Several Approaches to the Treatment of Obesity

The general approach for treatment of obesity is to suggest a low calorie diet and increased physical activity (Eat Less | Move More). There are many weight loss programs in the marketplace. Some over-the-counter diet products are also very popular - especially those that claim fast, fast results. But many of these products have not been properly researched. And the medical community has expressed doubts about their effectiveness in long term.

Many weight loss programs are based on low carbohydrate diets. A low carbohydrate diet produces ketosis which causes low cholesterol levels and reduced body weight. However, there are differences of opinion in the medical community as to whether the low carb diet is safe in long run. Each month, it seems, the news media anounces a contrary viewpoint.

Other systems of medicine like Ayurveda (an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent) and Homeopathy also have their own approach for the treatment of obesity. According to Ayurveda, obesity is recognized as a disease called "Medoroga". Meda means fat and it is one of the seven Dhatus that are sequentially produced from food in the human body acoriding to Indian medicine. Obesity is considered to be a nutritional disorder mainly produced due to a sedentary life style. Ayurveda puts its emphasis on the prevention of the disease and promotes adopting a healthy, active life style. The Ayurveda medicines for the treatment of obesity usually contain the substance known as Guggulu, a gum resin, which is responsibe for reducing weight. Ayurveda uses natural products in the preparation of medicines and these medicines are generally safer than chemical based medicines and drugs. Also, the Ayurvedic medicines have a long history of use and hence, are more reliable.

Homeopathy has its own approach. It treats the patient, not the disease. It takes into account the constitution of a person in the treatment of diseases. The constitution is the physical, emotional and intellectual make up of the person. Hence, according to Homeopathy practices, there are no ready made prescriptions for obesity which can produce uniform results. Treatment is individualized. Homeopathic formulas are based on the theory that even when a remedy is diluted with water to the point where no starting material remains, the water will retain a "memory" of what it was once in contact - the patient should have enough patience to take Homeopathic medication, otherwise no significant results can be produced.

Another approach that can help in curing obesity is that of Yoga. Yoga advocates a healthy life style which incorporate specific physical movments and other techniques to clean the body from toxins and improve emotional and intellectual balance. It covers a broad spectrum of life. Besides the physical aspects, yoga also covers emotional, intellectual and spiritual sides of life which are often ignored by modern science when treating a patient. Certain types of pranayama (breathing techniques) can greatly help in the cure of obesity. Meditation can reduce mental stress which is also a cause for tendency to over-eat.

A person should be kept motivated and focused on the goals in order to implement another particular weight loss program. Hence behavioral therapy is also popular these days. Behavioral therapy suggests that one set specific goals and have a reward, other than food, for achieving those goals. Regular recording of weight and activities accomplished is also important to track your progress.

These are just some of the ways to start dealing with an obesity problem. Each one of them mentioned here, and all the other weight loss methods detailed on dieting-help.com, start with the same first step: You must decide it is time to change and then act. The details will follow as you move towards the balance point Of a healthy, weight-optimum life.

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Strong Medicine Newsweek The way I was treating obesity definitely qualified as insane. Obesity comes down to a simple energy equation: if you eat too many calories, ... and more »

Barack Obama talks with black caucus: Michelle Obama wants African American ... Firedoglake (blog) Obesity affects our economy as well. Our country spends nearly $150 billion treating obesity-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. ... and more »

Looking at factors in obesity Idaho State Journal ... approved for clinical use in the US Rimonabant reportedly can offer an alternative to amphetamine-based drugs that are prescribed for treating obesity. ...

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Time to Cut the Fat FrumForum “One in three kids are overweight or obese, and we're spending $150 billion a year treating obesity-related illnesses. So we know this is a problem, ... Michelle Obama's Plan to End Childhood ObesityNewsHour all 15 news articles »

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