Obesity

Causes of obesity

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• Energy Imbalance: The most fundamental cause is consuming more calories than the body burns through daily activities and exercise.

• Dietary Habits: Diets rich in high-calorie, processed foods, sugary drinks, and lack of fruits and vegetables contribute significantly to weight gain.

• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle with minimal exercise and excessive screen time leads to a lower rate of calorie expenditure, making weight gain easier.

• Genetics: Inherited factors can influence how the body processes food, stores fat, and regulates appetite, increasing susceptibility to obesity.

• Hormonal and Metabolic Factors: Certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and metabolic syndrome can cause weight gain and contribute to obesity.

• Medications: Some medications, such as steroids, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs, can lead to weight gain as a side effect.

• Lack of Sleep: Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite, potentially leading to increased hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods.

• Stress: Chronic stress can trigger hormonal changes that increase appetite and encourage fat storage, especially around the abdomen.

• Pregnancy: Weight gained during pregnancy can be difficult to lose and may contribute to obesity in some women.

• Environment and Community: Easy access to unhealthy foods, lack of safe spaces for physical activity, and social norms can all influence an individual's risk of obesity.

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Symptoms of obesity

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• Excess Body Fat: The most noticeable symptom is the accumulation of excess body fat, particularly around the waist.

• Shortness of Breath: Obese individuals may experience difficulty breathing, even with mild exertion.

• Excessive Sweating: Increased perspiration is a common symptom.

• Snoring and Sleep Difficulties: Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, is more common in obese individuals.

• Skin Problems: Skin irritation and infections can occur due to moisture accumulation in skin folds.

• Fatigue and Lethargy: Feeling tired and lacking energy are common complaints associated with obesity.

• Joint Pain: The added weight puts stress on joints, leading to pain, especially in the back and knees.

• Psychological Issues: Depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, and anxiety can be associated with obesity.

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Treatment provided at Vaidyamrit Ayurveda Bangalore:

Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural healing, approaches obesity as a result of an imbalance in the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and an accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body. Ayurvedic management of obesity aims to restore balance through a holistic approach encompassing: 

Panchakarma Therapies: These detoxification and rejuvenation therapies play a vital role in Ayurvedic obesity management by eliminating toxins, improving digestion, and restoring the body's natural balance. Key Panchakarma procedures for weight loss include:

• Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis):Eliminates excess Kapha and toxins from the stomach.

• Virechana (Purgation Therapy):Cleanses the liver and intestines, improving fat digestion and metabolism.

• Basti (Medicated Enema Therapy):Regulates Vata and supports fat breakdown, particularly useful for long-standing metabolic disorders.

• Udwarthanam (Dry Herbal Powder Massage): Reduces subcutaneous fat, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and tones muscles.

• Lekhana Basti (Fat-reducing Enema):Targets stubborn fat in the abdomen, hips, and thighs.

• Rukshana & Swedana (Drying and Steam Therapies): Dehydrates Kapha, melts toxins, and opens body channels. 

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Dietary Modifications:

• Emphasis on warm, light, seasonal, and fresh foods

• Include bitter vegetables like karela and methi.

• Consume metabolism-enhancing spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, and cinnamon.

• Avoid processed and fried foods, sugary drinks, and excessive salt.

• Prioritize whole grains, cooked vegetables, lentils, and lean proteins.

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Lifestyle Changes:

• Establish a regular routine for waking, sleeping, and eating.

• Avoid day sleep.

• Engage in regular physical activity, including brisk walking, yoga, and Pranayama (breathing exercises).

• Manage stress through techniques like meditation and yoga.

• Ensure adequate sleep of 6-8 hours per night.

• Avoid alcohol and smoking.

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Herbal Remedies:

Ayurveda utilizes various herbs and formulations to aid in weight loss and obesity management.