Introduction

Addressing the problem of obesity, it has gained immense importance to achieve healthy life. Obesity is reckoned as a disease in which excess body fat is cumulated to such an extent where it affects the health of an individual. Obesity is measured by a calculation of Body Mass Index (square of the weight in kg divided by height in cm). A person with BMI of upto 25 is considered "Normal", 25 to 29.9 are considered "Overweight", 30 to 34.9 are considered "Obese" and 35 to 39.9 are considered "Severely Obese". BMI above 40 is considered morbid obesity.

Undoubtedly, overeating is held as a primary cause of obesity. Eating habit, eating more food than necessary and certainly consuming foods, which are high in calories, are said to be the reasons of obesity. Modern research shows that even the amount of times one eats in a day has the capability to influence obesity. Addressing obesity is therefore the need of the hour.

Facts on Obesity

Some of the facts related to Obesity are as follows:
• Modern research unfolds the fact that upto 20 percent of urban population is obese
• Changing lifestyles or enculturation to sheer urbanization is held responsible for the pandemic of obesity. This is due to the improving standard of living with proportionate increase in the expenditure on food, low physical activity (due to convenience of electronic gadgets for doing all work, vehicles for reducing walking/ running, easy availability of all items required for day-to-day activities etc).
•Another important aspect is the reduced overall energy requirements due to greatly reduced physical activity coupled with food intake that has remained the same or has increased over the years. This has also resulted in accumulation of the excess intake in the body as fat.
• Changing of food habit has also lot to contribute to influence obesity. The new generations favourite Junk Food coupled with soft drinks rich in calories also contribute to obesity.

Problems Caused By Obesity

Obesity does not just hamper the aesthetic appeal of an individual but also affects the health negatively.
• Many related problems are seen in obese persons, such as arthritis, heart problems, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, etc
• The heavy load of their own body and numerous health problems markedly affect the person"s daily functioning
• Surprisingly, morbidly obese persons are often malnourished as their diet pattern deprives them of essential nutrients
• Overweight and obese persons usually suffer from low self-esteem and poor body image, which may sometimes worsen to depression and other psychiatric conditions

Obesity is a problem. Almost all people who are obese can be cured of it, what it requires is the will power to shed off those extra pounds. Termed as Intentional Weight Loss, this helps in addressing this growing problem of obesity. Intentional weight loss refers to the loss of total body mass in an effort to improve fitness, health and/or appearance. It is different from weight loss due to medical conditions.

Tips to achieve Healthy Weight Loss

Following a weight loss plan that is tailored to individual requirements helps in shedding off weight. Some of the useful tips are given below:
• Regular exercise and diet modification to restrict caloric intake while maintaining good nutrition.
• Junk foods and energy drinks that add to the caloric intake without providing adequate nutritional support should be avoided.
• The activity level should be increased in general to burn put the accumulated fat and calories.
• The use of drugs and supplements that decrease appetite, block fat absorption, or reduce stomach volume often proves to be helpful.

Apart from the above-mentioned procedure, there are several surgical options available if a person tries and fails to lose his or her excess weight. Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery such as liposuction is a method to reduce the fat in specific areas of the body. It is usually safe and effective in short term; however, long term results are disappointing

Yoga for Obesity is advised due to various important factors. Obesity is the condition, when the body weight exceeds the requisite normal weight. Accumulation of fat deposits in the body tissues results in obesity. When a person starts eating beyond a normal limit set before him, imbalance sets in. Such a condition of the body is not good and gives birth to several discomfort and even serious diseases. Indiscriminate eating without any wisdom to control leads to an invariable obesity. The fast life of modern times has caused this malady, affecting many.

Reasons for Obesity : There are several reasons for obesity. Stress plays a vital role in causing obesity. Psychological disturbances often drive a person to seek comfort in food. Children suffering from such disturbances, have a tendency to become obese. Improper dietary habits can influence an individual to obesity. Consuming foods rich in sugar, fats, starch, and highly processed foods, prompts extra weight gain. Technological advancements in modern life have induced less physical activity. At homes, people use electrical gadgets to save on hard physical labour, thereby, resulting in inactive lifestyle. Nervous tension and disturbances, improper functioning of the endocrine glands or digestive disorders also causes obesity. Intake of drugs like steroids can make an individual crave for more food and enhances the hunger level Obesity may be caused by genetic factors, though some psychological, environmental, and some other factors also play a role.

Yoga Controls Obesity : Obesity is highly preventable through proper diet, Yoga and altered lifestyle. Yoga is most suitable to accelerate the treatment of Obesity. The Yoga principle on healthy diet and the practice of the Yoga asanas will help balance the endocrine system, tone the abdominal organs, stimulate both the nervous and circulatory system, and reduce stress. Yoga also helps one to gain a better understanding of ones self, thus leading to acceptance and appreciation which will help to eliminate the psychological reasons for obesity. The practice of Yoga deals with all the aspects of an individual, including the mind, body and spirit. This gives a person control over his mind and body, thus making the effect more permanent than other treatment methods. Obesity may become reason for various other diseases if not treated immediately.

The Yoga asanas that should be followed to cure obesity are as follows:
Sukhasana- It helps in straightening the spine, slowing down metabolism, promoting inner tranquility, and keeping the mind still. It promotes inner calm; thus relieving in physical and mental exhaustion and tiredness. It intensifies the state of tranquility, serenity, and eliminates anxiety.

Warm-Up Poses - Warm-up poses like shoulder stretches are great in relieving stress and tension on shoulders, as well as the entire upper back.

Surya Namaskar - This asana limbers up the whole body in preparation for the Yoga Asanas. It is a graceful sequence of twelve Yoga positions performed as one unremitting exercise. Surya Namaskar practice stimulates and conditions almost every system in the body. It is good for the heart and also stimulates the cardiovascular system. It oxygenates the blood and helps to strengthen the heart. Surya Namaskar is good for the digestive system and the nervous system as well.

Ardha Matsyendrasana - Ardha Matsyendrasana or the Half Spinal Twist lengthens and strengthens the spine. It is also beneficial for the liver, kidneys, as well as adrenal glands. This asana massages the abdominal organs, helping to relieve constipation, speeding up circulation and creating an aerobic effect.

Tadasana - It is also called as the tree pose. It helps to strengthen the thighs, calves, ankles and back. It can also increase the flexibility of the hips and groin. The balance and concentration can also be improved with constant practice. This asana brings proper shape to the body.

Matsyasana - Also called the fish pose, this asana stretches the muscles of the abdomen, back, neck and legs. It also strengthens the upper back and neck.

Savasana - This asana is also called as the "corpse". It is usually practiced before or in between asanas as well as a final relaxation. It calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. It reduces headache, fatigue, nervousness and also cures asthma, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, insomnia, and backache.

Kapalabhati - It is a breathing technique that is used specifically for cleansing. It tones, cleanses and massages the internal digestive organs leading to healthier digestion. It energizes and awakens the body, the lungs, and the brain.

Meditation - The simple meditation technique is good to induce relaxation response and promotes a peaceful and relaxed mind. Meditation has also been scientifically proven to have health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, obesity and aiding the patients of asthma.

Anuloma Viloma- It is the alternate nostril breathing technique, where one inhales through one nostril, retains the breath, and exhales through the other nostril. This helps to reduce fat to a considerable extent.

The Yogic philosophy has considered all aspects of Obesity and has accordingly recommended asanas encompassing the physical, emotional and mental realms. Regular practice of Yoga and healthy lifestyle reduces obesity. Yoga asanas makes human being agile, efficient and slim. The biggest advantage of Yoga, while treating obesity is that it can be practiced by any age group. Yoga helps to achieve control over mind and behavior and then the individual can easily control food habits and change life style to reduce the obesity. Yoga has diverse effect on obesity, which is permanent in nature than other methods for obesity reduction. Weight loss is permanent but one needs to practice few important Yoga asanas regularly.

Natural Remedy for Obesity

In natural remedy of obesity, the chief concern should be the balanced selection of foods which supply the maximum necessary nutrients with the least number of calories. Exercise also forms an important part of the treatment. To begin with, patient should undertake a juice fast for seven to ten days. Juices of lemon, grape fruit, orange, pineapple, cabbage, celery, may be taken during this period. Long juice fast up to forty days can also be undertaken, but only under expert guidance and supervision. After the juice fast, the patient should spend a further four or five days on an all-fruit diet, taking three meals of fresh juicy fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, pineapple and papaya. Subsequently, he may steadily embark upon a low-calorie well balanced diet of three basic food groups, namely (i) seeds, nuts and grains, (ii) vegetables and (iii) fruits, with emphasis on raw fruits, vegetables, and fresh juices.

The foods which should be radically curtailed or altogether avoided are high-fat foods such as butter, cheese, chocolates, ice-cream, fat meats, fried foods, and gravies. High carbohydrate foods like bread, candy, cake, cookies, cereal products, legumes, potatoes, honey, sugar, syrup and rich puddings beverages such as all-fountain drinks and alcoholic drinks should also be avoided. Fasting on honey -lime juice water is extremely beneficial in the cure of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. In this mode of treatment, one spoon of fresh honey should be mixed with a juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water and taken at on a regular basis.

Another effective therapy for obesity is a restricted lemon juice diet. On the first day the patient should be given nothing but ample of water. On the second day juice of three lemons mixed with equal amount of water should be given. One lemon should be subsequently increased each day until the juice of twelve lemons is consumed per day. Then the number of lemons should be decreased in the same order until three lemons are taken in a day. The patient may feel weak and hungry on the first two days, but afterwards the condition will be stabilised by itself. Cabbage is considered to be an effective home remedy for obesity.

Along with dietetic treatment, the patient should adopt all other natural methods of reducing weight. Exercise is an important part of weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body fat and relieves tension, besides toning up the muscles of the body. Certain yoga asana are highly beneficial. Not only do they break up or redistribute fatty deposits and help slimming, but they also strengthen the flabby areas. Sarvangasana, halasana, bhujangasana, salabhasana, dhanurasana, chakrasana, naukasana, ardha matsyendrasana, paschimottanasana, vajrasana, yogamudra and trikonasana are recommended. Yogic kriyas like kunjal and jalneti and pranayamas such as kapalbhati and bhastrika are also helpful in normalising body weight. The patient should also adopt measures which bring on excessive perspiration such as sauna baths, steam bath and heavy massage. They help to reduce weight. Above all, obese persons should make every effort to avoid negative motions such as anxiety, fear, hostility and insecurity and develop a positive outlook on life.