A person measuring his waist. Image for representation.
Credit: iStock Photo
By Dr. Kushal Banerjee
Obesity is a huge public health concern that significantly raises the risk of chronic diseases including, but not limited to, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and several kinds of cancers. The recent clarion call to cut oil use and embrace better eating patterns made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasises the immediate requirement of countrywide awareness and action. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in eight people globally are obese. This number has doubled since 1990.
Working as a homoeopathic practitioner, I have experienced how seemingly small lifestyle choices can result in significant long-term medical benefits in hundreds of patients. Management of obesity calls for a combined strategy including early medical intervention when needed, increased physical exercise, and balanced diet. Scheduling and adhering to healthy meal times, and going to bed early helps improve the impact of these other interventions.
Recognising obesity and its health risks
Obesity is defined by too great fat buildup compromising health resulting in a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above .In the last few years BMI alone is no longer considered an accurate measure since it does not take into account body various other factors like weight due to muscle, ethnicity etc. India's obesity rates have been rising more quickly than the world average, and the effects are dire:
Obese people have a notably greater risk of type 2 diabetes, which can cause blindness, limb amputation, and kidney failure. Two of the most major causes of death worldwide, heart disease and strokes, also more likely in those with obesity.
Research has found a correlation of obesity with various kinds of cancers, including uterine, kidney, pancreatic, liver, and esophageal cancers; excess weight strains the joints and accelerates the onset of osteoarthritis and reduces mobility, therefore aggravating obesity in a vicious cycle.
Often making treatment less effective, obesity adds to sleep apnoea, hypertension, and respiratory problems like asthma; many conventional medications rely on higher dosages depending on body weight, so increasing the risk of side effects.
Given these hazards, obesity should not be written off as a cosmetic issue; it calls for focussed medical care and changes in lifestyle.
You are not limited to cutting oil consumption. Fighting obesity depends critically on Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on reducing oil usage. Diets heavy in sugar-laden snacks, processed foods, and refined oils help to cause metabolic problems and quick weight gain. Rather, a move towards unprocessed foods, high-fibre, low sugarmeals, and mindful eating can help to stabilise weight and boost general health.
You have more power
Reducing high calorie intake depends on knowing your body's energy requirements. Usually rather than from actual energy needs, weight gain results from regular overconsumption. Simple habits like changing meal times, avoiding late-night snacking, and enhancing sleep quality and duration boost metabolism and help in weight control.
Do sustainable physical exercise
Extreme diets or high-intensity exercises are among the dramatic weight-loss strategies that are often fleeting. Rather, little but steady changes in everyday movement—such as walking, jogging, stretching, yoga—help to create long-term behaviours that promote weight control. Regular morning walks, using the stairs, and mild exercise can progressively boost metabolism and cardiac function.
Address underlying basic health conditions
Obesity can be caused in part by medical conditions like metabolic diseases, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), and hypothyroidism. Seeking medical assessment and comprehensive therapy can assist solve underlying issues and stop more weight increase.
Homoeopathy against obesity
Working with dietary and lifestyle changes, homoeopathy helps balance hormones, digestion, and metabolism. It presents a gentle and lasting method of weight control free from strong adverse effects. Patients who combine homoeopathy with conscientious nutrition and consistent exercise generally report ongoing weight loss and better general health.
One may prevent obesity. Through small but consistent lifestyle changes, millions of people all across have effectively managed their weight. It calls for endurance, dedication, and an emphasis on long-term well-being above transient or cosmetic solutions.
We can reverse the obesity epidemic in India and worldwide with a national drive towards better eating habits including lowering oil use, and individual dedication to permanent lifestyle improvements. Starting now will guarantee a better future for the following generation as well as ourselves.