Case study on Obesity
Obesity can be defined as an excessive fat accumulation that
increases the risk of health problems presents a risk to health.
A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered as overweight, and over 30 is obese. The issue has grown to epidemic proportions, with over 4 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese in 2017 according to the global burden of disease.
Rates of overweight and obesity continue to grow in adults and children. From 1975 to 2016, the prevalence of overweight or obese children and adolescents aged 5–19 years increased more than four-fold from 4% to 18% globally.
In Ayurveda obesity is described under the heading of Sthoulya which means a person having heaviness and bulkiness of the body due to excessive collection of fat is called obese (sthula) and the condition is called Obesity (sthoulya)
Integrative medicine primarily focuses on prevention to support better health prior to disease occurrence, as well as strengthening the body’s inborn ability to heal itself, promoting lifestyle changes, mind-body medication, and in-depth patient education. Ayurvedic weight loss treatment includes a healthy diet, Yoga, Ayurvedic massages, and herbal therapies using natural ingredients.
We had a male patient aged 47 years with obesity associated with B/L knee pain since 5 years. Putting on body weight was high every 6 months due to irregular food habits and craving for junk. He also had a disturbed sleep and work stress.
Treatment at VHG
Patient underwent a prescribed internal & external treatment such as virechana (includes 5 days of snehapana, sarvanga abhyanga and virechana) and 7 days of sarvanga podikizhi.
Thought him a yoga practices to increase the metabolic rate and reduce the body weight for 5 days. Now he is following yoga regularly with the advised diet and some ayurvedic medicines
| Pre | Post |
Weight | 113kg | 104kg |
Fat | 45.4% | 38.6% |
Visceral fat | 27 | 23 |
BMI | 39.9 | 36.4 |
RM | 1945 | 1734 |
Body age | 78 years | 73 years |
Conclusion:
Combination of Ayurveda and yoga with diet helped a patient to reduce his body weight to some extent. He has reduced his 9kgs in 45 days in a healthy way and he is still motivated to follow the decent diet for his rest of life with good physical activity.
Obesity, a global health concern, is often seen as a precursor to several chronic diseases including diabetes, heart diseases, and even certain types of cancer. It’s a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation which may impair the health of an individual. The quest from fat to skinny might seem overwhelming, yet with a holistic approach encompassing Ayurveda and Yoga, it becomes a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, elucidates a unique understanding of obesity. It traces the roots of obesity to an imbalance in the Kapha dosha, which is associated with earth and water elements. This imbalance leads to a sluggish metabolism and excessive fat accumulation. One of the principal tenets in Ayurveda for managing obesity is adopting a balanced diet. A diet rich in essential nutrients and devoid of Kapha aggravating foods like sweets, processed foods, and cold beverages is often recommended. Natural remedies for weight loss include utilizing potent Ayurvedic herbs such as Guggulu and Triphala which are revered for their detoxifying properties and ability to rejuvenate the body. Furthermore, embracing a Sattvic lifestyle which encourages a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins is also advocated, – Reference, 1 2
Yoga emphasis on mindfulness and stress reduction is pivotal in managing obesity. Stress is often linked to emotional eating and obesity. Through practices like meditation and pranayama (breath control), individuals learn to manage stress better, curb emotional eating, and make mindful food choices. Incorporating a workout and diet plan inspired by Yoga can serve as a holistic weight loss solution that addresses the root causes of obesity rather than merely focusing on how to get skinny fast.
This journey inspires a shift from seeking quick fixes like over the counter weight loss pills to adopting sustainable lifestyle changes. It’s about making small changes to lose weight, fostering self-compassion, and celebrating every milestone on the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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