Struggling with obesity? It has become a grave health concern worldwide. But don’t worry—you can transform your life with holistic and natural solutions at our obesity clinic. The prevalence of obesity has been surging in recent years, affecting people of all ages. If you want to shed those extra pounds without any side effects, Ayurvedic treatment for obesity can help.
Excessive fat accumulation not only impacts your physical appearance but also increases the risk of chronic diseases. Consequently, many people are searching for healthy weight loss strategies. That’s where we come in, to help you understand the root causes of obesity and explore the potential of Ayurveda in obesity treatment, guiding you toward overall wellness.
What is Obesity?
Sthaulya is what Ayurveda calls the state of obesity. According to Ayurvedic texts written over 5000 years ago, obesity is considered an imbalance of doshas, particularly Kapha dosha and Vata dosha. This combination makes obesity treatment harder once the condition takes hold in one’s life. Because of this, many seek support from specialized obesity clinics.
Factors such as unhealthy eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, emotional health, and genetics contribute to excess body fat accumulation, adversely affecting your overall health. The medical parameter for defining obesity is a higher Body Mass Index (BMI). A normal BMI ranges from 19 and 25, whereas a BMI between 25 to 30 is assessed as overweightness.
How is obesity classified?
A BMI of 30 to 34 is Class I or mild obesity, and Class II or moderate obesity is between a BMI of 35 to 40. If your BMI is more than 40, you need to immediately shed the extra fat as it is considered severe obesity. This means, if you are someone with an average height of 170 cm or 5’7”, you are obese if you weigh 85 kg or more than that.
Also, if the body fat exceeds 25% in men and 32% in women, they can be considered to have obesity.
Types of obese conditions are categorized based on;
- Cause: Obesity can result from excessive calorie consumption or medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or PCOS.
- Severity: Categories include mild, moderate, and severe obesity.
- Onset: it may appear during childhood or adulthood.
Genetic or environmental influences are also there, including mutations, and lifestyle factors such as diet or physical inactivity. In all types of obesity, excess fat often accumulates around the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Among these, abdominal obesity or belly fat is the most common and concerning, as it can cause cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Why is obesity a concern? Obesity health risks are many, including diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, joint pain, osteoarthritis, and heart disease. Early medical care and careful weight management can reduce these risks. Preferably, Ayurveda and its detoxification therapies are ideal choices for dealing with obesity and complications.
Root Causes of Obesity
Everyone’s body constitution is unique, so, obesity causes can vary. Genetic factors and family history may contribute to childhood obesity, while poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome), eating disorders, stress, or depression can be major reasons why someone suffers from obesity in adulthood.
Most obesity-related concerns, such as belly fat, can be effectively treated if one is willing to undergo some lifestyle modification. In Ayurveda, sudden or gradual weight gain is often seen as an imbalance in the Kapha dosha. So, along with simple home remedies, consider joining an Ayurvedic weight loss treatment to improve your overall health.
Ayurvedic Approach to Obesity
Ayurveda doesn’t focus on weight in kgs, i.e., quantity, it targets the laxity of fatty tissue and the overall distribution of fat in the body. Effective weight management is possible only when the tone of fatty or muscle tissues is understood. Ayurvedic treatment for obesity combines detoxification therapies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
Panchakarma for Obesity
According to Ayurveda, detoxification plays a key role in weight loss. The accumulation of toxins can easily disrupt your metabolic processes and cause unhealthy weight gain. Therefore, in obesity treatment, Ayurvedic detox or Panchakarma therapy is considered highly effective as it can eliminate toxins and boost your metabolism.
Practitioners advise the below-mentioned Panchakarma detox procedures after assessing the constitution of the patient;
- Virechana or purgation in Panchakarma is practiced if the patient has a pitta constitution. This method eliminates excess water, fecal material, and toxins from the digestive system and liver. Patient testimonials suggest that it has helped them shed more than 3 kg.
- Udvartanam, a therapeutic massage in Panchakarma, uses herbal powders to deep cleanse the tissues and remove harmful toxins. It is a powerful method to reduce excessive fat in the body and balance Kapha dosha.
- Vasti or medicated enema Panchakarma therapy treats Vata dosha imbalance and involves administering a specific combination of oils and herbal decoctions through the rectum to detoxify the body.
It is important to note that each therapy is typically for personalized care. Ayurveda practitioners consider individual body type, dosha imbalance, and overall health condition before prescribing a specific treatment or detoxification method for weight loss.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Treatments
Herbal medicines and supplements are integral parts of natural Ayurvedic treatment for weight loss. They can aid in safe and effective weight loss without any surgery if you follow the medication regimen prescribed by your practitioner. The duration of your treatment with suitable herbal medicines will be decided by your care team.
Commonly used Ayurvedic herbs in weight loss treatment may include;
- Triphala can improve your digestion and metabolism. Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe Triphala churna to reduce belly fat.
- Guggulu is known for its fat-burning and cholesterol-lowering properties, becoming an important ingredient in almost every herbal medicine for weight loss.
- Punarnava is beneficial in natural weight loss treatment by reducing water retention and improving metabolism. The whole plant or its root is used to improve digestion and eliminate excess fluids.
It is certain that these herbs heavily support natural obesity treatment and can offer you long-term health benefits. However, they should only be taken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Customized Diet Plans for Effective Weight Loss
Ayurvedic diet plans for weight loss advocate the consumption of Vata-pacifying and metabolism-boosting foods, such as whole grains, green vegetables, and herbal teas. It’s no secret that fresh, seasonal foods can benefit you on your weight loss journey.
The best diet plan for weight loss should include the following, according to Ayurveda;
- Millets work wonders if you add them to your weight loss diet. Consider adding jowar, bajra, etc., into your diet.
- Drink water mixed with one or two tablespoons of honey and see how it works for your long-term weight loss plan.
- Drink warm water and buttermilk often.
- Add spices such as turmeric, cumin, and black pepper to your food, as they can enhance metabolism.
- Barley, green gram, and horse gram are other preferable choices for a weight loss diet.
While it is important to follow a healthy eating plan for weight loss, it is also crucial to avoid certain foods such as processed foods, sugary drinks, and heavy meals.
Weight Loss Diet Plan for Women
A high-protein diet can help women who want to lose excess fat and build muscle. Eat a well-balanced meal consisting of 30% protein. Start adding more paneer, eggs, milk, chickpeas, sprouts, lean meat, or pulses such as green gram, chole, or rajma to your daily diet.
Also, consume more whole grains, nuts, non-starchy vegetables, and fruits. A low-carb diet is generally better unless you are pregnant, as it can help balance hormones and maintain a regular menstrual cycle. This diet plan works well for short-term weight loss.
Weight Loss Diet Plan for Men
Men should ideally follow a plant-based, whole-food diet to reduce weight and combat obesity. You should add eggs, fish, chicken, cheese, tofu, and yogurt to your diet, as a high-fiber, high-protein, and low-carb diet can also help prevent heart diseases.
Men are more likely to develop visceral fat compared to women, therefore, a low-carb diet will aid in weight loss, while high protein intake will keep you satisfied for longer. Interestingly, any diet plan that helps shed visceral fat is considered beneficial for men.
Obesity Management for Children
Obesity in children should first be addressed by changing their eating habits. Limiting junk food, and increasing physical activity can help your child maintain a healthy weight. If your child is overweight for his/her age and height, with no family history of obesity, consider seeking medical advice to check for other underlying medical conditions.
Exercise and Lifestyle Modifications for Long-Term Weight Management
How to lose weight safely? Healthy weight loss involves safely reducing excess fat from your body. This can be achieved through regular exercises and physical activities. Exercise will help you burn calories, increase your metabolic rate, gain lean muscle, and improve heart and lung functions.
While the type and amount of exercise needed to lose weight vary from person to person, light cardio and yoga are accessible options for reducing body fat. Engaging in moderate exercise for around 60 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, can help you lose about 0.5 to 1 kg per week. Practices like Surya namaskar and pranayama can reduce stress, promoting healthy weight loss.
Doctors often recommend swimming and walking, as these activities burn calories by putting less strain on your heart and joints. They will also advise you to take the stairs instead of the elevator and practice simple stretching exercises during work breaks. Joining weight management programs can provide formal guidance for building a healthy lifestyle.
Lifestyle modifications, such as getting enough sleep for 7-8 hours each night, practicing mindful eating by avoiding distractions like TV or phones during meals, and taking regular breaks to stand or walk during work instead of sitting for prolonged periods, can also aid in weight loss. Avoid following trending ideas that are advertised on social media.
Keep in mind that losing too much weight in a short period is unhealthy and can lead to various long-term side effects. Instead, consider exploring Ayurvedic weight loss treatment to achieve your weight loss goals and enjoy a healthier life.
Why Choose Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital?
Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital, situated in Kollam, is one of the best obesity clinics in Kerala, specializing in authentic Ayurvedic obesity treatment. Panchakarma, the powerful Ayurvedic detoxification therapy is considered the best offering here, guided by practitioners with more than 10 years of experience.
With a highly efficient team and state-of-the-art facilities, our weight loss center offers personalized care that combines herbal medications, dietary modifications, and detoxification therapies.
Whether you need a consultation with our obesity specialist or a holistic treatment plan, you can trust the expertise of Chaithanya Hospital to guide you on your path to a healthier weight and an improved quality of life.