Obesity
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. BMI is a calculation that takes a person's weight and height into account. However, BMI does have some limitations. According to the CDC, "Factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass can influence the relationship between BMI and body fat. Also, BMI does not distinguish between excess fat, muscle, or bone mass, nor does it provide any indication of the distribution of fat among individuals." Despite these limitations, BMI continues to be widely used as an indicator of excess weight
Causes
Eating more calories than you burn in daily activity and exercise (on a long-term basis) causes obesity. Over time, these extra calories add up, and cause you to gain weight.
Common specific causes of obesity include:
- Eating a poor diet of foods high in fats and calories
- Having a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle
- Not sleeping enough, which can lead to hormonal changes that make you feel more hungry and crave certain high-calorie foods
- Genetics, which can affect how your body processes food into energy and how fat is stored
- Growing older, which can lead to less muscle mass and a slower metabolic rate, making it easier to gain weight.
- Pregnancy (weight gained during pregnancy can be difficult to lose and may eventually lead to obesity)
- Certain medical conditions may also lead to weight gain. These include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a condition that causes an imbalance of female reproductive hormones
- Prader-Willi syndrome: a rare condition that an individual is born with which causes excessive hunger
- Cushing's syndrome: a condition caused by having an excessive amount of the hormone cortisol in your system
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain important hormones
- Osteoarthritis (and other conditions that cause pain that may lead to inactivity)
Our treatment Approach
During your first visit to Ayush Kerala Ayurveda, one of our highly skilled Doctors will carefully and compassionately examine your Medical History, Weight, Height, BMI, Diet and Lifestyle. Based upon the information gathered, as well as your unique needs and goals, our team will then recommend an integrated treatment plan, Medicines and diet designed to best help you.