Obesity is a complex medical condition which predisposes sufferers to many other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain cancers. It occurs when a person’s body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. BMI is calculated based on a person’s height and weight.
You could calculate your BMI by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703, then divide by your height in inches and then divide again by height in inches. Alternatively, you could divide your weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.
Causes and risk factors
Obesity can arise from these factors;
- Genetics : Genetics plays a significant role in determining a person’s risk of obesity. Studies have shown that if one or both parents are obese, the likelihood of their children becoming obese is higher.
- Lack of Physical activity : A sedentary lifestyle with no or little physical activity can contribute to obesity.
- Eating habits : Consuming a diet high in calories, saturated fats, and processed foods can increase the risk of obesity.
- Sleep : People who are sleep deprived tend to be less physically active and affects the balance of hormones that regulate hunger and appetite. Leading to an increase in appetite, overeating and can contribute to obesity.
- Medications : Some medications, such as antidepressants, corticosteroids etc. can cause weight gain and contribute to obesity.
Overall, obesity is a multifactorial condition, and a combination of these and other risk factors can lead to its development. So addressing the underlying causes of obesity can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight,
Symptoms of obesity
When you are obesed, you could show these symptoms;
- Increased body weight: The most obvious sign of obesity is increased body weight, especially in the abdomen, hips, and thighs this is mostly due to excessive body fat.
- Reduced physical activities: Obese people mostly find it difficult to perform physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or exercising due to their large body weight.
- General body pain and weakness: The excess weight on the body can put pressure on the joints, leading to joint pain and arthritis. They tend to get tired after a little physical activity.
- Increased risk of other health issues: Obesity is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Type 2 diabetes is also a major risk factor, which can lead to a range of health complications.
Health food for obesity
For obese people, it’s important to focus on healthy, nutrient-dense foods that will help them sustainably lose weight.
- Choose whole foods: Focus on foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Watch portion sizes: This is simply don’t eat too much; eating healthy food in excess even has its complications.
- Avoid added sugars and refined carbohydrates: As part of your weight gain process, stay away from sugars of any kind.
- Choose healthy fats: Take in less but healthy fats such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil can help with weight loss by keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Exercises that help to treat obesity
Inactivity is one reason for Obesity to strive. More exercise defeats Obesity.
- Cardiovascular exercise: This helps to burn more calories. Examples include jogging, brisk walking, cycling, etc. Aim for at least 30 minutes of this daily.
- Strength training: This boosts one’s metabolism and burns calories too. Exercises include weightlifting, and bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges.
- Yoga: Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength. It can also be a great stress reliever, which is important for overall health.
- If one way or another you can’t exercise alone, it’s best to join fitness clubs in your community.
Herbal remedies for treating obesity
Obesity can be managed with a variety of herbal antidotes. The most popular of these are broccoli, lemongrass and hibiscus plant.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus, is a tall plant with long, narrow leaves that have a rough texture. It grows in clumps and produces small green yellowish-white flowers at the top of its stem.You can easily identify lemongrass by its distinct lemony scent and taste.
To prepare an antidote from lemongrass; just cut your fresh tea leaves, wash thoroughly and boil your leaves to get the tea.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a green vegetable. It has a distinctive tree-like shape, with a thick stem and tightly packed clusters of dark green florets on top. The florets are surrounded by thick, dark green leaves that are also edible.
The plants bear edible flower heads (florets) which are clusters of deep green flower buds arranged on branches sprouting from a thick stalk. The heads are harvested with a portion of the tender stalk before the buds open into tiny yellow flowers.
To prepare a remedy from broccoli;
- Wash the broccoli vegetable with clean water.
- Cut the florets from the main stem of the broccoli.
- Continue to trim the stems of the florets to an even length.
- Remove the inedible, bottom part of the stalk and skin of the remaining stem.
- Wash the florets and the peeled stem with enough salt and chop into desired sizes.
- Take it raw as snacks or slightly steam it before use to enhance taste.
- You can also add BROCCOLI to your stew, soup and salads.
You must also note that the therapeutic actions of broccoli is most observed when taken raw.