Obesity is a physical condition that results from excessive storage of fat in the body. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal as per the body mass index, which is calculated from an individual's age, height, and weight. Presence of fat tissue is essential as natural energy reserve in our bodies. But excess fat tissues result in obesity and causes health disorders.

What causes obesity?

Obesity occurs when the body consumes more calories than it burns. In the past people thought obesity was simply due to over-eating and lack of exercise. However research has identified a number of other factors including genetics, race, age and behavioural and social issues. Even with all these other factors now identified, physicians still strongly believe that over consuming high calorie fatty foods and a lack on physical activity is the main cause.

Prevention from Obesity

Following are some of the simple tips for obesity:

1.    Be very careful about the food you take. It should not be oily, spicy and fatty.

2.    Do not be lazy. Be active and distribute your time proportionately between work, play and rest.

3.    Say a strict no to smoking and alcoholism. Both of these can cause severe complications in people with excess fats in their bodies.

4.    Exercises are must for burning fat. Do some breathing exercises and yogic asana for maintaining good shape and healthy mind. Go for morning walk everyday.

5.    Do sit ups and push ups as they makes your body flexible and tones the abdomen muscles, buttocks, thighs, and other body parts.

6.    Do not eat sweet and candy. These must be avoided at any cost.

7.    Do not eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates, such as rice and potatoes.

8.    Include food grains such as wheat, barley, sorghum and maize in your diet.

Home Remedies for Obesity

Following are some of the effective home remedies for obesity:

1.    Eat papaya or vegetable soup as your dinner for 2-3 months if you want a quick weight loss. This works in controlling obesity.

2.    Drink green tea or ginger tea as ginger is very effective in burning excessive fat in your body.

3.    Mix small amount of honey and fresh ginger paste. Take this with half tablespoon guggul to control obesity.

4.    Prepare a drink by adding half teaspoon fresh honey and half teaspoon fresh basil (tulsi) paste in a luke warm water. It is an effective home remedy for obesity control.

5.    You can also try this most common and simple home remedy for obesity. Add half teaspoon fresh lemon juice and half teaspoon fresh honey in a luke warm water. Take this every morning with an empty stomach.

6.    Eat tomato in early morning as it is beneficial in keeping cholesterol level to the normal and reduce fat.

7.    Horse gram is also very effective in controlling obesity. Soak 1-2 tablespoon of horse gram in a glass of water and allow it to rest overnight and take the soaked solution every morning in an empty stomach.

Herbal Remedies for Obesity

Following are some of the effective herbal remedies for obesity:

1.    Guduchi is a commonly used herb for obesity. It helps in reducing fats in the body and is very effective in obesity.

2.    Indian gooseberry (amalaki) is an effective herb for the treatment of obesity. It is an integral component of Triphala, which is also prescribed in the treatment of obesity.

3.    Guggulu is used in the reduction of fat accumulation in the body, giving people a leaner physique.

4.    Aloe Vera herb is very beneficial in controlling obesity.

5.    Mix black pepper powder in vegetable soup and vegetables. It not only enhances the flavor of your food items but also helps in controlling obesity and burning excessive fat.

6.    Apple cider vinegar is also used in weight control.