:
- Dietary changes
- Exercise and activity
- Behavior change
- Weight-loss medications
- Weight-loss surgery
Ayurvedic approach of treatment:
"Heavy and non-nourishing diet should prescribed for slimming in the case of the over-corpulent..." (Cha.Su.21)
As ayurveda the treatment plan is as follow...
Avoide the cause factors
Raising the metabolic rate of the body
Reduce the amount of improperly digested food in body
Enema to treat aggravation of vatas
Treat blocked channels (strotasa) in body internally by fat-reducing herbs
Plan diet which help in burning up the extra fat
Simple exercise routines
Depending on your body type, the medication varies. If obese person is diagnosed as vaata type, then purification procedures for vaata. If as kapha type, then for alleviating kapha. Treatment of aama will be done by administering the herbs which remove aama (aama paachana) and by increasing the conversion power of agni by giving substances that stimulate digestion.
Always keep in mind, the digesitve fire (jatharagni) of obese person is high.
Ayurvedic Management of Obesity:
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Pranayam |
Breathing exercises or pranayama calms the mind, and promotes mental alertness. When pranayama is performed, craving for food stops and a person begins to enjoy a normal appetite. Additionally, the practitioner begins to develop a positive mental attitude, and is able to face life with renewed hope and confidence.
Here few pranayam helpful in obesity... |
| Yoga | Here few yoga asanas helpful in obesity... |
| Medicinal Plants & other material |
|
Herbs for obesity mention in classical literature of ayurveda:
A total of 160 different herbs have been enlisted in various groups used in obesity. In classical literature of ayurveda group is mention as GANA. Charaka has given single Gana of 10 drugs (Lekhaniya Gana), while Sushruta and Vagbhata have mentioned 8 and 10 Ganas respectively.
Analysis of 100 drugs has been made, which are taken from different Ganas of classical texts after excluding the controversial drugs.
List of herbs proven by researches for hypolipidemic:
♣ I will separately post about food, vegetables, fruits, etc. useful in obesity...! Next Reading...
- Obesity and Fast Food
- Obesity and Exercise
- Obesity Management
- Obesity and Blood Pressure
- Obesity and Diabetes
- Obesity and Cancer
- Obesity and Depression
- Obesity and Autism
- Obesity and Hormones
- Obesity and Genetics
- Obesity in Adults
- Obesity in Pregnancy
- Obesity and Infertility
- Obesity and Sexual Health
- Obesity and Stress
- Obesity and Urinary Incontinence
- Obesity and Fractures
- Obesity and Arthritis
- Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
- Obesity and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Obesity Epidemiology
- What is Obesity Paradox?
- Obesity and Periodontitis
- Obesity in Children
- Obesity and Respiratory Disorders
- Obesity and Heart Disease
Source:
Charak Samhita
Sushrut Samhita
Astanghriday http://www.ayujournal.org http://ijam.co.in http://www.boloji.com http://www.mayoclinic.org http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov http://www.prevention.com http://www.ayurvedinstitute.com http://www.hsph.harvard.edu http://www.medindia.net http://www.muralimanohar.com http://www.gyanunlimited.com
Charak Samhita
Sushrut Samhita
Astanghriday http://www.ayujournal.org http://ijam.co.in http://www.boloji.com http://www.mayoclinic.org http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov http://www.prevention.com http://www.ayurvedinstitute.com http://www.hsph.harvard.edu http://www.medindia.net http://www.muralimanohar.com http://www.gyanunlimited.com
Image courtesy:
http://www.dnkb.com.cn http://opha.on.ca http://ichef.bbci.co.uk http://ergo-plus.com http://ahealthyguide.com http://media.discovery.lifemapsc.com http://www.indiana.edu https://politicalconnection.wordpress.com https://hezronkyle.wordpress.com https://www.papermasters.com http://www.livemedinfo.com http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.dnkb.com.cn http://opha.on.ca http://ichef.bbci.co.uk http://ergo-plus.com http://ahealthyguide.com http://media.discovery.lifemapsc.com http://www.indiana.edu https://politicalconnection.wordpress.com https://hezronkyle.wordpress.com https://www.papermasters.com http://www.livemedinfo.com http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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