Obesity or overweight is the physical state defined by an excess amount of body fat which takes place in the adipose tissue. The normal amount of body fat is between 25%-30% in women and 18%-23% in men. Women with over 30% body fat and men with over 25% body fat are considered obese.

The main cause of obesity is overeating and lack of physical exercise or work. The balance between calorie intake and energy expenditure determines a person’s weight. If a person eats more calories than what he or she burns, the person gains weight. Many other factors also contribute to obesity which includes genetics, slow basal metabolism, diseases like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, etc. Obesity may lead to serious health hazards affecting the kidney, heart, liver, joints of knee and hips, etc.

Body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measurement derived from the height and weight of the body. It provides the population-level measure of obesity.

BMI= Bodyweight (in Kg)/ (Height) ² (in m)

Underweight = BMI <18.5

Normal weight = BMI b/w 18.5–24.9

Overweight = BMI b/w 25–29.9

Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Remedies for Obesity

• If one has to lose weight, change your lifestyle and eating habits. Eat lots of fruits (except banana and cheeku) and vegetables especially Cabbage which is a negative calorie food that helps in burning body fat. Minimize carbohydrate intake. Avoid rice and potatoes. Physical exercise is extremely important in weight loss.
• Honey is excellent for losing weight as it mobilizes the deposited fat in the body and utilizes it as energy. Add 1 tsp of honey to hot water and some lemon juice to it. It is beneficial if taken early in the morning.
• Add slices of ginger and lemon in boiling water. Keep it for 2-3 hours and strain it. This decoction controls overeating and obesity.
• A tomato taken empty stomach every morning is very effective for obesity.
• Mint is very effective in losing weight. Drink mint tea or consume mint in salads or as chutney.
• Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, etc. are good for losing weight. Drink ginger tea as ginger is effective in burning body fat. Cinnamon tea is beneficial. Boil cinnamon sticks in the water. Add sweetener if needed. Drink at least twice a day.
• Drink green tea at least thrice a day.