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Ayurvedic Medicine For Fat Loss

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Obesity is one of the most common conditions that people suffer from in the world. In India, roughly 24% of women and 23% of men are overweight or obese. Obesity is the primary contributor to more than 200 other physical conditions, which include serious health conditions like heart diseases, metabolic diseases, cancers, respiratory issues, kidney issues, and many more. 

Apart from physical complications, unhealthy weight gain can have negative psychological impacts too, like issues with one’s body image, self-confidence, self-esteem, and distress due to not being able to perform certain activities. It can cause a feeling of trapedness that can also lead to depression.

Ayurvedic treatment at ���ϳԹ��� for fat loss aims to inculcate a holistic treatment program for this condition, while keeping in mind not just the physical aspect of it, but also the mental and neurological effects that it has on a person.       

How Is It Seen In Ayurveda?

Obesity, or Sthaulya, as it is termed in Ayurveda, is seen as a condition that results from over-nourishment of the body. The imbalance in the three doshas is the key reason for it. 

The main cause of obesity is the aggravation of Kapha dosha in the body, which is responsible for the stability and structure of the body. Aggravation of this dosha impairs the digestive process, which leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body. This causes improper fat metabolism and abnormal production and accumulation of Meda Dhatu (fat tissues), causing the person to gain unhealthy weight.

Common causes for this are our lifestyle and eating habits, though genetic factors can also be at play to some extent.

Signs Of Obesity

Some common and most noticeable symptoms of obesity are: 

• Excess body fat: This is the most common sign of obesity. 
• Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath during activity and snoring. 
• Sleep problems: Difficulty sleeping and sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. 
• Joint and back pain: Increased pressure on joints, especially in the knees, hips, and lower back. 
• Skin issues: Increased sweating, skin fold irritation, rashes, and stretch marks. 
• Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired and having low energy levels due to the body working harder to perform simple tasks.
• High blood pressure: This is because the heart has to pump harder to circulate the blood, as the weight puts excessive pressure on it.

Psychological effects of obesity can be:

• Negative self-image
• Low self-confidence
• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Social anxiety

Dosha-Specific Differences

Though the primary dosha that is associated with obesity is the Kapha dosha, the Pitta and the Vata dosha can also influence obesity symptoms. 

• Kapha-aggravated obesity: 

In this, symptoms usually include a general heaviness, lethargy, fatigue, excessive sleep, increased fat deposits in areas such as the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and breasts, which may appear sagging (Chala sphik udara stana). Overall, you might feel slow and heavy because of sluggish digestion.

• Pitta-Type Obesity: 

Since Pitta is associated with heat and water, it can lead to symptoms such as metabolic inflammation and increased hunger. It can also include increased thirst, sweating, and bad body odor. It can be a potential for early graying of hair, skin rashes, and a yellowish tinge to the skin, eyes, and stools. 

Emotional symptoms may include anger, frustration, and impatience.

• Vata-type obesity: 

Vata governs movement, which includes circulation, nerve impulses, and elimination. Common symptoms may include irregular appetite and digestion, bloating and gas, anxiety and restlessness, and sleep disturbances.

Common Causes And Contributing Factors 

Obesity mainly takes place when the fat cells are not burning enough to give energy. It is based on the calorie intake of a person and the calories they burn for energy. When the fat cells are not used, or when there is an abnormal production of fat cells in the body, they start to accumulate, leading to weight gain, and when the weight reaches an unhealthy limit, the person becomes obese. Some common modern and Ayurvedic causes for this accumulation are:

Modern Causes 

• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity leads to an imbalance in calorie intake and calorie burning.
• Genetics and Family History: Genes can influence how the body stores fat, how efficiently it converts food into energy, and how appetite is regulated. Obesity often runs in families, not just due to shared genes but also shared eating and activity habits.

• Environmental factors: Factors such as a person not being able to access or afford healthy food items, and only being able to access junk or processed foods, can also contribute to them gaining weight.

• Sleep Deprivation and Stress: Not getting enough sleep can disturb the hormonal balance, increasing stress and, therefore, leading to unhealthy cravings for sugary foods, etc.
• Medical Conditions: Certain hormonal problems and disorders, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can promote weight gain.
• Medications: Some prescription drugs, including certain antidepressants, corticosteroids, anti-seizure medicines, and some diabetes medications, can have weight gain as a side effect.

Ayurvedic Causes

• Overconsumption of sweet, salty, and sour foods.

• Frequent consumption of fried foods, cheese, cream, butter, and rich, calorie-dense meals can make digestion difficult.

• Cold and processed items: Intake of cold beverages, processed foods, sugary snacks, and desserts. 

• Impaired digestion (Mandagni): 

• Toxin accumulation: 

• Improper eating habits: Skipping meals, overeating, or eating before the digestion of the previous meal

• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity.

• Improper sleep patterns: Sleeping during the day, oversleeping, or lack of sleep.

• Constant joy/lack of concern: A state of mental inactivity.

Known Ayurvedic Medicines For Weight Loss

Ayurvedic herbal remedies aim to pacify the Kapha dosha, cleanse the body of accumulated toxins, and improve the metabolism of a person. Some known Ayurvedic medicines for weight loss are:

• Triphala: Aids in intestinal detoxification, promotes healthy digestion, and subtly decreases body fat
• Guggul (Commiphora mukul): Reduces cholesterol and increases fat metabolism
• Garcinia cambogia: Also known as Vrikshamla, it helps in suppressing hunger and prevents the storage of fat
• Punarnava: A potent diuretic plant that aids in reducing bloating and water retention in the body
• Medohar Vati: A traditional Ayurvedic formula to support the process of fat loss
• Loha Bhasma: Enhances blood quality and fortifies metabolic function 

Although these medications are generally safe, you should consume any medication under the guided expertise of Jiva Ayurvedic doctors, who will help you regarding the dosage, along with the lifestyle changes that should be made.

Ayurvedic Treatments For Weight Loss

Since Ayurveda believes that any disorder should be treated holistically, Ayurvedic treatment programs, along with herbal medicines, inculcate various physical therapies to heal the condition of obesity. Some of these time-tested therapies are:

• Panchakarma: It eliminates deep-seated toxins and improves metabolism.
• Udvartana (Herbal Powder Massage): It is a vigorous, deep dry massage using specific herbal powders. It helps break down fat deposits and improves circulation, which helps in fat burn.
• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): It is a full-body massage with warm medicated oils that improves blood circulation, aids in the removal of toxins, and accelerates fat metabolism.
• Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy): It induces sweating to open up the body's channels, which helps in eliminating toxins through sweat and enhances metabolism.

Lifestyle And Dietary Factors To Be Considered

Weight gain is very closely, and often, directly related to our lifestyle choices and our eating habits. Some kapha pacifying lifestyle and dietary tips to help you keep your weight in check are: 

Lifestyle Tips

• Increase overall physical activity.
• Include different exercises, such as aerobic exercises, like walking, running, and swimming, as well as muscle-strengthening exercises, such as weight lifting.
• Get an adequate amount of sleep.
• Effectively manage stress through practices such as meditation, yoga, and journaling.

Dietary Tips

• Consume whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken, fish, and beans. Add whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal.
• Control your portion sizes.
• Choose healthy fats such as those found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
• Limit consumption of unhealthy foods, like processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in refined carbohydrates, excess salt, and saturated fats. 
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger.

When To Consult An Ayurvedic Expert

Since weight gain is so common in India, you need to know when to seek professional ayurvedic care, as it can be a symptom of an underlying condition. It is also important to seek Ayurvedic expertise because weight gain, if it reaches an unhealthy limit, can give rise to other serious health complications, such as heart diseases, kidney issues, metabolic diseases, cancers, respiratory issues, and many more. 

You should contact a ���ϳԹ��� doctor if you are facing any of these symptoms:

• You are gaining unexplained weight.
• Your symptoms are persistent. You are constantly feeling sluggish and lethargic.  
• You are experiencing emotional eating, high stress levels, poor sleep quality, or low self-esteem related to your body image.
• Diet and conventional weight-loss programs are not affecting your symptoms.
• You have hormonal imbalances (like PCOS or hypothyroidism), insulin resistance, diabetes, or high cholesterol linked to your weight.
• You are looking for a weight management plan that uses natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle changes to address the root cause of weight gain, rather than just quick fixes.

Conclusion

Obesity can affect the daily life of a person in a very negative manner. From having physical effects, it can reach up to a person’s mental peace and significantly reduce the quality of their life. Apart from having serious physical complications, obesity can drive a person into depression as it can affect their body image, self-confidence, as well as their self-esteem. 

Therefore, it is necessary to tackle this condition promptly. ���ϳԹ���’s Ayunique philosophy believes that every patient deserves a holistic treatment, which suits their prakriti (the bodily constitution of a person’s doshas). We incorporate herbal medicines along with various Ayurvedic treatments to ensure a holistic and lasting recovery from obesity and improve the overall quality of the patient’s life by guiding them about their lifestyle and eating habits. 

FAQS:

What is the difference between being overweight and being obese?

A person is considered overweight if their BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9 (23.0-24.9 for Indians), while a BMI of 30.0 or higher is classified as obese. Both conditions involve having more body weight than is considered healthy, but obesity is associated with a greater risk of severe health problems.

Can obesity be cured?

Obesity is considered a chronic, progressive condition that requires ongoing management. While significant weight loss is possible through treatment, physiological adaptations in the body often make long-term weight maintenance challenging. A lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle is essential to avoid weight regain.

Can Ayurveda cure obesity permanently?

Ayurveda can help manage and even sustainably reverse obesity by addressing the root causes. However, permanent results depend on the individual's long-term commitment to maintaining the recommended diet and lifestyle modifications. If old, unhealthy habits return, weight gain may recur.

How long does it take to lose weight with Ayurvedic methods?

Weight loss with Ayurveda is a gradual and natural process. Results vary depending on the individual's body constitution, the severity of obesity, and adherence to the treatment plan. It emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes for long-lasting health benefits, rather than quick fixes.

What kind of diet is recommended for obesity in Ayurveda?

A Kapha-pacifying diet is advised. This involves consuming foods that are light, warm, and dry, and that have pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes. Recommendations include: 

Prioritize: Whole grains (barley, millets), pulses (mung beans, lentils), and light vegetables (leafy greens, gourds).

Use spices: Ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and cumin help kindle Agni (digestive fire) and boost metabolism.

Avoid: Processed foods, excessive sweets, dairy, cold drinks, and heavy, oily meals.