Ayurvedic Treatment for Obesity - Obesity and overweight are common conditions that are defined as the increase in size and amount of fat cells in the body. Obesity is caused by many factors including behaviors such as eating patterns, lack of sleep or physical activity and some medicines. It is a chronic health condition that raises the risk of heart diseases. It is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Many healthcare providers use BMI or Body Mass index to screen for overweight and obesity in adults. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight and it is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as not getting enough physical activity and eating-high calorie and low-nutrient foods can raise your risk of obesity. Many people find that their weight goes up when they start taking medicine for another health condition such as diabetes and depression. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before considering stopping any medicine you are taking for another ailment as the combined effect of both the drugs can result in side effects. One should also adhere to strict lifestyle changes as they can reduce weight. It should include a heart-healthy eating plan.
What are the risks associated with obesity?
Obesity is a serious chronic disease and it significantly elevates the risk of developing various health complications. Some of the health complications include diseases such as heart attacks and stroke and type 2 diabetes. Obesity can also lead to breathing problems and kidney disease. Following are the risk associated with obesity-
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High blood pressure
Obesity can contribute to high blood pressure which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
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High cholesterol.
Obesity can also lead to unhealthy levels of blood fats and it increases the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
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Heart disease and stroke.
The combination of high blood pressure and cholesterol can increase the likelihood of heart attacks.
Ayurvedic treatment for obesity
We all know that many people are grappling with obesity and it is a health condition that involves an excessive amount of fat. It is a health concern that can negatively impact your day-to-day life in a myriad of ways. Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder of the modern age and it is characterized by an excess accumulation of fat in the body. Many people eat fried foods with high fat. Obesity causes a number of metabolic disturbances such as diabetes, hypertension and irregular digestion. It can also affect one’s social life.
Obesity treatment in Ayurveda
| Ayurvedic Remedy | Main Action | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Triphala | Enhances metabolism, clears toxins, reduces fat tissue | General weight loss, sluggish digestion, bloating |
| Medohar Guggulu | Fat-burning, reduces Kapha, detoxifies body | Obesity with lethargy, heavy body, fat accumulation |
| Mustaka | Improves lipid metabolism, aids digestion | Kapha-Vata obesity, slow metabolism, abdominal fat |
| Punarnava | Reduces water retention, clears ama, boosts metabolism | Obesity with puffiness, sluggish liver, fluid retention |
| Yoga & Pranayama | Balances doshas, reduces cravings, improves digestion | Stress-induced eating, emotional imbalance, low energy |
Ayurveda views obesity as an imbalance of Kapha dosha and accumulation of toxins in the human body. The treatment focuses on digestive correction, detoxification and long-term lifestyle changes. Following are the medicines for obesity-
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Triphala.
It is one of the most widely used Ayurvedic formulations for managing obesity owing to its ability to balance metabolism and support fat loss without depleting energy. Triphala consists of three fruits-
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Amalaki- It improves metabolism.
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Bibhitaki- It reduces fat in the body.
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Haritaki- It is a mild laxative.
Triphala improves agni and enhances metabolism. It also reduces buildup of fats. It also clears metabolic waste that slows fat burning. The herb prevents bloating and water retention. It also helps normalize fat tissue without depletion. It cuts heaviness and lethargy.
2.Meduhar guggulu
It is a classical ayurvedic formulation specifically designed for weight loss and the management of obesity. It works by reducing the excess fat tissue. It also balances Kapha and vata doshas and improves digestion. Medohar means fat-reducing and Guggulu refers to the gum resin of Commiphora Mukul. It is known for its fat burning and detox properties.
What are the ayurvedic actions associated with the drug?
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Deepana
It enhances agni and prevents fat accumulation.
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Lekhana
It reduces the Meda Dhatu.
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Ama-pachana
It clears the metabolic waste that blocks weight loss.
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Vata-Kapha balancing
It reduces heaviness and fatigue.
3. Mustaka for obesity
Mustaka is a valuable herb in Ayurveda for managing obesity particularly when the root cause involves impaired digestion and Kapha-vata imbalance. It contains flavonoids, alkaloids that may support lipid metabolism. It is available in the form of churna. It is also available in the form of capsules or tablets. It can be taken with Ayaskriti and Medohar Guggulu. A pregnant woman should refrain from taking the medicines unless advised by a doctor. It is one of the best ayurvedic drugs for obesity.
4. Punarnava
It is a powerful ayurvedic herb used in managing obesity. It manages obesity when weight gain is linked to sluggish metabolism, toxicity and fluid retention. It is also effective in reducing bloating and improving digestion. It also supports kidney and liver detox.
It improves digestion and clears toxins. It reduces inflammation and puffiness. It also scrapes the excess fat also known as Medh Dhatu. The drug reduces puffiness and bloating. It also reduces weight from water retention. The herb also stimulates sluggish digestion linked with Kapha imbalance. It enhances fat metabolism by cleansing the system. It helps reduce subcutaneous fat and abdominal activity. It contains Trikatu which boosts digestion and absorption. Triphala in the drug enhances metabolism. Guggulu also helps in fat burning and deep tissue cleansing.
5. Yoga and Pranayama for obesity.
Pranayama and yoga are highly effective for managing obesity in a sustainable and holistic way. They help by balancing metabolism. They also reduce stress-driven eating and improve digestion. They correct underlying dosha imbalances. Following are some of the benefits of Yoga and Pranayama-
- Reduces Kapha dosha.
They cut heaviness and cravings.
- Boosts agni
They enhance metabolism and fat-burning.
- Improves circulation
They mobilize fat and detoxify tissues.
- Controls emotional eating.
They reduce stress, anxiety and mental restlessness.
6. Panchakarma therapies.
Following are the panchakarma therapies-
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Vamana
It eliminates the kapha directly from the stomach.
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Purgation
It clears Pitta-kapha toxins from the liver and intestines.
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Udwartana
It breaks down the fat and improves circulation.
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Swedana
It improves fat mobilization.
FAQs Section
Q1: How does Ayurveda view obesity?
Ayurveda sees obesity as an imbalance in Kapha dosha and accumulation of ama (toxins), leading to excess Meda Dhatu (fat tissue).
Q2: Can Triphala really help in weight loss?
Yes, Triphala enhances digestion, regulates metabolism, and gently detoxifies the digestive tract, making it ideal for long-term fat loss.
Q3: Is Medohar Guggulu safe for long-term use?
Yes, it is a classical Ayurvedic formulation used for centuries. However, always take it under medical supervision, especially in chronic cases.
Q4: Can Panchakarma cure obesity completely?
Panchakarma doesn't "cure" obesity but helps detox the system, balance doshas, and improve fat metabolism, making it easier to lose weight naturally.
Q5: Which yoga poses are best for obesity?
Surya Namaskar, Kapalbhati, Bhujangasana, and Pavanmuktasana are commonly recommended for balancing metabolism and burning fat.