Obesity, in simple terms, is having a high degree of body fat. Fat is important for storing energy and insulating the body, among other functions. The human body can handle carrying some extra fat, but beyond a certain point, body fat can begin to interfere with the health. For this reason, obesity is more than a cosmetic concern. Obesity puts us at greater risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and many other serious health problems. Even modest weight loss can reduce or prevent complications associated with obesity. Weight loss is usually possible through dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior modification. For people who don't respond to these lifestyle changes, other more involved obesity treatments are available to enhance weight loss. These include medications and weight-loss surgery. Although there are genetic and hormonal influences on body weight, ultimately excess weight is a result of an imbalance of calories consumed versus calories burned through physical activity. If we consume more calories than we expend through exercise and daily activities, we gain weight. The body stores calories that we don't need for energy as fat.

The following factors mare usually working in combination and may be responsible for weight gain and obesity.

• Diet.

• Inactivity.

• Quitting smoking.

• Pregnancy.

• Certain medications like Corticosteroids and tricyclic antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs and antipsychotic medications

• Medical problems like hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, low metabolic rate, polycystic ovarian syndrome may cause obesity, arthritis

Factors that increase risk of obesity are include:

• Genetics.

• Family history.

• Age.

• Sex.

Other health problems common in people suffering from obesity are:

• High blood pressure.

• Diabetes.

• Hyperlipidimea (increased triglycerides and cholesterol in blood plasma)

• Coronary artery disease or Ischemic heart disease (IHD)

• Stroke (An attack of paralysis due to inadequate blood supply to the brain also know as Cerebro vascular accident -- CVA)

• Osteoarthritis.

• Sleep apnea.

• Cancer.

• Fatty liver disease.

• Gallbladder disease.

• Fertility and pregnancy problems.

• Physical discomfort.

• Social and emotional consequences.

Whether we are at risk of becoming obese, currently overweight or at a healthy weight, we can take steps to prevent obesity and the associated health problems. Basic discipline we need to follow for achieving control in increasing weight are daily exercise, a low carbohydrate, high protein diet and a long-term commitment. One of the most important things we can do to prevent weight gain is to exercise regularly. 30 to 40 minutes of moderate physical activity daily like fast walking and swimming helps to prevent weight gain. The diet should be low-calorie. The diet may include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The saturated fat should be avoided. Intake of sweets and alcohol should be very limited. Range of foods should be selected for the whole day as one particular type of food doesn’t give all the required ingredients. We should be fully conscious about which are the times when we loose our control over eating and become lazy for following regular physical exercise. We should make a record of this and make a plan and conscious effort to overcome this. This will help you understand and stay in control of your eating behaviors. Regular monitoring of weight gives better results in weight control program. Long term success is achieved by sticking to our plan of diet and exercise during vacations and weekends. Emotional stress due to obesity is the very disturbing to an individual and to his family. Feelings of shame and depression are common in obese people. But obesity should be looked at as a chronic illness and should be treated accordingly. Sharing our problems with those who are going through similar difficulties or with those who can encourage someone to overcome this problem. A positive attitude is a must for loosing weight.

Role of Homeopathy in Obesity:
Homeopathy helps in cases of obesity in two ways. First it helps in treating underlying clinical condition which is directly or indirectly causing obesity. Constitutional homeopathic approach is the best approach for treating obesity. Homeopathy7 also helps in coping with emotional disturbance experienced by the person suffering from obesity. Regular exercise and well planned diet are two other essential factors that should go hand in hand with homeopathic medicines in the treatment of obesity. The biggest advantage of homeopathic treatment over conventional treatment for obesity is that the results are lasting and homeopathic medicines are not habit forming. Homeopathic medicines are free from side effects.

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