WHAT IS OBESITY?

According to Ayurveda obesity represents certain people who display low metabolism and water retention, thus finding it difficult to burn calories to maintain a healthy weight range.
In Western terms, obesity and overweight ranges are determined by using height and weight to calculate a number know as the Body Mass Index (BMI).

It is used for people to correlate the amount of body fat they possess. For example, an adult with a (BMI) of between 25-29.9 is considered overweight. A person having a (BMI) 30 or higher would be considered obese.

Obesity increases the risk of other potentially fatal diseases such as Hyertension, Type 2 Diabetes, Gall Bladder disease, Breast, Prostrate and Colon Cancers, Respiratory problems, Stroke, Heart disease and Sleep Apnea.
BMI is only one factor in determining a health profile, so consulting a doctor is advisable for more information.

WHAT ARE DOSHAS?

Doshas are cosmic forces that control an individual’s physical as well as mental functions. They are determined at the time of conception in the mother’s womb. Each of the 3 doshas are represented by either 1 or 2 of the five elements of the earth (Air, Earth, Fire, Water, Ether).

Vatta is the first dosha, represented by Air and Ether and whose characteristics are dominated by emotions, allergies, joint problems, dryness problems such as constipation and diseases affecting the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease.

Pitta is the second dosha which is represented by a single element, that being Fire, It controls the body temperature, eyesight and intelligence. The Pitta problems tend to focus more on the digestive system and internal organs.

Kapha is the final dosha group, whose function is to balance the forces in the body to create harmony. Earth and Water are its represented elements and health problems associated with Kapha type generally tend to occur with the respiratory system such as Bornchitis, Sinisitus and Asthma. Other problems include Cholesterol, Diabetes, Psoriasis, Tumors, Lethargy and Obesity.

Prakruti refers to the dosha type which dominates you at the time of birth. Most problems arise when we fail to accept our body type.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON REMEDIES FOR LOSING WEIGHT?

As mentioned before, Obesity is primarily a Kapha body type problem. There are a number of methods to achieve weight loss through Ayurveda’s wholistic approach as follows-
1. PanchaKarma treatment which is a detoxification program designed to expel built up toxins from the body.

2 Niruha basti which is an enema procedure designed to clean the large and small intestines.

·3. Udawartanam Massage has fat burning properties which is performed using massage oil and a mixture of powdered herbs.

4. · Kapha Balancing Diet to help increase metabolism and reduce water retention.

5. Eat light breakfast, Big lunch and light dinner.

6. Eating times – between 10 am and 6pm.