Introduction to Obesity
Today, the subject of obesity is of much concern to millions of
people all over the world. Not only has it sparked a lot of
talk, but it has also begun to be ranked as a serious risk
comparable to certain diseases. In fact, some doctors even call
obesity itself a disease. So what exactly is obesity and what do
you need to know about it?
What is obesity?
Obesity: The state of being well above one's normal weight.
Obesity is a state in which there is generalised accumulation of
excess fat in the body leading to a body weight of more than 20%
of the required weight. Obesity invites disability, disease and
premature death. Usually obesity is due to positive energy
balance. That is the intake of calories is more than the
expenditure of calories. It is one of the most common disorders
in medical practice and among the most frustrating.
Obesity is common in North America, Australia and Europe. It
also occurs, but is less common, in developing countries.
Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in prevalence
and that poses a serious risk for the development of various
diseases, like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease,
gall bladder disease and certain forms of cancer.
There are so many reasons why you should aim to fight obesity.
Being fat is ugly, for one thing. It is perceived as a sign of
incompetence. The reason weight loss products are selling like
hotcakes is the increasing number of obese people recorded each
year. Being fat poses a lot of risks to health.
Obese : Excessively corpulent; fat; fleshy.
You may not know this, but people who are overweight are likely
to suffer from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and
many other diseases. Overweight people also suffer from
inferiority complex. They feel that they cannot mingle well at
work, home, and school. Their relationships suffer due to lack
of confidence. Here are some ways that you can defeat obesity.
They are really simple and are found to be very effective in
battling obesity.
Drink water. The reason some diets fail is because people fail
to include this in their regimen. Your body is composed mainly
of water. Water is essential to your body. There are studies
showing that people who drink a lot of water lose more weight as
compared to those who drink beverages with sugar. It helps you
detoxify your body of unwanted toxins. It will also rid the body
of excess sodium. Salt is the sole culprit for water retention.
Chances are, the weight that you've been carrying around can be
water instead of fat.
Do some cardio workouts. Exercise is still the best way to lose
fat. Do some exercise that you will surely love. There are a lot
of cardio workouts that are definitely fun. If your routine is
fun, chances are you will stick with them.
Eat fiber. Fiber will keep you full for a long period of time.
This way, you have reason to avoid overeating. It is also good
for the digestion of food.
Effects of obesity
Obesity-associated Disease
1. Diabetes 2. Hyperlipidemia 3. Blood circulation diseases like
arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and palsy
4. Skin disease 5. Joint problems, back, knee, and ankle pain 6.
Liver disease 7. Cholelithiasis 8. Menstrual abnormalities 9.
Female infertility 10. Breast cancer - autodiagnosis 11.
Endometrium cancer 12. Decline in libido 13. Mental stress
Natural treatment of Obesity
With well-planned diet, suitable exercises and elimination
methods, obesity can be controlled. Undertake a juice fast for
10 days. Spend a further 4-5 days on an exclusive fruit diet.
Thereafter embark upon a low-calorie well balanced diet. Avoid
high-calorie and high carbohydrate foods and beverages.
Avoid eating when you are worried, angry or tired.
Chew food properly to a pulp before swallowing.
Eat only when you are hungry.
Savor the flavors of the food and enjoy every bite.
Ingestion of honey is an excellent home remedy. Take 10 grams of
honey with hot water initially. Then gradually increase the
dose.
Fasting on honey and lime juice water helps lose weight without
loss of energy or appetite. 1 Teaspoon honey and juice of half a
lime should be mixed with lukewarm water and taken at regular
intervals.
An exclusive lemon juice diet is also very effective. On the
first day drink only water. On the second day juice of 3 lemons
mixed with equal quantity of water should be given. Then onwards
increase 1 lemon everyday till you have reached 12 lemons per
day. After that reduce 1 lemon everyday till you have come down
to 3 lemons per day.
Cabbage is very beneficial in weight reduction. A helping of
cabbage salad helps stay slim. It is easily digestible and gives
a lasting feeling of fullness.
Exercising burns the calories and tones the muscles of the body.
Walking, running, rowing, swimming and outdoor sports are best
exercises.
Yoga helps melt excess fat gradually. Heavy massage, steam bath
and sauna bath also helps reduce weight.
Have a positive approach towards life.
Treatment of Obesity
Treatment of obesity should be undertaken with a clear
understanding of the realities of the problem and its outcome.
First, obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in
prevalence. Second, the cause of obesity is unknown and the cure
is unlikely. Thus simply providing relief becomes the aim of the
treatment. Third, obesity and visceral fat, even when they are
not markedly elevated, increase health risks. Fourth, obesity is
a stigmatised condition in which the overweight subject is
frequently viewed as responsible for the condition.
Fifth, weight regain is common in obesity. Sixth, drugs and
other treatments for obesity do not work; when appetite reducing
drugs are discontinued, patients regain weight, in keeping with
the concept that drugs do not cure obesity but only relieve its
symptoms.
Most successful programs employ a multidisciplinary approach to
weight loss, with hypocaloric diets, behaviour modification to
change eating behaviour, aerobic exercise and social support.
Emphasis must be on maintenance of weight loss.
