Ayurvedic Treatment for Obesity and Overweight

Treatments

Ayurvedic
Weight Loss Treatment

The two “O”s – Obesity and Overweight – are common problems faced by people worldwide, regardless of age. Obesity and overweight are abnormal accumulations of fat that harm health. Body Mass Index (BMI) is the weight-for-height index used to categorize overweight and obesity. An adult is considered overweight when their BMI is 25 or higher and obese when their BMI is 30 or more. In 2016, about 13% of the global population was obese, and this number continues to rise.

Changes in lifestyle, irregular work schedules, poor food choices, and a lack of physical activity contribute to overweight and obesity. This leads to an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned, resulting in excess energy being converted to fat, which accumulates and leads to weight gain. Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, which are leading causes of death. Additionally, obesity can lead to cancers, arthritis, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. In short, obesity is an underlying factor in many major health problems.

While medications and exercises can help control fat accumulation, traditional Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala is an effective way to reduce excess fat. In Kerala, we offer the best Ayurvedic treatment for weight loss, which involves correcting your biological clock through diet control, natural medicines, yoga, and other methods.

Obesity affects millions worldwide and can be caused by various factors, including poor food choices, eating disorders, underlying illnesses, certain medications, a sedentary lifestyle, anxiety, and inherited factors. According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in the Kapha dosha is a major cause of obesity. People with a dominant Kapha constitution are more likely to gain weight than those with Pitta or Vata dominant constitutions. Therefore, individuals with a Kapha energy imbalance must work harder to prevent unnecessary weight gain.

In ancient Ayurvedic writings, obesity (Medoroga) is listed as one of the eight unpleasant disorders of the body (Nindya Prakriti). Obese individuals have an excessive accumulation of pure fats or medas, which malnourish the body’s other important dhatus. Obesity develops when fat metabolism slows, resulting in an increase in Kapha. Our Ayurvedic treatment for obesity in Kerala focuses on treating the root cause of the disease and maintaining a healthy life through an Ayurvedic diet.

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Obesity Progression

According to Ayurveda, weight growth is a cyclical process. Weight gain that leads to obesity, like any other disease, begins with eating and lifestyle behaviors that stifle the body’s Agni, or digestive fire. This leads to poor food digestion and an increase in toxin levels in the body. Increased toxin or Ama levels in the body disrupt natural metabolic processes, resulting in the formation of more fatty tissues in the future. Other vital tissues, such as bone tissues (asthi dhatu), are also disrupted. Improper tissue layers diminish Kapha’s functionality and raise the body’s meda dhatu (fats). The existence of Ama also obstructs the physiological channels, resulting in Vata imbalance, which increases the digestive fire, appetite, and contributes to obesity.

Obesity, on the other hand, can be traced back to an inappropriate or aberrant meda dhatu, which is created as a result of sluggish fat metabolism, or Meda Dhavagni Mandya. Early indications of the disease include a buildup of fat in the abdomen, excessive perspiration, lethargy, and dyspnoea on exertion. Additionally, symptoms such as increased appetite and thirst, weakness, and a loss of vigor may also appear in some individuals. If left untreated, the symptoms can develop into hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiac problems, diabetes, arthritis, renal infection, premature aging, and mental confusion, among other things.

Ayurvedic Treatments For Obesity

Obesity treatment in Ayurveda involves losing weight and modifying metabolic processes by removing Ama and excess lipids to manage Kapha’s role while minimizing Vata aggravation. It is vital to have a healthy metabolism, as it strengthens the tissues and increases the digestive fire. Ayurveda also recommends yoga and a tailored diet to support weight loss and obesity therapy. Obesity is treated with a combination of Ayurvedic therapies, including:

By addressing the root cause of obesity and promoting overall health and well-being, Ayurvedic treatment offers a comprehensive and natural approach to managing weight and achieving a healthy body and mind.

Panchakarma Treatment

In Ayurveda, the Panchakarma treatment is a five-step procedure that effectively removes toxins from the body. Virechana (purgation therapy), Basti (medicated enema), and deep-tissue massages – Mardanam and Udwarthanam – are some Panchakarma therapies that may be advised specifically for weight loss treatment in Ayurveda. Herbal powders and oils are used in the Mardanam and Udwarthanam massages to relieve bodily stiffness and obstructions. For example, sesame oil can be combined with other herbs in a massage to promote soft skin and fat tissue reduction. The oil opens up the body’s pores, raises tissue heat, and stimulates fat metabolism.

Abhyangam therapy is another popular Panchakarma Ayurvedic treatment for weight loss. This treatment increases sweating and removes cellulite and subcutaneous fat by using specific oils such as Triphala, Kaphaghna, Valiya Lakshadi, Eladi Thailam, and Sainndhavadi Thailam, followed by a steam bath. It also nourishes the skin and removes body odor.

Ayurvedic Diet And Weightloss

Dietary regulation is a crucial aspect of Ayurvedic obesity treatment. It is essential to reduce food intake while considering the type of food consumed. Cooking and eating the right food properly are vital components of a healthy diet plan. Additionally, it is important to focus on the meal and minimize distractions while eating, allowing your mind to fully experience the flavor of the food. This ensures that the appropriate enzymes and digestive juices are secreted to digest the food completely.

Obese individuals are advised to consume foods that help reduce Kapha and excess fats. Food should be light, dry, and prepared with minimal oil. Herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, and coriander are added to the diet. Raw vegetables like cabbage can be consumed if the person has a prominent Pitta constitution and normal digestion.

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Unlike traditional weight-loss medications, Ayurvedic supplements offer a greater advantage in weight management without the harmful side effects. Turmeric, Triphala (a blend of three wonder herbs – Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), Trikatu (a combination of ginger, pepper, and pippali), and Guggulu are some of the herbs commonly used in Ayurvedic remedies for obesity and weight loss. These herbs promote Ayurvedic cleansing therapies by enhancing fat metabolism in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can obesity be controlled according to Ayurveda?

Control involves detox therapies, herbal medicines, diet modifications, and lifestyle changes. Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (therapeutic purgation) and Udwartana (herbal powder massage) help reduce excess fat and improve metabolism. Consistent routines, regular exercise, and mindful eating play a major role in maintaining results.

What is the difference between overweight and obesity?

Overweight refers to mild excess body weight, while obesity indicates significant fat accumulation that impacts health. Ayurveda treats both conditions by addressing root causes like poor digestion, toxin buildup, and imbalanced eating habits rather than focusing only on calorie reduction.

What Ayurvedic treatments are used for weight loss?

Ayurvedic treatments may include herbal medicines like Triphala and Guggulu, medicated massages (Udwartana), steam therapies (Swedana), and internal detox (Panchakarma). These therapies aim to mobilize stored fat, improve circulation, and reset metabolism for sustainable weight management.

Can diet alone help reduce obesity in Ayurveda?

Diet is central to Ayurvedic weight management. A Kapha pacifying diet light, warm, and spiced is recommended, focusing on whole grains, seasonal vegetables, pulses, and herbal teas. Reducing heavy, oily, and processed foods prevents further fat accumulation and supports natural weight loss.

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

Results vary depending on the individual’s metabolism, severity of obesity, and adherence to treatment plans. Some may notice improved energy and digestion within weeks, while healthy weight reduction typically requires consistent care over several months.