Obesity
- Overview
- Introduction
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Complications
- Homoeopathic Treatment
- Do's and Don'ts
- Diet and Nutrition
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a global phenomenon seen worldwide from children to adults and old alike. It is a metabolic disorder consisting of excessive adiposity (excessive amount of body fat).
Obesity is a harmful condition because it can effectively result in rise of blood pressure, excessive burden of weight on your joints, diabetes, fatty liver, etc.
The scenario has changed now where you find every other child, a teenager with excessive weight, diabetes, emotional breakdown due to rapid urbanization in the past few years.
Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern but is a harbinger of multiple organ disorder primarily due to a faulty lifestyle that includes lack of exercise, emotional eating and stress. Click to read Causes of Obesity
What Happens In Obesity?
- Body Mass Index exceeds 30
- Difficulty in breathing
- Increased perspiration
- Sleep disturbances
- Snoring
- Inability to move about quickly; difficulty in coping with day-to-day physical activities
- Extreme tiredness and laziness all day
- Joint pains and backache
- Low self esteem
- Loss of self-confidence
- Social withdrawal
Click to know more about Symptoms of Obesity
Obesity affects almost each and every organ and system of the body. For example: in case of high blood pressure, the heart and the blood vessels are affected, or increased thirst or appetite in case of Diabetes.
What Can Obesity Lead To?
- Hypertension: Obesity is 3 times more prevalent in persons with BMI over 25.
- Dyslipidemia: People with a BMI higher than 25 are twice likely to suffer from excess of bad cholesterol in the blood.
- Diabetes Type II: Diabetes is 3 times more likely at a BMI of 25, and 10 times more likely at a BMI of 35. Diabetes carries risk of heart disease, blindness, stroke and kidney failure.
- Stroke: Moderately increased risk is associated with high blood pressure and obesity.
- Liver Damage: Obesity leads to accumulation of fat in the liver, which may progress to Cirrhosis, a far more serious condition leading to increased risk of primary liver carcinoma.
- Reproductive Abnormalities: An obese person poses higher risk of being infertile, whether male or female. Females have an added risk of developing PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
- Cancer: Obesity doubles the risk of colon, prostate and rectum cancers in males and gall bladder, breast, uterine and ovarian cancer in females.
How Well Homeopathy Works In Obesity?
- Homeopathy offers excellent scope in the Treatment For Obesity.
- It is a gentle, holistic system of healing, based on the Principle of "Likes Cure Likes".
- It offers a more holistic approach and considers the patient as a whole, thereby taking care of every single sign and symptom.
- Homeopathic Treatment For Obesity makes sure the disease is eradicated right from its roots and complete wellbeing is achieved.
- Homeopathy is a much safer and better mode of treatment, especially in patients who cannot tolerate conventional medical and surgical treatments. It does not cause any unwanted side effects and takes care of the problem harmoniously.
Have a look at some of the homeopathic remedies well known for treating Obesity:
- Calcarea Carbonica: It is suited to persons who take cold easily with increased mucus secretions, children who grow fat, are large bellied with a large head, pale skin and chalky look. Best suited to children and adults who are fat, fair and flabby.
- Kalium Carbonicum: It is suited best to individuals who are fleshy, who suffer from fatty degenerations. They are weak and suffer from depression, debility, chronic liver problems and digestive problems.
- Antimonium Crudum: Suited to individuals having tendency to grow fat and have cravings for acids and pickles. Patients suffer from bloating after eating and have a characteristic thick white coating on the tongue.
- Fucus Vesiculosus: Considered one of the best remedies for obesity, it is indicated when digestion is deranged along with flatulence. Patient has obstinate constipation.
Are you finding it difficult to fit in your clothes? Do you feel that you have "plumped up"?
Is such an embarrassment preventing you from socializing?
Are you tired of having tried all sorts of treatments from dieticians, weight losing programs, with nothing helping you permanently?
You are surely missing something!
You only need to open the doors and welcome a system of 'holistic approach' called "Homeopathy". It's time now to heave a sigh of relief as Homeopathy works efficiently to uproot the illness and its causes.
Being overweight or obese poses many problems for the patient. Symptoms of Obesity can be listed as follows:
- An obese person has a BMI of more than 30. Most of the extra fat will accumulate around either the waist and chest (Apple-shaped obesity) or the hips and buttocks (Pear-shaped obesity). Men who are obese tend to have big waists. Women tend to carry extra weight on their hips.
- Symptoms of Obesity due to excess weight
- Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
- Increased perspiration
- Sleep disturbances
- Snoring
- Inability to move about quickly with difficulty in coping with day-to-day physical activities
- Extreme tiredness and laziness all day.
- Symptoms of Obesity of cardiac origin due to heart disturbances
- Increased perspiration, breathlessness, chest pain, swelling of ankles, etc. due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, ischemic heart disease, cardiac failure, etc.
- Symptoms of Obesity of endocrine origin
- Increased thirst and appetite, increased frequency of urination especially at night, pointing towards Diabetes Type II.
- Lethargy, tiredness and weakness, sluggishness due to Hypothyroidism,
- Menstrual disturbances, infertility due to hormonal disturbances or PCOS.
- Symptoms of Obesity of Rheumatic origin
- Obesity leads to increased risk of Gout and Arthritis causing joint pains, backache, neck pain. etc.
- Symptoms of Obesity on skin:
- Stretch marks are very common in obesity.
- Acanthosis Nigricans is a condition where there is excessive pigmentation of the skin of groin, neck, underarms, etc.
- Gastro-intestinal symptoms due to Obesity:
- Burning in chest due to acidity
- Reflux of acid and food contents in the mouth due to Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Increased bloating, distension of abdomen and flatulence.
- Constipation or hard stools in case of a fatty liver or gallstones.
- Symptoms of Obesity of Respiratory type:
- Snoring
- Obstruction or cessation of breathing during sleep leading to mouth breathing (Sleep Apnea)
- Shortness of breath due to Asthma
- Psychological Problems:
- Low self esteem
- Low confidence levels
- Feeling isolated in the society.
Did You Know?
1 in every 3 Americans suffers from Obesity.
Food Habits:
In present times, food business and industries have boomed up like never before. Nobody looks at food as a basic requirement of life. Today a host of new varieties, recipes, different and unique combinations of food are available in the market. People have lost control over their primary sense of taste and eat compulsively. Fast food, processed food, ready-to-eat food, junk food which include fried items, refined food, aerated drinks and beverages, etc.- such food has become the staple diet for everyone and is among the major causes of Obesity.
Sedentary Lifestyle:
Work conditions today are such that people need to sit for long hours in front of a computer screen. Such an acute level of physical inactivity coupled with bad eating habits can make you gain pounds and is one of the chief causes of Obesity.
A sedentary lifestyle decreases the body's metabolism significantly, and food eaten is not digested properly leading to excessive fat storage in the body. This combination leads to lethargy and the lethargy in its turn enhances the desire to remain sedentary.
Emotional Factors:
Psychological factors like depression, hopelessness, boredom, anxiety, anger, etc. are the most understated causes of Obesity. This is because many people seek comfort in food when they do not get comfort emotionally.
However, this does not have to mean that people who are obese or overweight have more emotional problems than who are not.
Certain Medical Conditions:
Some medical conditions like Cushing's syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Hypothyroidism, etc. are significant causes of Obesity.
Medications:
Some medicines like antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications, antipsychotic medications, corticosteroids and beta blockers can cause weight gain and obesity too and figure among the important causes of Obesity.
Abnormal Sleep Patterns:
The hormone Melatonin is a weight-maintaining hormone that is released during periods of sleep at night. Hence, irregular sleep hours, lack of sleep or too little sleep at night can suppress melatonin release and cause weight gain.
Genetics and Family History:
One of the leading causes of Obesity is because of a hereditary tendency.
Complications or health risks of Obesity can be categorized as slight, moderate and significant or severe risks to the health and life of the affected patient. Waist measurement > 85 cm in women and > 95 - 100 cm in men signifies abdominal or central fat, and exacerbates the health risks of Obesity.
Significant or Severe Risk
- Diabetes Type II
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Metabolic syndrome: A combination of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol
- Stroke
- High levels of triglycerides
- Cancer: of liver, colon, cervix, uterus, prostate, breast, blood, etc.
- Sleep apnea
- Breathlessness and Asthma
- Daytime fatigue
- Liver damage
Moderate Risk
- Osteoarthritis
- Respiratory diseases
- Hernia
- Psychological problems
- Gynecological problems such as Infertility, irregular periods and PCOS
- Erectile dysfunction and sexual health issues
- Fatty liver
- Varicose veins
Slight risk
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Stress incontinence
- Edema / Cellulitis
- Poor wound healing
Other Risks of Obesity that affect the quality of life are:
- Social withdrawal
- Depression
- Low self esteem and lowered confidence
- Hopelessness
- Shame and guilt feelings
- Homeopathic treatment for Obesity works on the concept of Individualization. Due to this, it helps to remove the disease right from its roots without any side effects and most naturally.
- Homeopathic treatment for Obesity works on balancing the hormones responsible for causing the condition, normalizes the metabolic processes of the body and aids in proper conversion of food into energy.
- The Uniqueness of Homeopathic treatment for Obesity is that it acts on body, mind and nutrition simultaneously, offering a holistic and comprehensive solution.
Have a look at some of the homeopathic remedies well known for treating Obesity:
- Calcarea Carbonica: It is suited to persons who take cold easily with increased mucus secretions, children who grow fat, are large bellied with a large head, pale skin and chalky look. Best suited to children and adults who are fat, fair and flabby.
- Kalium Carbonicum: It is suited best to individuals who are fleshy, who suffer from fatty degenerations. They are weak and suffer from depression, debility, chronic liver problems and digestive problems.
- Antimonium Crudum: Suited to individuals having tendency to grow fat and have cravings for acids and pickles. Patients suffer from bloating after eating and have a characteristic thick white coating on the tongue.
- Fucus Vesiculosus: Considered one of the best remedies for obesity, it is indicated when digestion is deranged along with flatulence. Patient has obstinate constipation.
Each remedy in homeopathic treatment for Obesity is given on the basis of finer differentiation between the symptoms of the patient.
OBESITY: 1Agar, 2Am-m, 1Ambr, 2Ant-c, 1Asaf, 2Aur, 1Bar-c, 1Bor, 1Bry, 3Calc, 2Calc-ar, 1Camph, 1Canth, 3Caps, 1Chin, 1Cocc, 1Con, 2Cupr, 1Euph, 3Ferr, 3Graph, 1Guai, 1Iod, 1Ip, 2Kali-bi, 2Kali-c, 2Lac-d, 1Lach, 1Laur, 2Lyc, 1Mag-c, 1Merc, 1Mur-ac, 1Nat-c, 1Nux-m, 1Olnd, 1Op, 1Plat, 1Plb, 2Puls, 1Sabad, 1Sars, 1Seneg, 1Sep, 1Sil, 1Spig, 1Spong, 2Sulph, 1Thuj, 1Verat
OBESITY, Young people, in: 1Alum, 3Ant-c, 1Ars, 1Bac, 3Bad, 1Bar-c, 1Bell, 1Blatta, 3Brom, 4CALC, 1Calc-acet, 1Calc-br, 1Calc-i, 3Caps, 1Cina, 3Coloc, 1Eur-n, 3Ferr, 1Gado-p, 1Graph, 1Guai, 1Hep, 1Ip, 3Kali-bi, 1Lac-d, 1Lach, 1Lant-br, 1Lap-a, 1Sac-alb, 1Sars, 1Seneg, 1Sulph, 1Thyr,
OBESITY, Children: 1Alum, 3Ant-c, 1Bac, 3Bad, 1Bar-c, 1Bell, 1Blatta, 3Brom, 4CALC, 1Calc-br, 1Calc-i, 3Caps, 1Cina, 3Coloc, 3Ferr, 1Graph, 1Guai, 1Ip, 3Kali-bi, 1Lac-d, 1Lant-br, 1Lap-a, 1Sac-alb, 1Sars, 1Seneg, 1Sulph,
The remedy abbreviations with
- 4 marks- most effective,
- 3 marks- quite effective,
- 2 marks- less effective,
- 1 mark- least effective.
It is, however, worthwhile to remember that self-medication in homeopathic treatment for Obesity is not recommended.
DO'S
- Have food low on fat, like salads, pulses, oats, etc. and take small meals every few hours instead of three huge meals.
- Practice breathing exercises every day. They help in stimulating digestive power and metabolic processes keeping you physically and mentally fit and fine.
- Control cravings for food high in refined carbohydrates and fats like bread, dairy products, fast food and processed food.
- Consume more of citrus fruits like oranges and grapes as they help in dispensing fats.
- Include food rich in Vitamin B12 in your diet. They help in building tissues without needing you to resorting to too many fats.
- Avoid alcohol which is high in calories and also stimulates hunger.
- Make sure that you drink warm or lukewarm water mostly. It stimulates metabolism and also quenches thirst.
- Exercises are a must. Keep yourself physically active.
- Ensure adequate sleep of at least 7-8 hours for a day.
- Get in touch with your wants and learn to set realistic goals.
DONT'S
- Do not skip your meals as they trick the body into storing more fat.
- Do not overeat. Even if you are eating the right food, overeating can be bad for you.
- Do not eat late and do not change your meal times very often.
- Understand that feeling fat can be about hidden feelings; don't rush to beat yourself up.
- Fat feelings pass, so relax and don't panic.
- Do not stress out in trying to lose weight. It will just reverse your efforts.
It is very important to know your food, right. Food contains macro-nutrients called Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats and micro-nutrients which include all types of vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are basic essentials for life and should be consumed every day.
Food to Include:
- Carbohydrates: They provide energy and hence constitute a larger portion of the diet. Carbohydrates can be obtained from whole grains like wheat, brown rice, oats and millets, etc.
- Proteins: They are responsible for repair of body tissues and should be balanced along with carbohydrates. Good sources are meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes, etc.
- Fats: Fats are good for storing energy and are required for transporting Vitamins A, D, E, K and for formation of hormones. Virtually all food contains fat, so its use should be kept to minimum and only healthy fats should be consumed. Healthy fats are found in nuts, oily fish like herring and salmon, oils like olive oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, etc.
- Micro-nutrients: These are found in all fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereals and legumes.
"The key is balance. Everything taken should be in moderation and balanced."
Food to Avoid:
- Refined Food: They contribute a lot in storing fat. Refined food is made from refined flour (Maida), semolina, white rice, etc. Majority of food people consume today are in the form of refined food like pizzas, burgers, all kinds of white bread, etc.
- Refined Sugars: Refined sugars are the unhealthiest of all the food. Say no to cakes and pastries, ice creams and desserts.
- Beverages: Alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages, which include aerated soft drinks, should not be consumed at all. They are very high in calories and store a lot of fat in the body. They are also not good for health in general.
- Fried Food: Food, once fried, loses all its nutrient content and only adds up on the saturated fats. Oils that are reused again and again for frying contain highest amounts of Trans Fats which contribute to obesity and heart troubles.
- Packed food: Ready-to-eat food, canned or tinned food or food with preservatives should also be avoided if possible or should be kept to a bare minimum.