Obesity is broadly associated with the excessive accumulation of fat in the body, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. A person with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 indicates overweight, while a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. Alarmingly, global obesity rates have just tripled, with countless people now falling into the high-risk BMI range, leading to a silent yet escalating public health crisis. The biggest issue with obesity is that it can turn into more complex health diseases like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and many more.
People are increasingly joining wellness centres, typically gyms, for weight loss. But, is it helpful always? NO! Although exercise is excellent for cardiac health and a good diet supports weight loss, not everyone can achieve it due to several factors. For those who are unaware, weight loss can also be done via a systematic and well-planned Ayurvedic regimen, which is less exhausting and healthier. Let’s learn how Ayurveda helps heal the body from within and overcome obesity with natural yet straightforward processes.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Obesity Through the Lens of Ayurveda
- Early Ayurvedic Signs and Bodily Changes to Watch For
- How Ayurveda Connects Mental and Emotional States with Weight Gain
- Ayurvedic Treatment Approaches for Obesity
- Why Choose Tarunveda for Ayurvedic Obesity Management?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Obesity Through the Lens of Ayurveda
Intense training sessions and crash diets might help you lose weight, but they won’t fix your body from within. Sometimes, obesity is not just about weight gain; it’s more about genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, stress, poor sleep patterns, and unhealthy eating habits, which require a deeper level of healing and treatment approach.
In Ayurveda, obesity is viewed as a disorder of meda dhatu, which is the fat tissue and is primarily caused by a significant imbalance in the Kapha dosha, which governs the structure, cohesion, and lubrication in the body. An obese person possesses an imbalanced Kapha Dosha, immensely disturbed due to factors like sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, emotional stress, and weak digestion (Mandagni).
Obesity, in Ayurvedic texts, is called “Sthaulya”, which means excessive accumulation of fat in the body. This fat particularly gets stored around the abdomen, chest, and thighs. Obesity is a condition often linked to the formation of an excess of toxins (Ama), due to impaired digestion, which further blocks crucial bodily channels and impacts metabolic processes.
How Ayurveda Connects Mental and Emotional States with Weight Gain
In Ayurveda, our emotional and mental well-being are closely linked to our weight. An individual with disturbed emotional health is likely to indulge in disturbed eating patterns like overeating, emotional eating, stress-induced eating, and more, which eventually leads to weight gain. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, emotional disturbances such as phases of stress, sadness, anxiety, or loneliness can potentially lead to the aggravation of Kapha dosha.
This further impacts the body and results in lethargy, low motivation, and an increased tendency to overeat, which comes naturally. Additionally, a disturbed Tamas guna is also a factor associated with dullness, which can potentially reduce physical activity and increase fatigue.
Early Ayurvedic Signs and Bodily Changes to Watch For
According to Ayurveda, the early signs of kapha dosha and obesity often appear subtly before noticeable weight gain occurs. Affected individuals are likely to experience sluggish digestion, frequent bloating, along with sleepiness, low energy levels, tongue coating, emotional dependence on food, demotivation, oily skin, body heaviness, and more.
These all signs are enough for one to identify the start of the fat deposition or obesity in the body, alongside the accumulation of Ama (toxins). Timely action and the right treatment plan are important to prevent further progression of the disease and avoid developing obesity-linked health diseases.
Ayurvedic Weight Loss Treatment Approaches for Obesity
Ayurvedic weight loss treatment approach revolves around treating the root cause, which is the aggravated Kapha Dosha, via a holistic and sustainable plan. Here’s how it’s done:
- Administering Kapha-Pacifying diet, which majorly includes light, warm, and easy-to-digest foods with bitter and astringent tastes.
- Powerful and effective use of expertly crafted herbal remedies, including Triphala, Vrikshamla, Guggulu, and Punarnava, to support fat metabolism and promote intense detoxification. (Performed only under expert supervision)
- Essential lifestyle changes such as yoga, daily movement, avoiding day sleeping, and following a consistent and healthy routine.
- Panchkarma or Detox Therapies to deeply cleanse the body and create a more welcoming and nourishing environment while resetting metabolism.
- Practising mental and emotional balance through meditation, pranayama, and stress-reducing practices to avoid emotional eating.
Why Choose Tarunveda for Ayurvedic Obesity Management?
If you’re tired of working out in the gym and losing hope while following those hard-to-follow crash diets, then it’s time you stop everything and turn towards the Ayurvedic healing approach.
At Tarunveda Ayurveda Hospital, our extensive team of qualified professionals will help you understand your body, its composition (prakriti), and plan a treatment plan that resonates well with your body’s requirements. With Panchakarma therapies, comprehensive herbal support, and essential lifestyle modifications, we will help you unlock a “healthier YOU” with revitalised energy, improved metabolism, and a renewed sense of well-being.
BOOK A CONSULTATION TODAY and start your wellness journey today at Tarunveda!
Frequently Asked Questions About Obesity
Q1. What is the link between kapha dosha and obesity?
Ans. An aggravated or disturbed Kapha Dosha is associated with obesity, as it disrupts the body’s structure, stability, and movement. Excess fat accumulates near the chest, abdomen, thighs, arms, and under the chin.
Q2. Is drinking lukewarm lemon water empty stomach early morning helpful for weight loss?
Ans. Yes, drinking lukewarm lemon water first thing in the morning after waking up helps support weight loss by stimulating digestion, strengthening metabolism, and helping in the detoxification process.
Q3. What are some cholesterol-lowering herbs?
Ans. Some of the cholesterol-lowering herbs include garlic, cinnamon, and turmeric, which can be included in your meals. However, consulting an Ayurvedic professional is advisable.
Q4. Why is detoxification important in weight loss?
Ans. Detoxification is a vital starting phase when starting weight loss. This is essential to flush out and free your body from long-stored toxins, also known as Ama in Ayurveda, for proper nutrient absorption and to rekindle the digestive fire (Agni), which is often weakened due to poor diet and lifestyle.
Q5. Can emotional health affect weight in Ayurveda?
Ans. Yes, emotional health is directly linked to weight. Ayurveda links weight gain with factors like stress, anxiety, and sadness, which trigger emotional eating, overeating, and even poor digestion.
